Go And Make Ghana Proud… Minister Tells Black Sharks

Hon Afriyie-Ankrah speaking to the team before departure

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, has charged members of the  national Beach Soccer side the Black Sharks to make a good representation of themselves and Ghana in the  2013 World Cup qualifier slated  for Morocco.

Speaking to the team few hours before their departure at East Legon in Accra on Sunday night, he said: ' Go and make Ghana proud. Don't let any team  intimidate you. The spirits of our former presidents and fathers -Nkrumah, Acheampong, JJ Rawlings Kuffuor, Mills, John Mahama and myself are behind you.

'I know you can make it because I know where you are coming from. You are going there with nothing but I can assure you  will return with something. I am not here because Yaw is my brother but I told myself I will see you before your departure, no matter what.

'I have been following even when I was not a sports Minister, and as I keep saying I am not a minister for just a sport, I am there for all the disciplines, go and make our nation proud,' he added.

It is Ghana first ever representation in the competition  and the president of the Ghana Beach Soccer Association, Yaw Ampofoh Ankrah, believes the team has what it takes to prove a point.

'The fact that it is our maiden appearance is enough motivation to go the extra mile, It's not been easy by way of sponsorship but CAL Bank has proven to be worthy supporters. We  have come a long way and the team is poised to make themselves and the nation proud,' said Yaw.

The contingent that left for the championship,  which kicks off tomorrow, include a doctor, a coach and a media officer.

Ghana will play South Africa and Libya in their first opening games for the quarter final slot.

 By Kofi Owusu Aduonum