Soccer News of Friday, 28 November 2008

Source: GNA

Zumdick leaves for Germany

Accra, Nov. 28. GNA - Former Black Stars, Asante Kotoko and King Faisal Coach, Ralf Zumdick departs Ghana on Friday after a three-week stint with Ashantigold SC.

Zumdick acted as Technical Director of the team during the period, after agreeing to take a break from his busy schedule in Germany.

The German told GNA Sports he was impressed with the wealth of talent that has been put together within a short period of time and was extremely elated at their impressive start to the season.

"The team is young with a few experienced players and it will take some time to become an all-conquering side but they have huge potential and will spring many surprises this season."

Asked if he had plans of returning on a permanent basis with Ashantigold, a smiling Zumdick said he will be very happy to return to Ashantigold and will be discussing his future plans with Herbert Mensah and Fortia on what collaborations can be put in place.

"I will surely stay close to the team in several forms. I am currently working on possible kit sponsorship with a major kit manufacturer and also looking at getting Ashantigold invited for an indoor tournament in Germany soon."

The German coach joined hands with Serbian Momcilo Medic to prepare the new look Ashgold team for the 2008/09 Premiership season culminating in the 4-1 drubbing of Real Tamale United last Sunday.

Ashgold CEO, Herbert Mensah in a separate interview commended Zumdick for accepting to work with his team for three weeks, as the German Technical expert helped a great deal in shaping the team for the commencement of the Premier League.

"Momcilo Medic is an excellent coach and his association with Ralf helped a great deal as the team had little time to prepare for the season. Fortunately our preseason preparations were helped by the physical training regime administered by South African Jacques Naude. "We are in talks with Zumdick on all sorts of collaboration and will make these public when matters are concluded," Mensah stated. The Ashgold boss called on all club supporters and sympathizers to continue to give the club the needed moral support by attending matches to boost the morale of the players.

Zumdick has a proud resume having started his football career as a goalkeeper with Preussen Muenster in 1979 and turning coach in 1994 with VFL Bochum where he had been a player between 1981 and 1985. After a brief spell with Ghana's Black Stars left the Ghana job in 2004, he joined Hamburg SV as assistant before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2007.

Zumdick has since parted with Dortmund.