New Supporters Union formed

Accra, Sept. 7, GNA -- A new supporters' body christened the Coalition of African Supporters Unions (COSUA) has been formed in Accra. COSUA is aimed at uniting the supporters' front to rally behind the continent at the next World Cup to be hosted by South Africa in 2010, by mobilising fans throughout the continent to support teams that will represent the continent at all international competitions.

The group is a product of the Supporters Union of Ghana (SUGHA). Announcing the formation of the group, Mr Sarfo Abrebrese, National President of SUGHA said at a press conference on Thursday that the formation of the group is to ensure that no African is left out of the world party, whether his or her country qualify for the competition. He said that COSUA will provide the platform for the mobilisation of support for the African teams to such a magnitude never witnessed before in world football, adding that they have been able to mobilise 2,000 supporters from each African country for the World Cup.

According to Mr Abrebrese, the Association is expecting at least 100,000 supporters to 91roar' behind African teams that pitch their strength against foreign teams at the next World Cup and subsequent ones.

He said every African who joins COSUA would nevertheless enjoy the great football party by being at the various stadia to support the African countries, whether her country qualifies or not. Mr Abrebrese said the Union, if well managed would be able to attract the attention and serious support of the corporate world and intended to ease the financial burden of members who intend travelling to support Africa at various competitions.

He announced that COSUA is in discussions with corporate bodies such as Areeba and Stanbic Bank to raise funds for the group adding that messages have been sent to the various Football Associations under the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) to all supporters groups and clubs throughout the continent and intend to make follow-up trips to strengthen their relationship with the rest.

Mr Abrebrese said COSUA would be better placed to achieve what political leaders have for the past years struggled to achieve by using sports to unify the continent.

"Sports has the ability to unite people, heal wounds and scars of conflicts, poverty, enmity and rancour that has engulfed the continent."