The Minister for Youth and Sports (MoYS), Mustapha Ussif, has asked former players of the senior national team, the Black Stars, to support the current generation of players as they aim for qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Mr Ussif made the call on Wednesdayat a meeting with former national team players.
Addressing the players whose generation spanned from 1963 to 2014, the Minister stated that Ghana was proud of the ambassadorial roles played by the players for the country during their professional careers abroad.
“The proudest moments of our nation’s football history, without doubt, were in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982 when the Black Stars won the African Cup. We cannot also forget Ghana’s maiden World Cup appearance in Germany in 2006, as well as the 2010 World Cup and the joy it brought to the nation.”
Also, we cannot forget Ghana’s first Olympic medal in football and the exploits of some of you in giving the country so much to cheer about in aged-competitions; especially the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups as well as in club football where the likes of Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts gave Ghana continental honours.
He said that President Akufo-Addo was passionate about the country’s football legends and was very appreciative of their achievement, hence, the institution of a policy investment for national athletes to safeguard their welfare after retirement.
‘When there was no money, yet you guys sacrificed to still represent Ghana. When there was no motivation you still sacrificed to represent Ghana. We are grateful for that.’
He noted that since coming into office, his administration has decided to appreciate the old footballers by giving them the opportunities to work with the various national teams.
The FA boss remind the old players of the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers and asked them to join themto work harder to ensure Ghana’s qualification.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
