GHALCA President Urges Greater Inclusion of Local Talent in Black Stars Squad
President of the Ghana League Clubs Association, John Ansah, has called for increased representation of home-based players in the Black Stars as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His remarks follow recent assurances from head coach Carlos Queiroz, who indicated that opportunities within the national team will be based on merit rather than location.
Speaking in an interview, Ansah expressed confidence in the quality of the domestic league, arguing that it remains competitive enough to produce players capable of contributing at the highest level.
“If I recollect, in 2022, we had two home-based players. During the qualification, you realised that some players were also given the opportunity,” he said.
He further suggested that the incoming technical direction presents an opportunity to expand that number, especially with the World Cup fast approaching.
“We have a few weeks to go to the World Cup. A new coach has been appointed; I don’t know much about his plan, but I’m of the view that he might consider doing the same or even more,” he added.
Ansah also placed responsibility on local clubs to raise standards and consistently develop players who can compete for national selection, stressing that improvement must be collective.
“The local league, sometimes we complain about not being the best, but if you look around us on this continent, we are among the best. So I think there is so much room for improvement, and my clubs must play a major role in improving themselves. It all boils down to giving them confidence to do more,” he noted.
With the final squad expected to be announced soon, attention now turns to how Queiroz will balance experience abroad with emerging talent from the domestic scene as Ghana prepares for the global tournament.
