Former Chairman of the Ghana Football Association, Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe is backing Black Stars striker Asamaoh Gyan’s bid to go to the Qatar World Cup in November.
According to the former GFA Chairman, the Black Stars veteran striker can be useful at the World Cup if he is in good form.
Asamoah Gyan, who is Ghana’s highest goal scorer recently express his desire to be part of Ghana’s World Cup squad despite being out of action for over a year now.
But, some Ghanaians believed that, he has done his part and should make way for other younger Ghanaian talents to contribute their quota.
But, it appears the former GFA Chairman supports Asamaoh Gyan to excell at the World Cup.
“Asamoah Gyan has made an incredible mark in Ghana football. He is a good footballer and if he has the stamina, why not?” he said as quoted by Graphic Sports.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said those criticizing Gyan for his age should consider what Cameroon legend Roger Milla did for his country at the 1994 World Cup at the age of 38, as well as England’s Stanley Matthews in the 1950s.
“Roger Milla opted to play in the World Cup at an old age and did well. We can also talk about Stanley Matthews of England who was a key figure in the team and was known as the tactical magician.
“He was later invited to Ghana by Ken Harrison, who was then General Manager of Hearts of Oak in the 1950s,” he recalled.
The former GFA boss, however, stressed that though the decision to play at the World Cup rested on Black Stars coach Otto Addo if Gyan was mentally strong and physically fit, he saw no reason why he should be overlooked because Gyan still had something to offer the nation.
“If he can train with the present team and the coach finds him fit, he should be invited because I strongly believe if he can match the tempo at training and the physique, he should be able to play.
“I think Gyan has the skill because when he is running with the ball, defenders fear to come near him. He has the skills and tactics but the strength to play is the problem. If he can work on that, he will be a fantastic addition to the World Cup,” he added.
