We must stop thinking Ghana cannot play without Thomas Partey – J.E. Sarpong
Veteran football coach and analyst, J.E. Sarpong, has urged Ghanaians to abandon the perception that the Black Stars cannot perform without midfielder Thomas Partey at the FIFA World Cup. Speaking to Adom News in reaction to public concerns over the possible impact of Partey’s visa challenges on the team’s preparations...
Veteran football coach and analyst, J.E. Sarpong, has urged Ghanaians to abandon the perception that the Black Stars cannot perform without midfielder Thomas Partey at the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to Adom News in reaction to public concerns over the possible impact of Partey’s visa challenges on the team’s preparations and mental strength ahead of the tournament, Coach Sarpong said attention should be focused on the players available rather than on the absence of a single individual.
According to him, every successful team must be prepared to deal with unforeseen circumstances and have reliable alternatives when key players are unavailable.
“We must stop thinking that Ghana cannot play without Thomas Partey. Football is a team sport, and no team should depend entirely on one player,” he stated.
Coach Sarpong stressed that Ghana has several capable players who can step up and deliver when given the opportunity.
He noted that more than 25 players have been invited to the national team, adding that the absence of one player should not create panic among supporters or affect the confidence of the squad.
“More than 25 players have been invited, and we are talking about only one player being unavailable. That should not affect the team in any way. The players who are available are capable of doing the job,” he said.
The veteran coach further emphasized the importance of contingency planning in football, explaining that every successful team must always have alternative strategies.
“If Plan A fails, there must be a Plan B. No matter the circumstances, every team must be prepared and ready to adapt. That is how successful teams operate,” he added.
Coach Sarpong therefore called on Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars and maintain confidence in the team ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
“We have quality players in the squad, and Ghanaians must believe in those who are available. We cannot keep thinking that without Thomas Partey we cannot compete at the World Cup. The Black Stars are bigger than any one player,” he stressed.
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