Former Asante Kotoko forward Charles Taylor has sparked a debate in Ghanaian football by boldly claiming that the Porcupine Warriors are a larger sporting brand than the national team, the Black Stars.
Taylor’s argument is rooted in the regular competition faced by Kotoko players in the Ghana Premier League. He believes their weekly matches keep them in peak physical condition, giving them a competitive edge over Black Stars players who often have less frequent game time.
Despite the Black Stars’ recent struggles, particularly in the CHAN tournament, Taylor maintains that there is a wealth of talent within the domestic league that could significantly bolster the national team. He criticized the exclusion of local players from the Black Stars, suggesting that their absence is a contributing factor to the team’s poor performances.
“I believe if given the chance, local players can deliver for the country,” Taylor told Angel TV. “A player like Justice Blay, if he can’t play for the Black Stars, then he’s not fit to be an Asante Kotoko player. Kotoko is bigger than the Black Stars.”
Taylor further emphasized the importance of competition within the national team. He argued that the inclusion of more locally-based players would push foreign-based players to elevate their game.
Asante Kotoko, currently second in the Ghana Premier League with 14 points, has long been a dominant force in Ghanaian football. Taylor’s bold assertion has ignited discussions about the relative prominence of clubs and national teams in the country.
