“Black Stars players care more about shopping than football” — Sonnie Badu
Ghanaian gospel musician and preacher Sonnie Badu has once again voiced his frustration over what he believes is the declining level of dedication and patriotism within the senior national football team, the Black Stars.
The award-winning singer, who has been outspoken about the team’s recent performances, said the mentality of many players in the current squad is far removed from the commitment displayed by previous generations of Black Stars footballers.
His latest remarks come after Ghana’s disappointing performances in recent international competitions, including setbacks that have drawn criticism from football fans and stakeholders. The country’s inconsistent displays have reignited conversations about discipline, commitment and the direction of the national team.
In a post on his Instagram page, Sonnie Badu reflected on the era when the Black Stars relied heavily on home-based players and argued that representing Ghana was regarded as a privilege rather than just another football assignment.
“In the past, the Black Stars team was predominantly made up of local players, with only a few playing abroad. The team’s unity and commitment were palpable, and when the national anthem played, everyone sang with passion, some even shedding tears. Abedi Pele was the star player, striking fear into the hearts of opponents with his exceptional skills. The local players fought hard, knowing they’d face trouble back home if they didn’t perform well. Nowadays, it’s a different story, with some young players seeming careless and more interested in shopping and social media than the game,” he wrote.
The “Baba” hitmaker suggested that today’s generation appears to be more focused on lifestyles outside football than on delivering results for the nation, contrasting that with the determination shown by legends such as Abedi Ayew, and his teammates.
Despite his criticism, Sonnie Badu reserved special praise for the Black Stars’ goalkeeping department, applauding former Ghana international Fatawu Dauda, who serves as the team’s goalkeepers’ trainer, and the technical leadership for helping improve the country’s goalkeeping standards.
“While we’re experiencing a mix of emotions, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the goalkeepers’ coach, @a_fatawu_dauda16, and his boss. It’s clear that you both played a significant role in making Ghana’s goalkeepers a topic of global discussion. I commend you for your hard work,” he added.
Sonnie Badu’s comments have added to the growing public debate over the Black Stars’ recent struggles, with many Ghanaians continuing to demand greater commitment, discipline and accountability from players as the team seeks to rebuild its reputation and regain the confidence of supporters.
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Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang
