WORLD CUP 2026: “Play with patriotism, determination, and commitment” - Dr. Rashid Pelpuo to Black Stars
- Think News Online
- May 13
- 2 min read
Former Youth and Sports Minister, Alhaji Rashid Pelpuo has charged the Ghana national football team to play with patriotism, determination, and commitment whenever they wear the national jersey.
In an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com on Tuesday, he described their call-up to the national team as a duty to the people of Ghana, stressing that millions of Ghanaians are counting on them to make the nation proud in the upcoming World Cup 2026.
“This is a national call. You have been called upon by the people of Ghana to represent them. Thirty million people want you to score, want you to play, and want you to lift the image of Ghana,” he stated.
According to him, the Black Stars must prove through their performance that Ghana remains a football nation capable of competing strongly against the best teams in the world.
“They want you to demonstrate that Ghana is a football nation and that we can showcase our strength beyond this country,” he added.
Alhaji Pelpuo further urged the players not to focus solely on personal benefits, but rather on the honour and responsibility that comes with representing Ghana.
“The biggest benefit is the patriotism you show and the contribution you make to the name and best interests of Ghana,” he noted.
He encouraged the players to make good use of the talent they have built over the years and always approach matches with a winning mentality.
“If you are involved in a match, your objective must be to win. There is nothing more valuable than victory. When you lose, you lose your image and the nation suffers with you,” he stressed.
The Former Youth and Sports Minister also reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Black Stars, insisting that they remain the only football team he truly supports.
“I don’t have any team in the world apart from the Black Stars. Whether European teams, American teams, or any other clubs, my team is the Black Stars,” he declared.
He further pledged his continuous support for both the senior national team and Ghana’s domestic football league, saying he would continue to attend and follow local matches closely.
He concluded by calling on the current generation of players to emulate the commitment, discipline, and fighting spirit demonstrated by past Ghanaian football legends who brought pride to the nation.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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