We must maintain discipline within our ranks to help transform Ghanaian football, says legendary forward Abedi Pele

Ghanaian football icon Abedi Pele has voiced his concerns about the current state of the sport in the country, especially in light of the Black Stars’ recent failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The national team ended up at the bottom of Group F with just three points, without a single win, which has raised questions about the future of Ghanaian football.
Abedi Pele, who was a pivotal member of the Black Stars squad that won the 1982 AFCON, believes that the state of Ghanaian football today is a far cry from the achievements of previous generations. He stressed that it is time for a serious re-evaluation of the country’s football structures and a concerted effort to rebuild the game from the ground up.
Reflecting on the changes over the past three decades, Pele emphasized that Ghana should not dwell on past successes but instead focus on the future and work diligently toward progress. “Time changes, and it’s been over thirty years since we experienced those successes,” Pele said during an interview with Panafricafootball. “We should not be looking back at the past, but looking forward, working hard to achieve our goals. What it takes to build a great football team or a successful football nation is hard work and putting your house in order to ensure that results are achieved. This is the essence of becoming a great footballing nation anywhere in the world.”
Pele’s remarks reflect a deep concern about the current state of the national team, as well as the broader challenges faced by football in Ghana. He highlighted the importance of proper organization and discipline at all levels, from grassroots to the professional leagues, as essential for restoring the country’s footballing prestige.
The failure of the Black Stars to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, following years of underperformance on the international stage, has left many wondering about the factors contributing to Ghana’s current football crisis. For Pele, the issues go beyond just the national team’s performance; they involve the broader structure of the sport within the country. He urged for more attention to be given to the management of football in Ghana, ensuring that the right infrastructure and systems are in place to support the development of players and coaches at all levels.
As a former player who was part of one of Ghana’s most successful eras in football, Pele knows what it takes to build a strong national team. He believes that success cannot be achieved without a solid foundation, which includes proper management, discipline, and a clear vision for the future. According to Pele, the focus should be on creating an environment where the sport can flourish, not just on the success of the senior team. “Football is one of the keys to ensuring that the country is united,” he added, highlighting how football can be a powerful tool for national cohesion. He also noted that restoring the glory days of Ghanaian football will require hard work, dedication, and unity across all sectors of the sport.
Pele is also keen to point out that the Black Stars’ struggles are not an isolated issue but part of a larger problem within Ghanaian football. For him, the solution lies in creating a long-term strategy that focuses on sustainable growth and development, rather than relying on short-term fixes or band-aid solutions. “It’s not just about winning one tournament; it’s about creating a structure that will produce top-quality players year in and year out,” he emphasized.
He also reiterated that the focus should not just be on the Black Stars, but also on improving the local leagues and the grassroots football system, which have often been overlooked. By developing young talent and ensuring that they have the right training and opportunities, Ghana can once again produce world-class players who can compete at the highest levels.