By Kwame Bediako
Former Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari has publicly voiced his concerns regarding the recent decision by the Black Stars technical team to appoint Mohammed Kudus as the captain during the upcoming 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Muntari, who has had a storied career with clubs like Inter Milan and AC Milan, labeled the move as hasty, despite recognizing Kudus’ undeniable talent and leadership potential.
Kudus was given the captaincy by head coach Otto Addo in October 2024, following an injury to regular captain Thomas Partey. The West Ham United star took the helm during a critical doubleheader against Sudan, which unfortunately resulted in Ghana failing to advance in their AFCON campaign. Muntari believes this sudden elevation might place undue pressure on the young player, who is still in the early stages of his international career.
In an interview with 3Sports, Muntari emphasized that while Kudus is destined for future leadership, it is essential to allow him to develop at his own pace. “Kudus, no matter what, is going to be the captain of the national team one day,” he stated. However, he urged the technical team to avoid rushing the young talent into such a significant role too soon. Muntari pointed out that Kudus commands respect on the pitch and carries the weight of national expectations, but he should be allowed to enjoy the game without the added burden of the captain’s armband.
Muntari’s comments reflect a broader concern among fans and former players about the management of young talents within the national team. He stressed that Kudus has not yet reached his full potential and that what fans have currently witnessed is merely a glimpse of his capabilities. “As he continues to grow, he’ll be deadly,” he added, underscoring his belief in Kudus’ future contributions to the team.
