Former Black Stars defender John Paintsil has praised his former captain Stephen Appiah for demonstrating exemplary leadership at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The former Juventus ace inspired Ghana to qualify for her first-ever World Cup in 2006 when they secured a place in Germany. He played an influential role as Black Stars reached the round of 16 in their first attempt.
However, four years later in South Africa, Appiah was limited to a bench role due to injuries he suffered in the lead up to the tournament.
Appiah gave his best anytime he was called upon as Black Stars reached the quarter-finals of the competition.
"In our captain Stephen Appiah, we had a very instrumental leader," Paintsil told Goal. "He was a senior figure and was motivating all of us.
"He played a really good role, and even though he was coming [into games] from the bench, he didn’t show any sign that looked like he was a bit angry or upset or disappointed not to be starting as team captain."
"[Appiah] was always there, talking to us, and telling us to do well,” Paintsil continued, "and when he got his [playing] time, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, he was the best.
"This is the kind of leader you can always count on, he could have just come and said: ‘I was a captain in 2006 but now I’m not starting,’ but he didn’t say such a thing.
"He was there, behaved himself as a leader, carried himself as a captain, and was also a team player, so it was great working with him and playing with him."
Appiah made 67 appearances and scored 14 goals for the senior team of Ghana, the Black Stars.