Heroes welcome for victorious Satellites

Accra, Feb. 3, GNA - Ghana's National Under-21 team, the Black Satellites on Tuesday returned home from Rwanda, after winning the 16th Edition of the Africa Youth championship (AYC).

The Satellite, who beat Cameroon 2-0 last Sunday to win the competition for the third time were met on arrival at the Kotoko International Airport by Alhaji Montaka Mohamed Mubarak, Minister of Youth and Sports designate, some members of the government and officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Also at the airport to welcome the team, were members of the various supporter's body and football administrators popping of champaign, singing, drumming and dancing.

Addressing the team, Alhaji Mubarak congratulated the players for the high level of commitment, dedication and fighting spirit exhibited from the qualifiers and the competition.

The Minister-Designate noted that this was the first time in nine years that the gold trophy was being brought to Ghana by the Satellites, adding that although they had done well, they need to gird their loins for greater battles.

Mr. Mubarak said with the World Cup around the corner, they have a difficult task ahead.

He said the players have made themselves and the nation proud by their achievements adding that, it is sign of more positive things to happen to sports in the country.

Alhaji Mubarak however, noted that the team will have a much more difficult task at the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Youth Championship in Egypt, in September, adding that, they will need to demonstrate similar positive traits to succeed at the World Championship.

Alhaji Mubarak said the government will do everything to assist the GFA to prepare the team adequately for the competition, adding that, they expect another success from the team at the world stage.

Kwasi Nyantakyi President of the GFA also expressed appreciation to the government for their support during the competition and expressed confidence that, the team will improve upon its performance at the World Cup.

He urged them to work even harder because "you are the key to the future of soccer in the country, the Black stars of tomorrow."

The GFA President expressed his gratitude to the government for its support to the team.

He also commended the Satellites Management and Technical Team for doing a good job as well as making the entire nation proud.

Mr Nyatakyi said the success of the team gives credence to the fact that, they have what it takes to represent the nation at World Cup.

The team made a symbolic presentation of the trophy they won to the Minister of Sports-Designate.