Not just about football—a question of resilience and responsibility.
Ghanaians will remember the 2015 AFCON final for a long time. After a strong performance, the Black Stars lost to Ivory Coast on penalties—a painful result, but one that offers profound lessons for leadership and personal growth.
The Asamoah Gyan Lesson: Leadership doesn’t take the bench.
When a leader steps back at critical moments, the team feels it. Leadership is easy when things are smooth; it matters most when pressure mounts. (Ref: Proverbs 24:10)
The Andre Ayew Lesson: Influence isn’t about the armband.
Dede Ayew didn’t wait for the captain’s band to motivate his team. Leadership isn’t about title—it’s about action. When you see a gap, fill it. (Ref: Hebrews 10:24)
The Razak Braimah Lesson: Be ready for unexpected roles.
Razak was a great goalkeeper—but missed a penalty he wasn’t trained for. In leadership, circumstances change. Will you be ready when asked to step outside your usual role? Expand your skills before the moment comes.
(Ref: Ecclesiastes 10:10)The UN Lesson: Support may come from outside.
After the match, support for Ghana came from unexpected places—even non-Ghanaians. Sometimes, help won’t come from those closest to you. Look beyond familiar circles. (Ref: Isaiah 60: 10)
The Performance Lesson: Excellence attracts support.
After a poor 2014 World Cup, Ghana lost fans. But their 2015 AFCON performance won hearts back. If you want support, deliver excellence. Performance speaks louder than persuasion. (Ref: Proverbs 22:29)
Here’s the real question:
Are we stepping up when it matters most—or looking for the bench? Are we waiting for titles before we act—or leading from where we stand? And as leaders, are we preparing for unexpected roles and modelling excellence that earns trust?
Call to Action:
Take a moment today. Identify one area where you can lead without waiting for permission—and one skill you need to develop for unexpected opportunities. Because leadership isn’t just about position; it’s about readiness, resilience, and responsibility.