Ghana needs to continue qualifying to the World Cup

Koforidua, (E/R) Oct. 8, GNA - The Director of Operations of the Business and Development Plan of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr Ben Koufie has said that with the first qualification of the Black Stars to the World Cup, there was the need for the country to put up structures to ensure the continuous qualification of the Black Stars to participate in the Mundial.

He said that it was for this reason that the GFA this year launched its Business and Development Plan to ensure that the country produce the requisite numbers of football administrators, referees, masseurs and coaches to produce the talents required for Ghana football to maintain its standards.

Mr Koufie said at the end of a one week training course in intermediate certificate in refereeing, soccer administration, first aid and physiotherapy and the basic level in soccer coaching as well as the launch of the junior structures of football in the Region for the Under 12, Under 15 and Under 17 Divisions organized by the GFA for 96 participants in the Region.

The Director of Operations said there was the need for the country to consolidate the current standard of the Black Stars on the international scene.

Mr Koufie said that with the establishment of the structures christened the four pillars of soccer, it is expected that the country would be better placed to ensure continuity in the development of soccer.

The Coaches from the Region who already have the basic qualification would be join their counterparts from the Volta Region for the intermediate course next week at Ho.

Mr Charles C. Anderson, a retired Director of Physical Education who was the Guest of Honour called on the GFA to be circumspect in the repackaging of Ghana football to attract the involvement of corporate Ghana.

He also urged the GFA to take advantage of the goodwill of the international community to market Ghana's football its international partners.

Mr Anderson urged the beneficiaries of the course to ensure that the corporate vision of the GFA in developing the future of Ghana football is exhibited at the highest level of professionalism based on honesty, self sustaining and a passion for excellence.

Mr Abdel-Ganiyu Lawal, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the Regional Football Association in a welcome address, urged the participants to share the knowledge and experience acquired to those in the hinterland to support the vision of the GFA.