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Retired footballers
association inaugurated
Takoradi, (W/R), Oct.1 Ghanadot/GNA - A seven-member
executive body of the Western Regional branch of the Retired
Footballers Association has been inaugurated at Takoradi at
the weekend with a call on members to help unearth soccer
talents among the youth in the region.
Mr. Joseph Ben Emuna, a businessman who inaugurated the
Association said modern soccer had not only become a
lucrative business, but it has the potential of earning
revenue for the country as well as uniting the people to
enhance the socio-economic development of the country.
He regretted that the Western Region used to be the largest
contributor of players to the national team, the Black Stars
but the trend was gradually loosing its position.
He therefore stressed the need to promote accelerated
development of soccer by encouraging the youth with the
requisite talents to give off their best and rekindle the
region's fame of producing quality players.
Papa Owusu Ankomah, Member of Parliament for Sekondi said
the formation of the association gives further hope for
Ghana soccer and noted that retired footballers have a
wealth of experience and talents which could be tapped for
the benefit of the national and the various teams.
He said the formation of the association was a demonstration
of the preparedness of members to support the general effort
at making the country one of the leading soccer nations of
the world.
Papa Ankomah urged the members not to feel abandoned but to
expect further government recognition, adding that in spite
of their age, they still have a lot to offer Ghana soccer
and would be given their due respect.
Reverend Kofi Pare, Chairman of the National Association of
Retired Footballers said members laid firm foundation for
the game through their patriotism and dedicated service to
the country.
Mr. Victor Koomson, representative of Ultimate Soccer
Management, one of the sponsors of the function, suggested
that a percentage of gate fees during football matches
should be used to organise activities of the association and
the welfare of pioneers of soccer since most of them have
become destitute and lack attention.
During role call, the retired footballers recalled their
exploits in their hey days with found memories amid singing
and hugging of one another.
Among the past soccer heroes were Edward Acquah, Rev. Kofi
Pare, Alex Nutsugah, J.K. Mensah, James Kuuku Dadzie,
Agyeman Gyau, Reverend Osei Kofi and Joe De Graft.
The Western Region branch of the association, which has a
membership of 120, has Edward Acquah as Chairman, Alex
Nutsugah, Vice-Chairman, J. K. Mensah, Secretary and Ben
Hayford, Assistant Secretary.
The rest are Kakraba Sey, Financial Secretary, George Brown,
Assistant Financial Secretary and Victor Krakue, Organiser.
GNA
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