The Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has expressed hope and optimism about the chances of the national beach soccer team Black Sharks ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer world cup qualifiers in Morocco. The Minister hosted a goodwill send – off dinner for the

squad of players, officials and media at Living Room restaurant on Sunday.

The dinner and interaction was the final activity lined up for the newly christened national team Black Sharks aimed at boosting confidence and morale. The get-together follows another high level visit by the GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi on Saturday at the Beach Soccer Arena.

Hon. Afriyie Ankrah, commended the Sharks for their fortitude, resolve and discipline which has earned them the right to represent Ghana for the first time in a FIFA Beach Soccer competition.

The Minister said that although the players were representing Ghana for the first time, they must not be overawed by their more experienced opponents but rather step up their game. ‘’It is not impossible to go to Morocco and grab a slot at the World Cup because I am told that a few years ago, Senegal did same on their debut’’

Afriyie Ankrah assured the team of government’s preparedness to support their campaign in Morocco in order to bring honour and joy to the nation. ‘’I can see that we have players coming from all corners of our coasts and that is a clear indication that once again, sports is the most powerful unifier that brings us all together as one people from different backgrounds’’

The Minister thanked the GFA for supporting the recently unknown sport in the country and made special reference to CAL Bank’s sponsorship of the Ghana Championship and Division One Leagues from where all the players were selected for the national team.

Freshly appointed Black Sharks captain, C. J. Beckley, thanked the Minister for his motivation and assured him of the players total commitment to sacrifice for Ghana come what may.

An advanced contingent of 21 players, officials and journalists arrived in Casablanca enroute the coastal town of El Jadida on Monday ahead of the Black Sharks opening game on Wednesday.

Before departure, the team took delivery of beach sandals, anklets, jerseys and other camping accessories donated by Luchi Travels.

Ghana is considered underdogs going into the competition where the likes of former champions Nigeria, Senegal and Morocco will lock horns with Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Madagascar and Ivory Coast.