Stephen Frimpong Manso, a former Ghana international, has provided a somber account of the circumstances Black Stars players endured in the 1990s.
The former Bibiani Gold Stars coach opened up about the unpleasant realities of subpar facilities, subpar living arrangements, and terrible management during training camps in a recent interview with Joy Sports.
Manso, who played for Ghana from 1987 to 1994, drew attention to the striking difference in how the Black Stars and their opponents were treated.
He particularly singled out former coach Burkhard Ziese for his efforts in improving player welfare.
“Sometimes we will be playing like we are playing, let’s say, Ivory Coast. They will be staying at a five-star hotel…but the home team, rather, are not treated well. The conditions in Winneba at that time, everybody knew it wasn’t the best,” Manso said.
The former player mentioned an instance in which money intended for players was misappropriated when accusing officials of mismanaging club finances.
Manso claimed that Ziese played a key role in resolving these problems and guaranteeing improved circumstances for the players.