Ken Bediako Writes: Benjamin Asare Not Yet There

Once upon a time Kumasi Asante Kotoko boasted of an enigmatic goalkeeper called Yaw Victor. He was not all that spectacular but he hardly tasted defeat. This made him the fans favourite earning him the nickname “Lucky Yaw Victor.” He was deputy to the famous Kwao Baffoe. The snag is whenever he kept the post, as if ordained, Kotoko were never under pressure anytime Yaw was fielded, almost on holiday in the posts. This trend continued for a long period, especially in the 1959 league and helped Kotoko to win the cup handsomely.

In his rather short stay with Kotoko he was hardly tested in most crucial games. Any miracle saves were nil instead opposing attackers completely turned goal shy as if hypnotised. All this contributed to his nationally conferred appellation of Lucky Yaw Victor Some ardent football purists attributed Yaw’s record of hardly conceding goals to Kotoko trenchant attacking machine led by Baba Yara and Fred Akuffo on the wings plus the rock solid defence of Coker, Kofi Ennin, Opoku Mensa and Co but who cares. Unfortunately, Yaw Victor’s football career did not last that long and the lanky goalkeeper turned a businessman car dealer. Lucky Yaw Victor’s exploits came to my mind following the recent similar output by newly found Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak fame. In two vital FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, Asare has recorded a clean sheet and the Black Stars have scored eight goals without reply. At Accra Stadium, the Stars whipped Chad 5-0 and defeated Madagascar 3-0 on neutral grounds in Morocco a few days later. A win is a win no matter the opposition, one would say. But attributing the clean sheets to the heroics of goalkeeper Asare cannot be factual. In both matches, the Black Stars defence proved exceptionally stable. Unlike the recent past performance, Asare was properly shielded throughout the game and he cannot claim to have made any dramatic save at all. I recall vividly the one powerful shot in the Madagascar match during second half under rare pressure. On one occasion, he fumbled woefully with a straight shot and a prompt defender had to frantically clear the ball for a corner kick. Indeed, I admire his body language and confidence in the posts but it is obvious he is yet to be well tested. Don’t let him feel overconfident. He should therefore not be swollen headed. This could prove disasterous in the long run. Ghana has a tradition of producing top class goalkeepers. We are not talking about the legendary Addoquaye Laryeas, Dodoo Ankrahs and Robert Mensahs. Those are in a different category. Let’s start from the 90s. Until Richard Kingston monopolised the top spot for nearly two decades after Owusu Mensah’s 1982 Afcon exploits that eclipsed Joe Carr and John Baker we had tough guys like Edward Ansah, Salifu Ansah Abukari Damba, Nanabanyin Crentsil, Fatau Dauda, Simon Addo Ibrahim Dosu, George Owoo and Co. In my view Asare is yet to match any of these former stalwarts. He should therefore not be swollen headed.

There is no doubt the nation is happy the Black Stars are gradually showing good team work again . You will realise that we had as many as seven goal scorers in the two matches with Thomas Partey getting two and Mohammed Kudus the third in Morocco. For the records, the five scorers against Chad in Accra were Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah. It should be clear to all well-wishers and pessimists alike that a new spirit of unity is brewing in the Black Stars camp. The presence of former skippers Stephen Appiah and Asamoah Gyan in advisory capacities, is being felt We should be generous in praise but it seems too early for any wild jubilation of fait accompli. In my humble view the team is yet to reach the expected peak. We want to see flair and finesse in addition to the goal scoring. I can boldy say goalkeeper Asare is yet to be tested This talk of his performance making a bold statement for home based players must not be entertained. Too early please. I am convinced if our foreign based players are motivated to display even half of the kind of stuff we see of them on DSTV, Ghana will shine again. May I plead with the technicians to be alert to their responsibilities. The administrators are also advised to stick to their principles and talk only about matters in their domain. There is talk about Cape Coast stadium renovation and the venue to be reserved for only Black Stars matches. Very funny idea if you ask me. This will be complete waste of resources. The question is how many matches do the Black Stars play each calendar year. Cape Coast deserves better. Don’t forget that Mysterious Dwarfs and Venomous Vipers are still itching to regain their Premier league status. The sages say “a used key is always polished.” Let’s put Cape Coast Stadium to good use so it doesn’t go rusty. The numerous schools and colleges in that education citadel must be able to utilise the services of the Stadium which should need regular maintenance. The beautiful stadium should not be turned into a museum piece. I hope our sports administrators are taking note of the exciting atmosphere all over the country following the Black Stars forward march to World Cup 26. No matter how you look at it the Black Stars hold the key to the nation’s sporting success. Football is undeniably the most popular sport in the world. Let the organisers listen to good counsel and be open in their deliberations. The nation should not wait to be told how much was realised at the gates in the recent match against Chad. The tax payer contributes a lot to the running of football in this country President Mahama says the handlers of our football must be open with their budgeting. Is this too much to ask? Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.