...AFTER JAPAN/KOREA

The chairman of the Ghana Football Association, Mr. Ben Koufie has stated that Ghana’s national team Black Stars shall begin their early preparation for the next World Cup qualification to ensure Ghana’s participation in Germany 2006.

Mr. Koufie posed a question among other things he said that, “Wouldn’t it have been nice watching Ghana play at the World Cup?” He answered himself by vowing that there cannot be any compromise for Ghana’s inability to partake in the World Cup that a soccer nation like Ghana has never had the chance to take part on the senior level. According to the G.F A boss ,Ghana will have to redouble her effort in ensuring that this time around the country will not be denied her qualification to the next World Cup.

Coincidentally the GFA has signed on a new Coach for two years with contact subject to renewal after the two years. Mr.Ben Koufie said that the new Coach is drawing up his own programme that is supposed to prepare the team adequately towards the task ahead.

Mr. Koufie added that “there are guidelines for the Coach to follow that is regardless of the fact that the FA will not interfere in the technical affairs of the team, He pointed out the guidelines as to focus and ensure Ghana’s effective performance at the CAN2004 and the upcoming Olympic games next two years,the GFA boss added that based on the assessment of the perfomance of the Coach and the team as a whole then we can measure the chances of our team for the next World Cup. In another interview with the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mr.Joe Aggrey ,He was of the view that this current World Cup should serve as a reminder to us that Ghana has never been to any World Cup despite the fame our Players on the international scene has brought to the country.

Mr. Aggrey was however optimistic that Ghana would surely get to the next World Cup,if We will redouble our effort “and stop shooting ourselves in the foot” added the Deputy Minster.according to Mr.Aggrey the new Coach has hinted that Ghana has a lot of quality Players to deliver the goods,but the fundamental problem has been planning and inconsistency on the part of the admninisration ,thus the Deputy Minister gave his personal assurance to ensure that there is no interferance with the Coach’s duty.

Thus in a country like Ghana where the entire country has so much passion for soccer,it is the duty of all to act responsibly to play our diverse roles with absolute dedication and commitment towards putting the country at her rightful position in the World of soccer” added Mr. Aggrey.