Accra, July 2, GNA - Mr Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Youth and Sports on Thursday gave the assurance that the Ministry would ensure that the budget for the Senior National Football team, the Black Stars is quickly finalized and released for the second round of the qualifying matches of the World Cup.

He said the funds would be made available to the team before the commencement of matches in September 2009, which would be the last phase of the tournament.

Mr Pelpuo gave the assurance in an answer to a question made in Parliament by Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah, MP for Atwima Mponua who wanted to know the state of preparation of the Black Stars towards the remaining qualifying matches to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Minister said the Ghana Football Association has also been supportive and has so far submitted estimates for the matches well in advance for funds to be secured in good time for effective planning and preparation of the matches.

Mr Pelpuo said the Ministry would continue to provide the necessary support and assistance to the technical team led by Coach Milovan Rajevac to build a strong and formidable team.

"The Coach would be given the necessary funds to scout for players both locally and abroad to strengthen the team and also to ensure that he instils discipline, commitment and confidence among the playing body."

"I can assure this august house that if all the stakeholders in the team continue to play their respective roles this way, our participation in Angola 2010 and South Africa 2010 will be a reality coupled with the results that we all expect."

The Minister on behalf of the government thanked all Ghanaians for their "spiritual and moral" support for the Black Stars during the first round of the qualifying matches.

"Your support was phenomenal and engendered the type of performance which has placed Ghana firmly on top of the group." 02 July 09