Black Stars striker, Jordan Ayew
Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko coach, Isaac Adade Opeele Boateng, has urged Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew to take a leaf from his father, Abedi Ayew Pele’s book, and do his talking on the football field.
In a social media statement responding to the viral video of Jordan Ayew expressing his frustrations to former Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah, coach Opeele indicated his appreciation of Jordan Ayew’s concerns.
However, he cautioned him to focus on delivering for the Black Stars, stating that a standout performance from him will get Ghanaians to appreciate him.
According to coach Opeele, Abedi Pele, who is Jordan Ayew’s father, faced persistent backlash during his era but always answered on the pitch.
“My advice to Jordan is, Abedi Pele’s era had many challenges; even the playing body was totally divided, but when Pele got on the pitch, he delivered for us. Pele made us, then as kids, happy always.
“Jordan should forget about whatever and focus on delivering. We need more of his hat-trick performances for him to become a hero like we saw in his great dad and fantastic uncle, Kwame Ayew. Kwame Ayew scored two important goals against Algeria in Accra, and as a young boy then at the Accra Sports Stadium, it still lingers in my mind.
“Jordan comes from a great family. We have great memories of the great Ayew Family. At least, Dede has done his part by giving us the U20 World Cup. It now behooves you, Jordan, to write your own history. We won’t remember your complaints but will remember your great performance on the pitch. It is possible. Shine like a star, Jordan!” he said.
In the aftermath of Ghana’s drawn game against Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium, Jordan Ayew was captured in a conversation with Kwasi Appiah.
Days later, an official of the Ghana Football Association, Sheikh Tophic Kadir, disclosed details of the conversation that took place between Jordan Ayew and coach James Kwasi Appiah after the Black Stars’ match against Sudan on October 10, 2024.
Tophic revealed that Jordan was complaining to Kwasi Appiah about the numerous chances the team created yet were unable to convert, leading to a disappointing draw.
He further noted that this is not the first time Jordan has spoken to officials in such a manner, as he did a similar thing with Otto Addo after Ghana lost to Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The GFA deputy communications manager stated that he became privy to the information after his interaction with Kwasi Appiah when the video went viral on social media.
“When I saw the video trending, I went behind the scenes to speak to Kwasi Appiah. From the conversation, Jordan was complaining to Kwasi that he did not understand why the team played so well, created good chances, yet they were unable to score. Watch the video carefully, and you will see him asking ‘why, why.’
“In Kumasi, after we played Niger, Jordan cried. He spoke to Otto Addo the same way after Ghana lost to Angola. So obviously, he was worried about how things panned out,” he explained in Twi while speaking in an interview with Asempa FM.
My message to Jordan Ayew! pic.twitter.com/5GRp2rxx10
— Isaac ‘Opeele’ Boateng (@CoachOpeele) October 14, 2024
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