Former Ghanaian International, Charles Taylor has expressed his utmost anger at people who refer to Ghanaian home-based footballers as “local players”.
The outspoken retired footballer believes it is inappropriate and uncivilized to refer to professionals discharging their duties as locals.
His comments come after many were referring to Accra Hearts of Oak’s talisman, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh as a ‘local player’ on his possible inclusion in the Black Stars squad for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The leadership of the Ghana Football Association who deem the development as an indictment on the players changed the name of the home-based players’ team from Local Black Stars to Black Galaxies.
However, despite the FA’s effort to erase the tag, some sections of the public seem unconcerned and hold unto the name.
Charles Taylor, the former Accra Hearts of Oak player condemned the act and called for an immediate end since it is not the best.
According to him, the tag has in some ways had negative implications on the players.
“The term “local player” should be abolished. It has negative effect on the players. They’re all professional players. In Ghana, people think local rice is inferior to foreign. That’s our mindset. Afriyie Barnie is a professional player, not a local player”- Charles Taylor said on Angel TV.
He buttressed his point that as far as home-based players are signing professional contracts and playing professionally, they must by hook or crook be called professionals as deemed them.
