Sports News of Thursday, 20 March 2014

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Ghana taking 10-member supporting staff to Brazil

Ghana will be taking along a 10-member supporting staff to the 2014 World Cup, Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has revealed.

The supporting staff are expected to complement the work of the technical and management team of the Black Stars during June’s tournament in Brazil.

This auxiliary supporting team is exclusive from the core 10-member technical team of the Black Stars for the World Cup.

It will include the Serbian therapist Mariana Kvacevic who is famous for using her horse placenta treatment to return players from injuries earlier than anticipated.

The support team will also include a team administrator, a media and protocol officer, an extra doctor, two national security operatives and a drummer/entertainer.

The Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah insists each member of the supporting staff is absolutely crucial to the success of the team in Brazil especially in his defence on the inclusion of the drummer/entertainer.

“Let us not trivialize these issues,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“The coaches will tell you that the drummer is as important as the doctor, psychologist and even the coach.

“Each member of the supporting staff is very important for the success of the team and it is something we shouldn’t compromise on.”

The cost of sending the supporting staff to the 2014 World Cup has been captured in the omnibus $9.8m budget for the tournament in Brazil.

Ghana is making a third appearance at the World Cup finals following progressive stints in 2006 and 2010 in Germany and South Africa respectively.

The Black Stars are drawn in Group G where they will face Germany, Portugal and the USA.