Black Queens Intensify Preparations

The Women national soccer team, Black Queens, is to get busy as part of its preparation towards the Women version of the FIFA world cup slated for the People's Republic of China in September.

The Queens who have been in camp for eight weeks now would use the month of May to play friendly games and trial matches on both the local and international level. Among the line up games is the return encounter between the Queens and the Takoradi branch of the Association of Sports Broadcasters Association (ASBOG) on Thursday May 1.

The Queens who bowed 2-0 to ASBOG in their first encounter barely a week ago would be seeking to revenge before embarking upon series of similar assignments in some selected parts of the country.

The team was unable to honour an international friendly game in China on April 27, due to the outbreak of Severe Acquired Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in China. They are however likely to play South Africa and the United States of America as part of their international trials arranged to keep them in form.

Meanwhile, five foreign-based players plying their trade in the US have been invited by the handlers of the team to justify their inclusion. The five, Adjoa Bayor, Skipper Alberta Sackey, Basilea Amoah-Tetteh, Kulu Yahaya and Elisabeth Baido are expected in the country between now and July. A highly placed source has revealed that invitations have been extended to the five and they were waiting for the air fare, which would be provided by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Whiles Bayor who featured in the third edition of the African Women Tournament in Warri, Delta States of Nigeria and Yayaha are said to be through with their semester examinations, while skipper Sackey, the utility star, Baido and Amoa-Tetteh are expected to join the team later.

This is the first time the professionals would be vying for a place in the team as automatic entry is no longer allowed in the selection of the team. There are 24 players in camp presently but this number would be pruned down to 18 before the competition in September 23.