How to resolve AdBlock issue? Futa: Black Stars’ Struggles Linked to Hearts of Oak and Kotoko Challenges
Thursday, 05 December 2024 | Ghana
Abdul Aziz Haruna Futa, a former management committee member of Hearts of Oak, has expressed concern over the current challenges facing the Black Stars, linking them to the ongoing struggles of Ghana's two biggest football clubs, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
Both clubs have faced difficulties in maintaining consistent form despite recent successes. Hearts of Oak broke a 12-year league title drought in the 2020/21 season, while Asante Kotoko ended an eight-year title dry spell in 2021/22. However, both teams have struggled this season, raising questions about their impact on the national team.
Futa noted that players from the two clubs have not featured prominently in the Black Stars since the early 2000s, which has led to debates about the need for more Ghana Premier League (GPL) players to be included in the national team. This issue has gained further attention following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to Happy FM, Futa stressed the urgent need to address the performance issues at Hearts of Oak and Kotoko. "If you look at Kotoko recently, losing four matches in a row—this is not Kotoko. Although we’ve won three in a row, we lost matches before that. These two giant clubs cannot be allowed to collapse, and that’s why the Black Stars are struggling now,” he said.
Futa further urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to prioritize the revitalization of these clubs, highlighting that their status as Ghana’s most iconic football teams makes them crucial to the success of the national team. "The FA must focus on these clubs because you can’t compare them to any other,” he added.
The two clubs are set to face each other in the much-anticipated "Super Clash" on Sunday, December 15, 2024, which will offer an opportunity for both teams to regain their form and strengthen their positions ahead of the new year.
Both clubs have faced difficulties in maintaining consistent form despite recent successes. Hearts of Oak broke a 12-year league title drought in the 2020/21 season, while Asante Kotoko ended an eight-year title dry spell in 2021/22. However, both teams have struggled this season, raising questions about their impact on the national team.
Futa noted that players from the two clubs have not featured prominently in the Black Stars since the early 2000s, which has led to debates about the need for more Ghana Premier League (GPL) players to be included in the national team. This issue has gained further attention following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to Happy FM, Futa stressed the urgent need to address the performance issues at Hearts of Oak and Kotoko. "If you look at Kotoko recently, losing four matches in a row—this is not Kotoko. Although we’ve won three in a row, we lost matches before that. These two giant clubs cannot be allowed to collapse, and that’s why the Black Stars are struggling now,” he said.
Futa further urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to prioritize the revitalization of these clubs, highlighting that their status as Ghana’s most iconic football teams makes them crucial to the success of the national team. "The FA must focus on these clubs because you can’t compare them to any other,” he added.
The two clubs are set to face each other in the much-anticipated "Super Clash" on Sunday, December 15, 2024, which will offer an opportunity for both teams to regain their form and strengthen their positions ahead of the new year.