FC Gor Mahia midfielder, Enoch Morrison has called on the Black Stars technical team to consider Africa-based players when making selections to the the senior national soccer team.
His calls for consideration of local talent and Ghanaian players who perform well in Africa was made, whiles reacting to the criteria for selection and the importance of recognizing homegrown skills.
Morrison made this strong appeal during an interview with Mothers 102.7FM and Mothers TV, where he emphasized the necessity for the Black Stars’ technical team to look beyond the fame of European leagues. He argued that players performing impressively in local leagues should be afforded the same opportunities for national team selection as those plying their trade abroad. “If an Africa-based player is performing well, he should be given an invite or the opportunity, not just those who play in Europe. We are not saying they should call us for major competitions or World Cup but they should remember us when playing some friendly games so that we can also show how good we are.” said the former Kotoko player.
The midfielder’s sentiments highlight a growing concern that African players in well-established European clubs often overshadow their counterparts who excel on the continent. This preferential treatment can limit the pool of talent available for national teams, ignoring the contributions of players who consistently demonstrate their worth in competitive leagues like the Ghana Premier League and others in Africa.
Morrison, who was named the Most Valuable Player in the Kenya Premier League for his stellar performance, has several accolades under his belt thanks to his contributions to Gor Mahia’s success in clinching the title. His recognition at such a high level emphasizes that talent can flourish anywhere, not just in European stadiums. He expressed his desire to showcase his skills at the continental level, particularly with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on the horizon.
It will be interesting to see how the technical team incorporates Morrison’s insights into their strategies after the World Cup.
