Asante Kotoko is a bigger brand than the Black Stars - Charles Taylor

Former Asante Kotoko forward Charles Taylor has stirred conversation by asserting that the Porcupine Warriors are a bigger sporting brand than the Ghana national football team, the Black Stars.

Taylor's comments highlight the consistency of Kotoko players, who compete regularly, in contrast to the national team, which only gathers periodically for international matches.

Speaking on Angel TV, Taylor emphasized the advantage that Kotoko players have in terms of fitness and match-readiness due to their weekly involvement in league matches.

He argued that this regularity keeps them sharper compared to Black Stars players, some of whom struggle for playing time at their respective clubs abroad.

He also voiced concerns over the exclusion of local talent from the Black Stars, attributing part of the national team’s struggles to this imbalance.

In his view, integrating more locally-based players would increase competition within the squad, motivating foreign-based players to raise their game.

"I know that if we give the local players the chance, they will deliver for the country.

A player like Justice Blay, if he cannot play for the Black Stars, then he is not fit to be an Asante Kotoko player.

This is because Kotoko is bigger than Black Stars," Taylor stated.

He continued, “Black Stars play matches periodically, but Kotoko play almost every weekend, so their players are fitter and better than the Black Stars players.

How many of our Black Stars players start regularly at their clubs? There should be competition in the team.”

Despite Ghana's underwhelming performances in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) — a tournament reserved for locally-based players — Taylor believes there is enough talent in the domestic league to make a meaningful impact on the Black Stars.

He suggests that if given opportunities, local players could push the national team to greater heights.