Charles Taylor relegates Muntari Black Stars return to the background amid fitness issues
Ex-Ghana midfielder Charles Taylor claims Sulley Muntari is not fit to return for the national team ahead of the crunch 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana.
In a sensational claim in Ghana, the former winger claims the celebrated Ghanaian superstar is not fit for purpose, just yet for the double-header against the Super Eagles.
There have been a massive media debate over the possibility of recalling the midfielder – who has not played for the team since the country’s wrecked 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
His recent surge in form for local giants Hearts of Oak have sparked a massive call for his inclusion in the upcoming World Cup playoff cliff hanger against Nigeria.
But former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko star, Charles Taylor, insists the ex-AC Milan midfielder is not prime for the match.
“Sulley Muntari is not a Black Stars material for the Nigeria clash. We need serious players!,” he told Accra based Angel FM.
“He should focus on Hearts of Oak so he gains fitness. He can be called when Ghana qualifies for the World Cup.”
The former Inter Milan star’s excellent performances for local giants Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League and their President Cup success has led to the decision of the coaching staff of the Black Stars to consider calling him.
Discussion between the Ghana FA and the coaching staff are far advanced for the Hearts of Oak playmaker to return to the Black Stars after he raised eyebrows with his performances ahead of Ghana’s World Cup playoff against Nigeria.
The 37-year-old’s experience, according to technical staff, will be a great asset to the Black Stars in their quest for another World Cup appearance.
However, the Otto Addo led coaching staff have approached the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to seek clarity from the Justice Dzamefe Commission’s report to include him in the Black Stars team.
According to the report, the former AC Milan and Inter star has been banned from the national team until he apologizes for his role in the 2014 World Cup debacle.
He was sacked from the Black Stars camp at the 2014 World Cup after physically assaulting a member of the management team Moses Armah during a meeting.
Interim coach Otto Addo is yet to announce his squad for the games against Nigeria later this month, but sources close reveal he has been monitoring his former Ghana teammate.
Sulley Muntari signed for Hearts of Oak in February and has made four Ghana Premier League appearances, providing one assist.
He was also in top form as the Phobians beat Asante Kotoko to win the President Cup.
The Black Stars host Nigeria on March 24, 2022 in Cape Coast before travelling to Abuja in three days time for the second leg.
Muntari backed for Black Stars return
Hearts of Oak National Chapters Committee Public Relations Officer, Kobby Jones has called for the inclusion of Sulley Muntari in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 World Cup playoff against Nigeria.
The Black Stars play Nigeria in a two-leg encounter to determine which team books a ticket to the World Cup to be staged in Qatar in November.
Sulley Muntari since joining Hearts of Oak in the second transfer window has been impressive for the club.
The 37-year-old won his first trophy as Hearts of Oak defeated Asante Kotoko in the President Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
The former AC Milan and Inter Milan star also has one assist in his four appearances in the Ghana Premier League.
According to Kobby Jones, the 2010 UEFA Champions League winner has demonstrated he still has what it takes to play at the highest level.
“Sulley Muntari has demonstrated to us that with his age and all that he has achieved in football, he can come to our level and play quality football,”
“With his performance so far, He deserves to be part of the Black Stars, ”
According to reports, Sulley Muntari is being considered by the technical handlers of the Black Stars for a place in the squad.
Coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his squad for the crucial game this week.
Initial return support
Initially, former Chief Executive Officer of Wa All Stars, Oduro Nyarko had called on interim Black Stars coach Otto Addo to include Sulley Ali Muntari in the team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
He said the current form of the Hearts of Oak midfielder should earn him a call up in two crucial games against Nigeria.
In an interview on Sikka FM, Mr. Nyarko said the former AC Milan player’s performance against Asante Kotoko in the President’s Cup should get him the call up.
“Sulley Muntari always give tailored measured passes and he needs to be in the Ghana’s squad which will face Nigeria in the upcoming World Cup Play offs,” he said.
Black Stars goalkeeper trainer Richard Kingson has also stated that a call up for Sulley Muntari is not far-fetched.
“Sulley Muntari did so well and I’m sure it will change the scenario about experienced players joining our local clubs,” he told Hot FM.
“Even though his fitness level is not up there, he was good on the day and surely we can’t rule out a call-up for Black Stars.”
Black Stars interim coach Otto Addo is expected to name his squad for the doubleheader this week.
Ghana host Nigeria in the first leg of the World Cup playoff on March 25 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium before traveling to Abuja for the second leg on March 29.
