Former national under 17 star, Awudu Issaka, says retired Ghanaian international players have a major role to play if the national youth teams are able to perform at the highest levels again.

Ghana’s youth teams, both in men’s and women’s categories, have struggled to compete at the highest level, both on the continental and world stage, missing out on numerous competitions.

But according to Awudu Issaka, who is popularly known as the “Disco Dancer”, it was time for retired players to be part of the restructuring process of our youth teams to help change their fortunes.

The 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner was elated to receive an appointment to the Black Satellites and was determined to make an impact with the side.

In an interview with GNA Sports, Awudi Isaaka said: “I think old players have a crucial role to play in the development of our football, especially the youthful sides.

“It is we, the retired players, who can transfer knowledge of what we have learned outside to the younger ones.

This would lead to the improvement of the quality of our youthful national teams because we have football talents.”

“Trust me, if more retired players set up academies or receive appointments to our national teams, trust me, Ghana’s youthful national teams will be a force to reckon with, once again.