Accra, July 5, GNA - The MTN, Africa's first-ever global sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, has commended the national team, the Black Stars, for their outstanding performance in the tournament, which has sent clear signals about Ghana's determination to win the World Cup in 2014. This is contained in a statement issued in Accra on Monday and signed on behalf of Mrs Mawuena Trebarh, Corporate Services Executive. It quoted the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Brett Goschen as saying, "throughout the tournament we observed your can-do spirit, the exhibition of a strong determination and an admirable will to make not only the nation but indeed the continent proud".

The statement said "This was evident in your succession of victories through the game and even your superior performance in the game with Uruguay. We at MTN commend you for the spirited fight you put up to make Africa proud".

It said that the MTN and the whole of Ghana appreciated the relentless efforts that the team made to realise the "Africa United" dream. The statement said "You are indeed our heroes and the joy and excitement you brought in these past weeks would be cherished forever". It said the most exciting matches in the tournament that heightened passions and generated a lot of excitement were the games played by the Black Stars as they showed their skill and prowess in football. The statement said "Even in the face of setbacks, they undoubtedly registered their authority in the game by holding a past champion of this game up for 120 minutes.

Mr Goschen said the MTN and all Ghanaians were looking forward to giving the Black Stars a deserving welcome back home because like warriors they put up a good fight. He encouraged Ghanaians to take pride in the superior performance of the Black Stars and be ready to welcome these national heroes back home.