Implementing a Quota System for Locally Based Players in Black Stars-Chibsah Calls Out
Yusif Chibsah, the former Kumasi Asante Kotoko player, has called for a quota system for locally based players in the national team. The technical team’s presence at match venues this season has sparked interest in the future of the national team. Chibsah hopes to see in-form locally based players given the chance to play for the national team.
Chibsah spoke exclusively with CitiSports about his vision for the Black Stars. He suggests dedicating a percentage of the national team’s players to locally based players to create opportunities for talented players in the domestic league. He recommends a one or two percent quota for local players out of the 20 or so players called up to the Black Stars.
The former Kotoko midfielder believes that not all players get to play when they are called up to the national team. Thus, a quota system would be fairer and would allow talented players to be part of the team, even if they don’t get to play. This system would serve as a learning process for the players and motivate them to perform better in the future.
Chris Hughton’s first call-up for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers did not include any local players in the 25-man squad. However, Hughton and his assistants, Mas-ud Didi Dramani and George Boateng, have been present at several venues of the Betpawa Premier League this season, leading fans to expect one or two local players to be included in the national team for the last two qualifiers against Madagascar and the Central African Republic.
Chibsah’s call for a quota system for locally based players is not new. Former Accra Hearts of Oak player Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and current Kumasi Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim were the only two players to make the cut for the 2022 FIFA World Cup under former coach Otto Addo.
In a nutshell, implementing a quota system for locally based players in the Black Stars is essential to give talented players in the domestic league a chance to play for the national team. This system would also serve as motivation for players to perform better in the future.