Â鶹Éç

by Kennedy Gondwe

If there is a player who has epitomised consistency, it is none other than Dede Ayew.

The youngster was virtually unheard of three years ago while still playing for Ghana's under-17 national side.

Many people thought he was actually using his family's name - since his father and uncle were Ghanian football legends - to get national team call-ups.

Ask those critics now if they still hold the same view.

But as he was promoted within the junior ranks and eventually to the senior side, so his confidence grew to deliver for his country.

He captained the under-20 side to Africa's first World Cup trophy at that level in 2009.

Before long, he was a key player at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola where his contribution in the semi-final saw Ghana qualify for the final for the first time in almost two decades.

Despite losing 1-0 to seven-time African champions Egypt, that achievement stands out as the Black Stars were missing key players such as Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari.

At 21, the Marseille player returned to the international stage with an improved performance at the World Cup in South Africa in June where he produced two man-of-the-match performances.

He was deservedly nominated for the young player of the tournament award at the competition, only to be beaten by Germany's Sami Khedira.

Ayew's performance this term has been outstanding for Ghana and stands out for recognition.