William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent in Cabinda, Angola, courtesy: Ministry of Youth and Sports

Cabinda, Angola, Jan 13, GNA - Players of the senior national team, the Black Stars, could pocket 30, 000 USD each if they advanced to the next stage of the 27th Edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

The amount covers 10, 000 USD dollars for each of the group match to be played before qualification to the quarter finals of the competition. Alhaji Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Youth and Sports, who disclosed this to the GNA Sports, said though the stars will play only two matches at the group stage following the withdrawal of Togo from the competition, they have decided to give the players 30,000 USD each to motivate them for further conquests.

"Even if they win one match at the group stages, we will give them 30,000 USD dollars because we want to motivate them to deliver". The Minister said.

He also disclosed to the GNA Sports that, each of the players was given 10,000 dollars before the start of the tournament.

Alhaji Pelpuo said the financial package for the quarterfinals will be reviewed upward if the Stars made it to next level.

According to the Minister, each player will take home 15, 000 dollars as winning bonus for the quarter finals game.

He said the ministry in partnership with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) was bent on bringing the best out of the players in the competition hence the decision to give them adequate motivation to realize that goal.

According to the Minister, his outfit will do everything possible to ensure the success of the team at the tournament.

Though Ghana seems to be represented by a relatively new and a youthful team, the Minister said he was convinced by the high level of commitment on the part of the players to deliver.

"I have seen them at training and I have no doubt that they have what it takes to produce the results and with the attractive motivational package, I see the team performing to the expected standard on Friday against Cote d' Ivoire.

He described the game against Cote D' Ivoire as a must win and was convinced the Black Stars had the best of materials in camp and expressed the hope that the team will make a perfect blend of the players to make progress in the competition. 13 Jan. 2010