Gambia'05: Instant winning bonuses for the Starlets

(William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Banjul Gambia)

Banjul, Gambia, May 10, GNA - The National Under-17 team, the Black Starlets were given instant winning bonuses after their opening game victory against Mali last Saturday at the on-going Sixth Africa Under 17 tournament.

Each of the players received 500 dollars after the hectic first game, which saw them coming from behind on two occasions before going ahead with the winning goal.

The same will be applied when the team wins the remaining matches in Group A of the tournament against Burkina Faso and Gambia on Tuesday and Friday respectively.

Mr Kwesi Nyantakyie, Acting Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) disclosed this to the Ghanaian media personnel covering the tournament on Monday.

"As you see the players walking around, I can assure you that their pockets have been lined up with dollars".

According to Mr Nyantakyie the remaining 1,000 dollars is ready a grab by the lads should the team win the two matches against Burkina Faso and Gambia on Tuesday and Friday respectively and gave the assurance it would made available to them immediately they succeed. The Acting GFA Chairman said that the players are aware of the package and are ready to win the remaining matches to grab the rest of the dollars.

He said the move is to ensure maximum motivation for the playing body to win all their group matches as well as make it to the finals. Mr Nyantakyie said that the bonuses would be reviewed upwards when the team progresses to the semi finals of the competition as well as to the finals.

He disclosed that all outstanding arrears have also been settled since his arrival in Gambia last Friday.

According to the GFA Vice Chairman, all the 18 players in Gambia as well as the seven who were dropped from the team have been paid their allowances, which was in arrears for 16 weeks.

Each of the players was entitled to 150,000 cedis per week totalling 2.4 million cedis.

The six officials also earned 300,000 cedis per week representing 4.8 million cedis.

Mr Nyantakyie said the allowance have been converted into dollars for the players and officials.

"Though a lot of things delay, the team at the moment has no problem and it is up to them to deliver".

He expressed optimism that the team will be able to achieve the needed results in the competition, which enters the second day on Tuesday, May 10.