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Soccer News of Saturday, 19 April 2003

Source: gna

Olympics celebrate Tagoe's invitation to Black Stars

Accra Great Olympics are on cloud nine over the invitation of Joe Tagoe, their diminutive play-maker into the local Black Star Group which commenced training at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.

Dr Albert Arthur, a management member of the club told the GNA Sports on Friday that Tagoe's invitation would inspire other young players in the team to work harder in order to gain recognition and the team would get better results.

He praised national soccer Bukhard Ziese for recognising the exploits of the petite ball juggler, adding that the intricate and purposeful footwork of Tagoe, coupled with his speed and strength make him one of the most exciting footballers in the national premier league.

"Tagoe is a bundle of talent, strength and dedication and I am not surprised that he has caught the eyes of Bukhard who makes very critical analysis of players before inviting them into the national team."

Dr Arthur said Tagoe's invitation was a reflection of the great technical direction that the "Dade Boys" enjoy, adding that within one year Olympics has been able to groom the amateur player into a potential star, knocking on the doors of fame and success.

He said the high work rate and confidence of the young player could propel him to the very top as he has many abilities, which make up for his short stature.

Commenting on Tagoe, Emmanuel Kwesi Afranie, chief coach of Great Olympics and immediate past head coach of the national team said he agreed fully with the judgement of Bukhard.

He said Tagoe would be an asset to any team because "he is imaginative and extremely skillful and does the impossible with ball but remains a very disciplined team player."

Coach Afranie said he believed Tagoe would play a major role in his quest for the league title.

Meanwhile, the invitation has given the player a new alias as his colleagues have started calling him "Professional Bobby" instead of "Bobby Short," the nickname by which he was formerly called.

Joe Tagoe, 19, a former amateur boxer joined Olympics about a year ago from the colts' ranks and established himself as a nimble footed combative ball distributor.

He won the player of the match award when Olympics played Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the second leg of the Ghalca/LG Top Four Tournament at the Accra Sports Stadium last month.

His excellent form has compelled the management of his team to review his contract upwards.