Kpando, Mar. 27, GNA - The recently crowned champions of the 2004 Coca-Cola Top 4 Tournament, Kpando Heart of Lions on Saturday called on the Paramount Chief of the Akpini Traditional Area, Togbega Dagadu VII at Kpando where they presented him with the trophy they won. The team led by the management members, officials and the playing body were met by a large crowd of supporters who went on frenzied jubilation amidst drumming and dancing when the convoy finally pulled up at the forecourt of the palace where special rituals were performed for the team.

The performance of the rituals it is believed would strengthen the team to win more laurels and further make the "Lions Den" a waterloo for visiting clubs.

Togbega Dagadu pledged both physical and spiritual support to the Club and commended them for making the Traditional area popular. Togbe Komla Teng V, Chief of Kpando Aloyi in a recount of the historical background to football prowess of the area, said clubs like 'Humble Them', 'The Mosquitoes' and Mulpo were great and vociferous teams during their time and brought many honours to the Traditional area.

He said Kpando Mulpo for instance defeated Mighty Eagles of Ho by a lone goal during the Coronation Games in 1950 and their award was the construction of the Kpando Sports Stadium, the first in the then Trans Volta Togoland.

Togbe Teng said Mulpo again defeated Kumasi Asante Kotoko by a lone goal in a league match in 1963 at Kpando and it was gratifying that Lions also repeated that feat in 2003 at the same venue.

At a durbar later to unveil the trophy, Mr Pius Adanuti, Kpando District Chief Executive (DCE) pledged the preparedness of the Assembly to embark on an aggressive lobby for sponsorship from identifiable organisations throughout the Region and beyond to support the club. Mr Adanuti assured the supporters that the District Assembly would continue with its support towards upgrading the infrastructure at the Kpando Stadium to an appreciable level.

He also presented a giant trophy and 10 million cedis to the Club for their achievement.

Madam Akua Sena Dansua, Member of Parliament (MP) for North-Dayi advised the team to remain disciplined and determined in their exploits to enable them win more laurels not only for the Club but for the Region and the country.

She donated 100 plastic chairs and one million cedis to the Kpando Sports Council. Mr Victor Akpene Ahaipkor, Chief Executive officer of the Club gave the assurance that with the needed support from the people, the Club would annexe the Premiership Cup this year, and therefore urged the supporters to fully patronise their home matches and cheer the Club to chalk further successes.