Retired Ghanaian footballer Joe McLain, one of the players who helped Ghana win the 1982 African Cup, has revealed that the country failed to properly recognize the players.
The former player, who is now a traditional ruler, stated that despite their sacrifice for the country, all they were given was a piece of ATL fabric and a salute from the late John Rawlings.
He told Kwabena Agyapong on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm’s Frontline that the fabric was not even sponsored by the country, but rather by the company.
He told the host that the late president told them that the country is financially disadvantaged and that they might be eligible for financial assistance.
He added that the only monetary benefit they received was the allowance they accumulated while at the tournament.
“JJ told us that Ghana didn’t have any money. So he saluted us. That was all we got for winning the cup in Libya.”
He also revealed that under former President John Dramani Mahama, they were told the state would give them 20,000 US dollars each, but when they finally received the money, it was less than 4,000 US dollars.
He also claimed that the fabric they were given was of poor quality and faded when exposed to water.
He stated that his mother was extremely disappointed with what he had received.
“My mother looked at the fabric, bowed her head, and said nothing.
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By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
