No egos or tension in Black Stars – Majeed Waris

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Feb 20, 2019. 09:00

Nantes striker Majeed Waris has rejected the notion that the Ghanaian national team does not win trophies because of egotism and tension between the players.

Ghana will head to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations looking to win their first continental crown since 1982 – almost four decades ago.

The Black Stars are routinely regarded as one of the favourites ahead of such competitions, but too often fail to realise their potential.

As recently as the 2010 and 2015 AFCONs they were defeated in the final to end as runners-up, despite having arguably the most talented teams at each of those tournaments.

It is often argued that Ghana fails because of internal team tension and politics, rather than a lack of talent or determination.

Waris, who has yet to appear at an AFCON for Ghana, believes it is time for the team to show unity and demonstrate that they can return to the winner’s circle.

“With the national team, there are a lot of rumours, especially regarding these issues,” he told Planet Sport Football Africa. “When I am in camp I only think about winning and leaving.

“If we are winning trophies no one will bring up these issues. It is because we are not winning, once we win no one will speak about division.

He added, “As players, all we need to do is concentrate on winning to bring unity.”

Ghana will complete their 2019 AFCON qualification campaign with a match at home to Kenya in just over a month’s time. The Black Stars have already mathematically secured a berth at the finals in Egypt.