President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has urged the Black Princesses to remain focus and play as a unit as they embark on a journey to France.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku was at the Kotoka International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, July 27, to see off the Black Princesses who are set for a record sixth consecutive FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup and will continue their preparations in France before leaving for Costa Rica.
“It’s been many weeks of hard work, waiting, and you all dreaming about the vision to play at the highest level of football in your category. Now the waiting is over, it is now time to be very focused on the last leg. As you leave Ghana to France to continue the long journey to Costa Rica, I am sure it is a journey each one of you has been waiting for.
“From your individual clubs, you were picked to represent your country and now is the moment. We have been on this journey before as a country, but always exit at the group stage. But I believe we have a group of talented players who have the capacity to go beyond the group stage’’.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku urged the princesses to remain united and play as a unit because “when we stay and play as a unit, stay together and for each other, we are always strong. And I believe that in this tournament, beginning from the friendly against France, you will stay as a unit and encourage each other when it is tough because it will be tough”.
“But when it is tough, that is the right moment that you need each other. Communicate a lot more and for those of you with international exposure, take the lead and encourage your colleagues at all times.
“Encourage each other and know that it is possible because I believe we will make history. If you do your best as individuals, that will have a positive effect on the team. Play well in all your games as you never know who will be watching anytime you step foot on the pitch”.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku
GFA Pledges Gov’t support for the team
The GFA President further indicated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has been very supportive of “your journey which means the Government of Ghana is behind you. The Government will support you till you get to Costa Rica and hopefully win the trophy”.
On behalf of the Executive Council and all football loving fans and beyond, the GFA Boss wished the team the very best of luck.
“Have a safe journey to France and to Costa Rica, where the battle lines will be drawn and I am positive that you will do your best and show that we are Ghana. God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong”.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku
Kurt Simeon-Okraku also used the occasion to congratulate Captain of the side, Evelyn Badu, for her recent awards (Women Inter club player and Women young player of the year) at the just ended CAF awards, for making Ghana proud and encouraged her to lead the team to put up a good performance in Costa Rica.
He also congratulated Doris Boaduwaa on her nomination in the Women’s Young Player of the year category in the CAF awards
The Black Princesses will take on France on Friday, July 29, as part of preparations for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. The Princesses will play U.S.A in their opening game at the Estadio Alejandro Morera on August 11, before they take on the Netherlands and Japan in the other Group D matches at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
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