The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has met with Ghana’s retired footballers in Accra on Wednesday, September 1, 2021.
The Minister speaking at the event indicated that the meeting forms part of a series of engagements to familiarise himself with them and tap into their experiences.
“As part of my stakeholder engagements as new Minister of Youth Sports, I have called this meeting to familiarise with you, our legends, thank you for your patriotic service to our nation and also seek your guidance and support for the new generation, as they strive to emulate your golden path.”
“While I saw the exploits of some of you growing up as a child and later as an adult, I have also read about the incredible mark some of you made before some of were born.”
“Standing before you, our legends gives me nostalgic memories, but it also gives much inspiration,” he added.
He eulogised glowing tributes to the legends for their immense contributions to football in Ghana.
“The proudest moments of our nation’s football history, without doubt, were in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982 when the Black Stars won the African Cup,” the Sports Minister said.
“We cannot also forget Ghana’s unforgettable maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in Germany, as well as your outstanding performance at the 2010 World Cup. We can’t also forget Ghana’s first Olympic medal in football and the exploits of some of you in giving the country so much to cheer about in age competitions; the FIFA Under 17 and Under 20 World Cups over the years.”
“The nation cannot also forget the beautiful memories you have given us in club football, and giving our clubs many continental honours, notably with Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.’
“Ghana will forever be proud of you, and if I have invited you here today, it is to, once again, express the gratitude of the country, and that of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”
He appealed to the former players to come on board and continue to play a role as new generations of players try to emulate them.
“Beyond your glorious playing days, a number of you have served, and continue to serve our nation as coaches and in other capacities.”
“With much humility, I call on all of you to come on board and support us with your blessings and prayers.”
“Moving forward, I have decided to hold such interactions in zones across the country so that I can get to interact more with other legends in other parts of the country who could not make it to this meeting.”
“I will also be meeting with legends or retired athletes of other sporting disciplines, including boxing, athletics, etc, for a similar exercise,” he concluded.
By: Rainbow Sports/Rainbowradioonline/Ghana
