Liive up to expectation - Parliament to Stars

Accra, June 7, GNA - Members of Parliament on Wednesday urged the Black Stars, national soccer team, to put in their best and raise the flag of Ghana high in the forthcoming World Cup tournament, slated for June 9.

The members said the team had the whole of the nation behind them and all they needed to do was to show a high sense of patriotism, abide by the rules of the game and go all out to become the winning team. The members were contributing to a statement by Mr Isaac Asiamah, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, on the participation of the national team in the 2006 tournament. Mr Asiamah commended the Government, corporate organisations and individuals for contributing to the qualification of the team. Mr Abuga Pele, NDC-Chiana-Paga, said the dismal performance of the team in the Africa Cup of Nation created some concern for many but the recent showmanship displayed by the team had given hope to Ghanaians. He urged the authorities to focus more on the development of juvenile soccer, which usually served as a reservoir for recruiting players into the national team.

He also urged the Government to put in everything to make the CAN 2008 to be hosted by Ghana a reality.

Mr Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, NPP-Kwabre Wes t, urged the Black Stars to avoid collecting red cards during their matches to sustain the spirit of the team.

Mr Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, Majority Chief Whip, was full of praise for the team and said it was a good sign that the national team had in recent friendly matches beaten teams ranked higher than them in the FIFA rankings.