The Ghana senior national Rugby Team, the Black Eagles, have set their sight on gold when they join seven other countries for the Confederation of African Rugby North Division II Sevens competition billed for Togo this weekend.
The Black Eagles competing in the maiden competition at the tourney slated for Togo from June 29-30 are hoping to win the ultimate at their first attempt.
The two day event has Ghana pitted in pool B alongside host, Togo, Algeria and Niger; head Coach Julius Amevor tells GNA Sports his charges are primed to return home with gold despite playing at the competition as debutants.
"It will be our first competition at this level but we are confident of making it to the finals where we know we can bring home the gold."
The Sevens will draw participation from Egypt, Burkina Faso, Benin and Mali as members in pool ‘A’ with the Malians tagged as the strongest team and favourites to win the competition.
Ghana’s first game will be against Togo before playing Algeria and Niger in that order on June 29, and Coach Amevor is convinced beating the host for a bright start is a matter of course.
"We always beat Togo whether home or away and we know per our preparations this far, that the story will be no different. Playing in the league the last two years have improved the team a lot and that should make the ultimate difference for us.
"The Sevens competition is basically driven by speed and we have developed that aspect of our game plus all the others capable of taking us very far. When I say we are going for gold, it is because I know we have the capacity to do so."
Mali remains the biggest threat to Ghana’s quest after the former’s fine record over the latter in the 15 a-side category.
The best team in each pool will meet each other at the gold zone- the finals, while the runners up face each other at the plate zone.
Team Ghana, scheduled to leave for Togo on Thursday June 28 is expected to compose of ten players.**