Accra, April 4, GNA - Kumasi-based King Faisal have confirmed their participation in the 2005 Ghana Telecom Gala competition despite playing in the continental competition this week end.

This is contrary to reports that the Club might opt out of the competition, which is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra, because their match with Bendel Insurance of Nigeria coincides with the same dates. Coach Francis Oti-Akenten told the GNA Sports that the Club has over 30 registered players for the season and only 18 of them are making the trip to Nigeria, hence it would be unjustifiable to opt out of the Gala competition.

He said since the tournament is also meant to prepare Premier League Clubs for the new soccer season, which begins on April 17, it would be inappropriate for Faisal to withdraw because of the international assignment.

The coach said the gala would afford his club the opportunity to test the strength and weaknesses of the old and newly signed on registered players as well as members of the junior team who have gained promotion into the senior side.

Coach Oti-Akenten added other newly recruited players and those waiting for a justify your inclusion exercise with the Club would also be given the opportunity to participate in the competition and wondered why anybody would think that the club would opt out of the competition. The coach said the team has been preparing feverishly for the past weeks for the two tournaments and dropping out would kill the morale of the players ahead of the season.

Faisal are scheduled to fly to Nigeria on Wednesday to play Bendel Insurance in the first leg of the third round of the Confederation Cup competition. 04 April 05