Expert warns against convincing Boateng to rescind decision

By Ameenu Shardow

Convincing Kevin-Prince Boateng to rescind his decision to retire from international football will destroy the Black Stars, psychologist Patrick Ofori says.

The 24-year-old shook the entire Ghanaian public after writing to the Ghana FA to make his decision official.

However, there are already talks of an effort to convince the AC Milan midfielder to reverse his decision for the sake of the quality he brings to bear on the team ahead of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations which Ghana intends winning.

But this, the Ghanaian sports and exercise psychologist based in London say holds the potential of imploding the cohesion which currently exists in the Black Stars.

“The issue is very delicate and thus needs a lot of care in its treatment by officials, the coach and even the general public,” Ofori tells GHANAsoccernet.com.

“The earlier we forget about Boateng and focus our energies on the rest of the team ahead of the Nations Cup the better for us all.

“Any attempt to convince him back would spell doom for the team as it can cause attrition and inferiority complex in camp.

“Football is a team sport and therefore all the players should be made to feel equally special not individuals.”

Ofori however insists the news of Boateng’s premature retirement though very disappointing could be turned into positives depending on the way it is handled.

“The situation could be used to encourage and challenge the team especially when it has happened before.

“In the last CAN for instance, I believe we all agree the team performed beyond expectations even in the absence of numerous big-names in the team.

“This is how the situation should be treated rather than duel excessively on Kevin-Prince Boateng,” he added.