Tema, March 22, GNA - The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), on Monday presented a cheque for GH¢5,000 to the Tema Former Association to initiate a soccer mentoring programme within the Metropolis.

Mr Robert Kempes Ofosuware, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE),=

who made the presentation, said the gesture was in fulfilment of his prom= ise to re-vitalize sporting activities in the Metropolis. He who expressed regret about the situation noted that it was unfortunat= e that Tema which was once the cradle of football in the country currently has no representives as a member of any of the country's national teams. Mr Ofosuware said as a soccer administrator, it was his dream and vision= to restore the Tema township back to its former glory as the City that has i= n past nurtured and produced the finest football stars in the country. The MCE said that the former footballers, numbering over 60 are expected= to liaise with the Ghana Education Service to undertake visits to both Basic=

and Secondary Schools in the Metropolis to mentor the students in order t= o unearth their talents.

Mr Ofosuware said even though ex-sports men and women were mostly left t= o their fate, the Assembly deems it expedient to organize them and use the talents and experience to complement the work of the Youth and Sports Ministry.

"These men and women made Tema and Ghana proud when they were actively i= n sports and their talents must therefore be tapped", he added. The MCE indicated that the money was the first step towards the renaissa= nce of soccer in the Metropolis, stating that the Assembly would lead the Association to solicit for support from organizations and individuals in the Metropolis to provide them with the needed equipment and materials to perform their task. Ablade Kumah, President of the Association and a former player of Accra Hearts of Oak and Black Star, received the cheque on behalf of his colleagues, and thanked the Assembly for the gesture.

"Never has this happened in the history of soccer in Tema or the country= ", he said. Mr Kumah gave the assurance that they would do their best to meet their task of unearthing soccer talents in the Harbour City. He was supported by Paul Adjoda, also a former player of Hearts of Oak a= nd Accra Great Olympics, Daniel Kumah, ex-player of Olympics and Emmanuel Ad= u, also a former player of Hearts Babies and Olympics. 22 March 10