Former Black Stars player, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, has indicated that it would be problematic to ask national team players to forgo bonuses due them when they represent Ghana at tournaments.
Agyemang-Badu argued that whoever works deserves to be paid, hence, “It troubles us a lot when we don’t get what is due us because we have the passion to represent the nation. It’s always a privilege to play for Ghana because where I’m coming from, the Nation has really helped me to get some opportunities in life.”
However, speaking at the maiden edition of the eSports Summit, he argued that beyond the privilege a player enjoys representing their country, they deserve to be rewarded for their sacrifices.
He further bemoaned numerous injuries he suffered playing for the country and had to fight off alone without any “insurance package”.
‘It is not like we don’t have passion and we’re always money conscious. I’ve had several scars on my body playing for the national side than for my club. Mostly I treat the injuries myself with no insurance cover. I don’t know if we have it and I never benefited from it,” he shared.
The former Black Star U-20 World Cup winner revealed that he has had to travel to his former club, Udinese for treatment after sustaining injuries at the national level.
Describing this as underserving, he urged the football authorities to establish some insurance packages in line with the bonus structure to empower their passion further.
“The last injury I had from the African Cup I went back to Udinese and had it treated. So if I represent my country despite being a privilege, getting injuries and going back to my club for treatment, I don’t think we deserve to be told not to go for the monies we think it’s good for us. That is troublesome,” he added.
The maiden e-Sports Summit is a thought leadership dialogue that brought together industry experts, stakeholders, and civil society groups to discuss the topic: “Financing the National Team; The Bonus and Appearance Fee Structure and its Sustainability.”
Panelists included Fred Pappoe, Moses Foh-Amoaning and ex-Black Stars player Agyemang-Badu who shared useful perspectives to influence national policy on the subject.
Also present were a cross-section of sports policy influencers; including the Ghana Supporters Union, celebrated Sports journalists, and a host of others.
The event which was a fusion of entertainment and knowledge sharing was moderated by host of Happy Sports and Head of Sports for e.TV Ghana Ohene Bampoe Brenya, was held at the Accra City Hotel.
The event was emceed by Raymond Nyamador host of eSports Live on e.tv Ghana and Co-host of Happy Morning Show.
By: Jude Tackie
