Andre Ayew, others endorse Ramadan Cup

Andre Ayew, others endorse Ramadan Cup
Deputy Black Stars captain Andre Ayew and some of his colleague Moslem players of the team have urged th youth from Zongo communities to continue to stay united and peaceful after the Ramadan period.

In a video message delivered in support of the 2nd Annual Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup which is sponsored by Royal Bank, the Stars players reminded their brothers of the need to continue to abide by the virtues of Ramadan, particularly staying united and peaceful in the lead up to this year’s elections.

“I’m supporting the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup because it is a great cup for all of us. This is to bring all of us together and make us united; and unity is very important,”said Andre Ayew.

“The fasting time has been good and we’ve learnt a lot from the Ramadan,”Ayew added.

On his part, midfielder Mubarak Wakaso urged the zongo youth not to do anything untoward in the run up to the elections

“During and after Ramadan, we have to stay united. And we want peace so I will plead with you that during this elections period, I will plead with you to be honest with each other and stay focused. And we should also help each other not to cause any harm,” advised Wakaso

Goalkeeper Razak Brimah praised the concept of the Sheikh Sharubutu Cup and urged all to support it as a vehicle through which a lot can be achieved.

“The concept of the Ramadan Cup is good because it is seeking to bring zongo communities together to promote unity and peace during the Eid celebrations,” said the Black Stars goalkeeper.

He added: “let’s all come together and enjoy this tournament and stay united and peaceful.”

Defender Baba Abdul-Rahman and striker, Jordan Ayew also expressed their support for the competition and stressed on the need to maintain good brotherhood.

The Ramadan Cup, named after the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, is aimed at bringing the youth in zongo communities as part of social activities marking Eid Fitr, the Islamic festival signifying the end of Ramadan.

According to the organisers, Crisp Communications, the competition is also aimed at promoting and strengthening the existing bond between these communities.

The organisers are also using this year’s edition to sensitise the youth, particularly those in zongo against being used for elections-related violence before, during and after the elections.

“We are not only converging to play football, but we are also using the powerful effect of football, with the help of our football icons and others to sensitise the youth in our communities not to allow themselves to be used for any elections-related violence,” explained Tamimu Issah, the coordinator of the Ramadan Cup.

“When some politicians are looking for people to forment elections-related troubles, they are inclined to call on some youth from our communities but we have to stand up to them and say no,” Tamimu added.

This year’s edition will see 12 teams taking part this Saturday at the Wembley Park in Kotobabi.

They are: Ashaiman (defending champions)， Alajo, Darkuman, Fadama, Fadama, Madina, Mamobi, Nima, New Town, Sabon Zongo, Sukura, Tudu and Nsawam Zongo.

Ashaiman and New Fadama, the home of the National Chief Imam, will open the competition.

The 2nd edition of the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup is being sponsored by Royal Bank, with support from Coca Cola and Afro Arab Group.

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Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Benedict Owusu