Why this old video of Sulley Muntari is trending on social media

An old video of legendary Ghanaian footballer Sulley Ali Muntari detailing the ill-treatment of Black Stars players during his time has resurfaced on social media, following conversations about the commitment of Ghanaian footballers to the Black Stars.

The video, which is an excerpt from an interview Muntari granted to ace journalist Dan Kwaku Yeboah, captures the former Inter Milan midfielder lamenting what he views as the failure of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to prioritize the welfare of the players.

Muntari criticized the GFA for neglecting players who sustained injuries while playing for the country, disclosing that Michael Essien was a victim of such neglect.

Muntari detailed an incident where he sustained a foot injury for over six months during a Black Stars game against Zambia in South Africa. He explained that no member of the FA reached out to him.

Muntari also lamented the failure of Laryea Kingston to play at the World Cup, venting over the decision to leave Kingston out of the 2010 World Cup.

“The handlers of the Black Stars keep on mismanaging the team. Because they are older than the players, they don’t take our advice and suggestions,” he said.

“We endured injury after injury, yet nobody seemed to care. I broke my knee, and nobody cared. The same could be said of Michael [Essien] and many other players,” he added.

The video of Muntari’s outburst is back in the media space after eight players pulled out of Ghana’s games against Angola and Niger.

The commitment of the eight players has been questioned by Ghanaians, who believe that the players need to show dedication to the national team.

Others also believe that stories like Muntari’s are the reasons behind the failure of players to commit to the team.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will play Angola in Luanda in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on November 15, 2024.

On November 18, the Black Stars will host Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.

EK