Vanderpuye Questions Quality of Local Players, Insists None is Ready for the Black Stars
Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has raised concerns over the quality of locally based footballers, insisting that none currently meet the standard required to play for the Ghana national football team, the Black Stars.
His comments come in the wake of calls for the inclusion of players who ply their trade in the country to have a look in into the national team set up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Sports Panorama, Vanderpuye dismissed growing calls for increased inclusion of players from the Ghana Premier League, stating that their performance levels fall short of what can improve the Black Stars.
“When I hear calls to include local players, I sometimes laugh. How is it possible? They play like colts players,” he said.
“Who are these local players? The standard is poor. Name three who are good enough to start.”
Vanderpuye specifically referenced Benjamin Asare, goalkeeper of Hearts of Oak, who is widely regarded as one of the top performers in the domestic league, but questioned his readiness for the international stage.
“Even Benjamin Asare is a problem. He may be the best goalkeeper in the country, but he lacks many things,” he said.
He cited Asare’s performance in Ghana’s recent 2-1 friendly defeat to the Germany as justification for his position.
“Against Germany, he came out twice and both situations were disasters,” Vanderpuye added.
Calls for greater inclusion of locally based players have intensified in recent months, with some stakeholders advocating for a stronger representation of domestic talent in the national team.