‘THE GOAT’ TO VISIT GHANA FOR NATIONS CUP SOCCER FIESTA

As the moment for kick off of the 28th African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Ghana draws near, feverish preparations are ongoing, not only for the host nation, but also for hundreds of football fans world wide who do not wish to miss the soccer fiesta.

Information indicates that hundreds of citizens of the North Atlantic Ocean Island of Bermuda in the North Americas are packing bag and baggage to visit the home country in January.

The information indicates that among the hundreds of Bermudian visitors is Bermudian football legend and former Manchester City star, Shaun Goater. Shaun Goater, a man who made it to the high echelon of the Bermudian society because of his exploits on the football field is set to storm the shores of Ghana during the football fiesta.

While in Ghana, the former football star would be a guest of honour at a football gala of selected youth in and around Ashanti, which is aimed at unearthing talents for the famous football academy of the player in Bermuda. Goater was first scouted by Manchester United but United’s bitter rivals Manchester City managed to re-direct the footsteps of the striker to Maine Road. The player had spells with Rotherdam, Notts Country, Bristol City and Reading before joining City where he scored 103 goals in 211 appearances for the Eastland club.

At Maine Road, Goater endeared his name to the hearts of City fans, which earned him the praise song “feed the goat and he will score more goals.” City fans remember the 6ft striker for quiet a number of reasons, but his spectacular goal against city rivals Manchester United, recorded as the fastest goal ever scored by a substitute in an FA premier league, continue to glow in the memories of City fans.

Goater’s amazing achievements on and off the field has earned him an award, ‘The Freedom of Bermuda’ with June 21 of every year declared Shaun Goater day on the Island.

Visiting with the player is Mr. Michael Bean Nyarko, a Bermudian, who has made Ghana his number one tourist destination for the past decade and has popularize Ghana’s tourism in Hamilton and other areas on the island.

Together with the management of Ongonduro Heritage Tours, the Bermudians have a chartered flight which will fly the islanders direct from the region to the shores of Ghana for the football fiesta.

While in the country, the islanders will not only witness the 20-day soccer tournament but also privileged with the traditional treasures of the Dagomba festival and the spiritual possession festival of Okomfo Atta and his entourage. The islanders would also be treated to local wrestling of jabua, which is not simply a show of strength but more to the power of amulets, talisman and charms in a true cultural fashion.