Local players can make it at Black Stars – Coach John Oppong Welbeck

National juvenile football trainer, Coach John Oppong Welbeck believes some local players can excel if they are given the opportunity to play in  competitions.

In an interview with Yours Truly on The Punchline on Omashi TV. the assistant to Nii Odartey Lamptey at the current national under 16 team said there are many good players but they lack confidence, motivation and management.

He commended Black Stars Coach Otto Addo for calling and fielding Accra Hearts of Oak goalie Benjamin Asare in the Black Stars.

He explained that Asare has what it takes to keep the posts for Ghana even at the FIFA World Cup because of his experience, confidence, self motivation despite all odds, sacrifice, respect and humility.

“The fans love him, hee also has luck which is very important in football, and he inspires his colleagues to score more while he kept clean sheet” he said.

Oppong Welbeck also hailed Razak Simpson as another player who must be watched because the best of him has not been seen.

“He is very disciplined and can do things you cannot imagine. I think he is blessed and a good leader” he said.

He described Razak Simpson as a total footballer with excellent physique and tremendous stamina and team player. holding the defence and pushing the forwards.

According to him, there are more good and better players, but one must to exceptional and different to become a national star.

“You must be the best to represent the nation, and confidence is key, as well as attitude and mentality plus the will to sacrifice and perform to the best of ability” he expressed.

Razak Simpson recently scored a wonderful goal for Nations FC against Accra Hearts of Oak at Tuba Astro Turf Park in a Premier League encounter.

Earlier he had been to his Montessori to inspire, motivate and donate, the pupils shouted “Razak. Razak, Razak as he entered the school compound.

Benjamin Asare did not keep the post for the Phobians as he was on a mission to thank the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II and support others especially his colleagues in a philanthropic move with part of his Black Stars winning bonus.

The two local players have proved that local players can make it, but it will not be long for the locals to become foreign based soon as there are clubs outside around the world who need their services.

So according to John Oppong Welbeck, it is up to the coaches to keep on working and producing more players.

By Sammy Heywood Okine