For the first time in the history of the nation, the female national team, the Black Queens, will participate in the 2004 Olympics Games in Athens, Greece, following an invitation by FIFA.

Speaking to the GNA Sports on Thursday, Mr Sylvester Mensah, chairman of the Black Queen's Committee said earnest preparations would start in February when the women's soccer league season begins. Selection of players to make up the team to represent the nation would be done during the period.

He said two teams comprising an under 17 and a senior side will be formed in readiness for any conditions to be set by FIFA. 'FIFA is yet to send us the regulations but we hope to prepare adequately to meet their request'.

Mr Mensah said even though, Accra and Kumasi have core teams, the selection would be extended to the other regions, adding that a separate office would be opened for the purpose and it would be manned by Dora Zuta, a former member of the national team.

"Women soccer will be different from what we have been seeing because everything will start right from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), he concluded.