Black Stars skipper, Andre Ayew, has described the elevation of Thomas Partey and Richard Ofori to the position of deputy captains as a worthy appointment that would inure to the benefit of the team.

According to him it was a grooming process for the 25-year-old Partey to step into his shoes when he fades out as the captain of the team.

Speaking in an interview ahead of their crunch duel against Mali in Antalya, Turkey on Friday, the Swansea City ace said Partey who just signed for English Premier League side, Arsenal, has proven his worth and deserves the position as his deputy.

“I think they are grooming them for the future, I think Thomas (Partey) has been in the team for five years now, since 2015.

The 31-year-old skipper said Partey was one player who could be relied on based on his achievements both on and off the pitch and such a responsibility would give him the realisation that he carries the hope and aspirations of the country on his shoulders.

“So, he is gradually getting there, he has proved his worth in the national team and also at club level. I am talking about on the pitch and also outside the pitch, he is becoming more and more matured, becoming somebody that we can rely upon off the pitch also.

“So, I think that giving him a responsibility like this, is giving him the status to understand that the country and the team count on him a lot, not just now but also for the future. Because he is a very good and talented player who knows how to play the kind of football that Ghana want to play.

He advised the player to understand that the position come with a huge responsibility as well good and bad times which he must develop a thick skin when the criticisms come and also enjoy in the praises when it comes.

“I think for him it’s something good. I have been there before; he has to know that it’s a heavy position. We have good and bad moments. He has to take the knocks when its bad and take the glory when it’s good. But I think he is up to the task and will do well as my deputy”, he said.