The Government has actualised its promise to the victorious Black Satellites team by presenting 23 Toyota saloon cars to 21 players and two officials at a ceremony at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.

Apart from the players, Coach Sellas Tetteh and the Chairman of the Satellites Committee, Jordan Anagbla, were also presented with keys to their cars by Youth and Sports Minister, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, while other members of the technical team had their GH¢5,000 promise upgraded to Kia Picanto saloon cars. The Picanto cars will be presented to the officials later.

Each player was presented with a bond certificate of GH¢10,000 that will yield up to GH¢163,000 within 15 years.

In addition, the players and their officials are to share over GH¢300,000 (GH¢187,000 plus $10,000) collected by the Oko Dzani Presentational Committee from the public in appreciation of the team’s effort as the first African country to win the World Youth Championship.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Madam Valerie Sawyerr, who announced the package, disclosed an insurance package to the team to be borne by the government and the State Insurance Company so that in the event of a calamity the affected person could earn up to GH¢100,000.

She urged the players to be ‘well-grounded gentlemen’ and be determined as a different squad with focus and vision.
The Deputy Chief of Staff cautioned against frivolous spending and reckless lifestyles that could render the gesture useless in future.

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, said the government’s gesture was unprecedented in the annals of Ghana football.

He predicted that the presentation would set the tone for excellence at “every level of our sports” and would accelerate the country’s sports development.

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee, Mr Oko Dzani said the ceremony was “to give transparency a better name”.
He commended the government for making real its promise and instilling confidence in the sporting public, thereby positioning the country to aspire higher.

Last Monday, the players and their officials were decorated in Abidjan by the Ivorian president, Laurent Gbagbo, who also presented a total $62,000 to them.

The Satellites beat Brazil 4-3 on penalties with 10 men after a barren scoreline in 120 minutes at the Cairo International Stadium on October 16 to become the first African country to win the World Under-20 tournament.

Source: Daily Graphic

Tags: fifa u20, ghana sports, reward, satellites