Chicago, USA (Sunday Feb.2, 2003) -- The African female footballer of the year 2002 and skipper of the Black Queen’s of Ghana fame, Alberta Sackey, was at theYWCA, 6200 S. Drexel, to thank the Ghana National Council and the Ghanaian community of Chicago, for the elegant support the Queens received from Chicagoans during their historic participation in the 1999 world cup.
The prolific scorer of the Black Queens and goal king of the just ended African Women’s Football competition, Alberta Sackey, 20, was accompanied by Kulu Yahaya-Defender, Adjoa Bayor-Forward, and Basilea Amoah-Tetteh-Forward. Absent was Elizabeth Baidoo, defender, she was visiting her manager, Evelyn Cobbina, at Virginia.
They are on scholarship at Robert Morris College in Chicago and play for the Eagles, the school’s female soccer team. The Eagles are ranked number 6 nationally.
In her short but warming remark to the Ghana National council members and the Ghanaian community in Chicago, Alberta said “When we visited the Unites States during the 1999 Fifa Women’s world cup tournament, Chicago was the only place we felt at home! You provided us with Ghanaian foods, entertained and gave us money. Words cannot express your kind hospitality, we were very elated. On behalf of the team members present and in Ghana, I convey our warmest appreciation to you.”
She ended with a message of hope to all Ghanaians that with their support and prayers, the team will perform better at the next Fifa women’s world cup tournament to be held later this year in China.
Alhaji Baba Cisse, Vice Chairman of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago, welcomed the representatives of the team. Alhaji Baba Cisse congratulated the team for their qualification in this years Fifa Women’s World Cup tournament in China.
“The hospitality shown to you in Chicago is part and parcel of the Ghanaian culture and heritage. Ghanaians all over the world are proud of your marvelous exploits; you have brought honor and glory to your country and yourselves. We in Chicago will continue our unwavering support to the team; we will remember you always in our prayers!” Alhaji Baba Cisse concluded.
The representatives of the team were introduced to the council by Reuben Hadzide, treasurer of the Ghana National Council and the primary contact between Robert Morris and the players during their recruitment.