Hot!
Weight of fans expectation
Andre-Ayew
Wearing a national team jersey is a footballer or by extension, any sports athlete’s biggest moment of pride.
The message is clear when footballers appear on the field of play dressed immaculately in the attire of the national team – they are the best among the lot.
There can’t be any greater gratification than that; and it is the height every footballer of athlete aim to attain.
At international podiums where players or athletes line-up for national anthems of their countries to be played, one sees the emotions of such players which sometimes transcends to the over 40,000 ‘mouth mouth’ coaches gathered to not just enjoy a beautiful game of football but also analyse and judge what players and coaches are not getting well.
The pinnacle of this passion can be observed in the players’ facial expression and their own rendition of the anthems.
It even makes the fan momentarily think he is also a footballer and often seen jog or run around after the anthem.
After these pre-match formalities, fans occupy their seats and begin to enjoy their popcorns, ‘Suya’ and ‘khebabs’ with other accompaniments.
However, that marks the beginning of 90 minutes of intense action for the players with a huge weight of expectation to deliver.
Many a time, this weight of expectation on the players is usually downplayed by the fans who feels winning games at all cost is a right.
And, especially in the case of Ghana which is considered a powerhouse, wins must even come in a certain way.
Having become acquainted with dominant performances ending with cricket scores, especially against continental minnows, a narrow win like 1-0 or 2-1 is considered unacceptable.
But a recent interview granted by Black Stars skipper, Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew in France has brought to the fore the effects of those high expectation on the players who wear the national team jerseys.
In the reported interview with Canal+, he highlighted the gravity of being part of the Black Stars team and tagged the Ghanaian jersey as a ‘heavy one.’
Ayew may be right on this assertion and could even be something previous captains have stayed with over the years but never mustered the courage to spew them out.
But in building a strong formidable team capable of meeting the expectation of the fans, it is important to have a group of players who can overcome the ‘weight’ that comes with wearing the national team jersey.
Pressure with national teams are not only associated with the Black Stars. It is a global concern among players which interestingly or fortunately doesn’t affect their interest in donning the ‘heavy’ jersey.
Demanding positive results from national teams is not a bad practice and fans would not change their stance on that.
However, like Ayew indicated in the interview, “The players must get used to it by understanding what it means to wear this jersey, which means a lot to millions of people. The jersey is ‘very heavy’ to wear and you need to have broad shoulders. I know we will bounce back. We are going through a bad time but we will get through this, I am sure.”
Perhaps, as the Black Stars get ready to commence qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the back of their poor showing at the 2023 AFCON, this expectation of fans and the ability to overcome it will keep ringing in their ears to remind the huge responsibility on their shoulders.
By Andrew Nortey
Hot!
Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
Hot!
NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
