James Kwesi Appiah, manager of Sudan’s football team, faces the dual challenge of leading players amid civil war while striving for success in World Cup qualifiers. The team’s unwavering spirit sees them unbeaten in their group, providing hope and joy to a nation suffering from conflict. Appiah’s leadership emphasizes confidence and unity, which has attracted new talent from the Sudanese diaspora, enabling the team to foster connections despite being displaced.
James Kwesi Appiah, the manager of Sudan’s national football team, shares the challenges faced by his players amid ongoing civil war in their homeland. Every day without distressing news is a rare blessing, as families frequently mourn the loss of relatives due to the conflict. Appiah recounts, “The majority of times, we will receive a message that someone in the group has lost a relative, sometimes a parent.” He emphasizes the deep impact of war on their daily lives, noting, “There are so many people being affected by this war.”
Despite these hardships, Appiah seeks to create moments of peace and hope through football. The Jediane Falcons, Sudan’s national team, are currently unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying campaign and preparing for a crucial match against Senegal. Their historical performance stands out, as they aim to earn a spot in the World Cup for the first time, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. “The thing we can do,” Appiah states, “is make the people of Sudan happy.”
The war has disrupted the Sudanese league, forcing players to train in temporary locations, including Saudi Arabia and Mauritania. The national squad consists of players who have been competitive in regional leagues, despite facing substantial obstacles. Appiah appreciates the chance for his players to participate in competitions across West Africa, emphasizing the importance of staying active. He notes that clubs in Mauritania allow them to keep playing, even if they cannot win titles.
James Kwesi Appiah’s experience includes significant achievements in Sudanese football, alongside his past as Ghana’s national coach during their historic World Cup appearance. This unique perspective drives his passion for developing Sudanese talent. He has also navigated challenges, including player payment issues with the Sudan FA, while maintaining a firm commitment to advancing the team’s success. As they prepare for Senegal, he remains focused on fostering confidence, telling his players, “Don’t belittle yourselves. You’re strong and athletic. You’re high-quality players.”
The squad has gained new talent from the Sudanese diaspora, with players from various continents joining their ranks. Appiah’s high standards and emphasis on mentality contribute to the strength of this diverse team. With a valuable temporary base in Saudi Arabia, the players enjoy top-notch training facilities and have cultivated camaraderie through matches against international teams.
Appiah understands that their achievements extend beyond the pitch; they inspire hope for many Sudanese people facing difficult circumstances. He reflects on the uplifting effect of their matches and the messages of support received from fans in refugee camps and within Sudan: “What we can do is put a smile on their faces.”
James Kwesi Appiah leads the Sudanese national football team amidst the challenges imposed by civil war, focusing on fostering hope and unity through sport. The team remains unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying journey, aiming to achieve a historical milestone for Sudan while navigating obstacles related to displacement and a suspended national league. Appiah’s commitment to instilling confidence in his players, supported by a diverse squad and robust training facilities, emphasizes the role of football as a source of joy for those affected by conflict. Through their successes, the Jediane Falcons provide a glimmer of hope for many Sudanese citizens.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
