The technical officers of the Ghana National Amputee Football Team, the Black Challenge have organized a press conference on Monday to appeal to the government, Ministry of Youth & Sports and the general public to help them secure funds to prepare and play at the upcoming Africa Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) from April 19 to 28, 2024 in Egypt.
Present at the ceremony were award winning coach Stephen Richard Obeng, technical director Ali Jaraa, Physio Dr. Kerdi of 37 hospital, welfare officer Emmanuel Akpabli and goalkeepers trainer Eric Lartey.
Secretary general Mohammed Huzair who led the conference said they want to bring to the attention of Ghanaians what is currently happening as Amputee Football seem to be neglected after they brought joy on the faces of Ghanaians at the first ever African Para Games hosted in Accra Ghana last year.
He said all promises after winning the Amputee Football at the First African Para Games have not been fulfilled and they do not want disabled people to be begging on the streets while they can use their talents and skills profitably.
Mr. Huzair hailed the president of Africa and Ghana Paralympic Committees, Mr. Samson Deen the CEO African Origin who has led them positively and inspired them to keep going despite the challenges.
“In fact the plight of our players very sad, getting food, accommodation and transportation is serious, but we are self motivated to succeed, recounting how they traveled to Togo on Ayalolo bus to beat them 9-1before the 2023 Para Games” he expressed.
He noted that there have been several set backs and lack of support, recollecting in 2021 when they bought their own tickets to travel for the African Championship in Tanzania which they won and later re funded.
In 2023, they emerged champions in football, as the only winners for Ghana at the Para Games which the nation hosted.
According to the head coach, the Egypt competition is a qualifier for the 2026 world Cup, which they must compete to defend their title which is decorating the Sports Minister’s office and possibly win for the third time for keeps
“This is the season for Ghana, as a football nation we have to save Amputee Football, we need love and support for the national team, we are calling and begging for support” he expressed.
The technical director noted that they need funds for camping, air tickets, transportation, feeding, logistics, participation fees and friendly matches.
We are sincerely calling for support and we promise to win like we always do” he said and expressed gratitude to the media who have always propagated their messages.
Ali Jaraa, a former national goalie commended sports journalists who support the less financed sports who always win medals and trophies but they are neglected..
Goalkeeper’s trainer, Lartey said since 2018, the Amputee League has collapsed due to lack of funds, but they have been able to produce 12 players who play pro in Turkey, while most locally based players train at home on their own.
Welfare Officer Emmanuel Akpabli said they cannot compare with the Black Stars, however they would be glad if the remaining of the Black Stars winning bonused from the failed Afcon 2023 is awarded to the Amputee team, and appealed to the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo to fulfill his promise.
Meanwhile, Karivan Travel and Tours Company is trying to secure sponsorship for the Black Challenge who play at the African Tournament is from April 19th to 28.
Madam Apeatu of Karivan announced packages for individuals and corporate bodies who wish to travel or take vacations to go and watch the Black Challenge in action.
Mr. Forster Kwarteng. president of Ghana Amputee Football assured the nation that they would certainly go to Egypt and defend the trophy.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
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