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CAF Inspection team expresses satisfaction but…
Accra, May 12, GNA – The Inspection Team of the
Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed
general satisfaction with the progress of work on facilities
for the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations but had few
reservations about the training pitches.
Briefing the press on Saturday in Accra after their seventh
inspection, leader of the delegation, Mr Slim Aloulou said
work on most of the training pitches was still at the
initial stages even though there has been tremendous
progress in other sections.
The issue of the training pitches was one of the major
factors raised by the team after their previous visit last
year.
Mr Aloulou stated that with the exception of the El-Wak
Stadium in Accra, there has not been any major work on the
other training pitches at Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi
for the January 20 to February 10 soccer fiesta.
According to the leader, the training pitches which should
be of international standards should be made available at
least four months before the commencement of the tournament.
Even though the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have given
the assurance that the training pitches will be put in order
by September, Mr Aloulou warned against the usage of the
training pitches and the four stadia when completed so as to
keep them in good shape for the 26th edition of Africa’s
showpiece soccer event.
“We insist that all the training pitches and stadia should
not be used before the tournament.”
The CAF Executive Committee Member also raised the issue of
the airports and the availability of flight schedule to the
four match venues.
He said all the participating teams must be flown to their
match venues, hence the need to have well equipped airports
at all the designated venues.
On accomodation facilities in Tamale, the Committee Member
said he was very impressed with the progress of work on the
hostel facility on the campus of the University for
Development Studies and expressed optimism that it will be
completed ahead of schedule.
Mr Aloulou described the progress of work at the Tamale
Stadium as a major impovement to their last visit.
Even though the team was unable to visit the Sekondi
Stadium, Mr Aloulou said the Chinese Company, which is also
undertaking the Tamale project briefed them on the postive
progress of work over there.
The CAF Executive member congratulated the LOC for the
achievements so far chalked, which he described as a
positive indication of their readiness to host the
forthcoming championships.
Dr Kofi Amoah, Chairman of the LOC in response gave the
assurance that they are on course and will surely meet the
CAF deadline to make th event a memorable one.
On the training grounds, he explained that contract has been
awarded and work will begin by the end of this month.
GNA
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