The Psychology of the African: The GFA Must Use the Right Psychology

Football, often called the "beautiful game," and the nation's passion is more than just a sport; it's a way of life for millions worldwide and the 30 million Ghanaians. This sentiment holds particularly true in Africa, where the passion for football runs deep. Football is a religion in Ghana. The continent has produced some of the world's most talented footballers and remains a fertile ground for emerging talent. However, behind the scenes, the psychology of players and coaches plays a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of games. In Ghana, football managers increasingly recognise the importance of applying the right psychology to get the best out of their players. This article explores the psychology of African football, focusing on the challenges football managers face in Ghana and the need for appropriate psychological strategies.

To grasp the significance of psychology in African football, one must first understand the cultural and societal context in which the sport is embedded. Football is not just a game; it reflects the people's collective identity and is a source of pride to most Ghanaian communities. In Ghana, as in many other African nations, football is intertwined with the country's history and traditions. Therefore, the mental and emotional aspects of the game hold unique importance.

African footballers often face immense pressure and expectations from fans, their families, and communities. Instead of motivating, these expectations are a source of stress. Football managers in Ghana must understand this aspect of their players' lives. A player's emotional well-being can significantly impact their performance on the pitch. Coaches must have the knowledge and skills to manage these expectations and help their players thrive under pressure. The FA must positively collaborate with Journalists to address this aspect of our game. This is crucial if we have to make an impact with the raw talents glaring in our faces without impacts over the years.

Unity is essential for any successful football team. Building team cohesion is vital in a diverse country like Ghana, where players come from different backgrounds and speak various languages. Football managers in Ghana must employ psychological strategies that promote harmony, communication, and mutual respect among players. A united team is more likely to overcome their challenges on and off the field. This brings out the fighting spirit and beast of the team.

Understanding the culture of African football, which includes dance, music, and rituals, is fundamental to creating an environment where players feel at home. Football is a physical game and a celebration of life and culture. Coaches who embrace and incorporate these elements into their training sessions and matchdays can foster a positive atmosphere that enhances player motivation and performance.

The psychology of African football is a complex and multifaceted aspect of the sport. In Ghana, football managers must appreciate the cultural, societal, and emotional nuances that their players face. The right psychology can distinguish between a talented squad that underperforms and one that achieves its full potential.

Football managers in Ghana must recognise the pressure their players endure, the importance of team cohesion, and the game's cultural significance. By applying the right psychology and supporting their players holistically, coaches can inspire a new generation of Black stars and help Ghana and other national teams rise to the pinnacle of global football. Football in Ghana is more than just a game; it's a testament to the strength of our collective spirit, and with the right psychology, the Black Stars' potential in the world of football is boundless once again.

What is the suitable psychological method must the FA use?

This is a serious issue the FA must look at. WE MUST use a suitable psychological method and stop deceiving ourselves. We are not Europeans. We are not Europeans. Please someone must talk to the FA. We have good players and coaches handling the Black Stars, but we have Poor Morale in the team. The Psychology of Africans is tied to belief in spirituality. Dede, in 2021, was humiliated on social media orchestrated by bloggers and the Ghanaian people for being seen risking his faith to win a match with his belief. I want the GFA to deliberately employ spirituality in the Black Stars, and we will see wonders and great performance in our next match. The mere presence of a Mallam, a Pastor, and a Traditionalist in our camp will energise the players to perform wonders. We are Africans. We can't run away from this. We can't utilise the European psyche alone to pep our players up. People must shut up for always saying and thinking that spirituality doesn’t play football. The only psychology that works for the Africans is spirituality. That is simple as an ABC. The FA must get a Mallam, a Pastor, and a traditionalist for the national teams. These men don’t even need to perform any serious miracles, and we will see the energy, cohesion, and team spirit of the team in the next match. Even some medications scientists have discovered work differently among races, not to talk about human experiences and behaviour. The African behaviour is spiritual, and that is our psychology.

All those who denounce spirituality in African football are hypocrites. Allow the players to practice their beliefs. It is their right to practice it. We can’t be forcing them to do what we want them to do before matches. How can other players keep thinking if someone is practising his faith in camp, he is doing his colleagues? We are too naive, and this has become a national issue to the extent that we humiliate those who practice their rituals before matches. If you are using the bible to pray before matches, that is your faith. This must not prevent someone from using his belief, thus the African tradition or mallam. We have killed the team's morale but expect them to perform.

Please, please, please! GFA, do the needful. We are Africans. All these psychological theories were propounded in Europe after several observations of the European research subjects. Cultures differ, so some behaviours are not always generic about the human race.

We can't have this talented squad with this abysmal performance. We must work on the morale of the Black Stars by using the African Model of Psychology, and we will see wonders in our next match.

Writer
Yakubu H. Yakubu