Former Asante Kotoko striker Stephen Manu has said no local-based player will make it to the Black Stars squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
According to Manu, considering the rate at which the Ghana FA is pursuing players abroad to switch their nationality and play for Ghana, there is no way a local-based player will get a place in the Black Stars squad for the mundial.
“As a former player who played in the domestic league for years, I don’t see any of the local players getting a call-up for the World Cup. We have talented players in our league, but looking at how players from Europe are switching nationality, It will be very difficult for any of the local players to have his name in the final squad for Qatar”, Stephen Manu largely known in the football circles as ‘BA’ and currently an assistant coach for New Edubiase United told Kyfilla.com in an interview.
Ghana is among the 32 countries to participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar scheduled for November 21 to December 18 this year.
The West African country has begun preparations for the tournament with its football association in contact with some players abroad to switch nationality.
Already Brighton and Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey has accepted to represent Ghana at the World Cup whilst processes for Atletico Bilbao striker Inaki Williams, Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Calum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea are underway.
Also, Southampton defender, Salisu Mohammed who most Ghanaians have been calling to be in the Black Stars following his exploits in the English Premier League, has also assured of honoring an invitation to serve the country.
Ghana is in group H of the World Cup alongside Portugal, Uruguay and Korea Republic.