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Former Ghana international Stephen Appiah has recounted how he almost missed out on the opportunity of becoming captain of the senior national team, Black Stars.
Appiah, in an interview with Joy FM, said at the time he was handed the armband, he thought Richard Kingson, popularly known as Olele deserved it more. However, the goalkeeper encouraged him to take it.
The 39-year-old recalled the first time he captained the team was in May 2002. Black Stars were preparing to play Slovenia in a friendly and he was told by the coach that he would lead the team for the match.
Appiah said he rejected the decision at first, explaining to the coach that Olele deserved it because he was one of the senior players in the team. Olele had been with the team since 1996.
“When I was offered the captaincy, I said no I think Richard Kingson was the more experience in the team at the time so I said he should lead the team.
But Kingson tapped me and told me to accept the role and that he and the other senior players would support me, “Appiah told Joy Sports Link host, Nathaniel Attoh.”Olele Deserved Black Stars Captain When I Was Appointed” – Stephen AppiahFormer Ghana international Stephen Appiah has recounted how he almost missed out on the opportunity of becoming captain of the senior national team, Black Stars.
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He was confirmed substantive captain after the match. Appiah revealed calling former captain Abedi Pele and senior players such as Charles Akonnor and Samuel Osei Kuffour to seek their blessings.
After that, I called Abedi Pele and informed him. He offered me advice and told me I was a born leader so I shouldn’t be afraid. I also called Osei Kuffour, Akonnor and others to seek their blessings.”
Appiah is considered by many as one best to have captained the Black Stars. He captained Black Stars to its first Fifa World Cup in 2006.