GFA appeals for dedication

Ho, Sept. 25, GNA - Alhaji Yussif Adam Ibrahim, Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council on Wednesday called on coaches, referees and administrators of football to re-dedicate themselves to the course and promotion of the game to salvage it from the downward trend that has become its hallmark.

Alhaji Ibrahim said this at the presentation of certificates of merit to 58 coaches, referees and soccer administrators who distinguished themselves in the Volta Region in courses held recently in the region as part of phase-one of the GFA's Five-Year Development Plan (5-YFDP)

Alhaji Ibrahim blamed the dismal performance of football to lack of investment and sponsorship packages but hoped that the 5-YFDP would bring all stakeholders on board to reverse the downward trend. .. The Chairman urged the participants not to see the ceremony as one of those irrelevant talk shows but must endeavour to translate the lessons learnt into practical and positive terms to improve the game, noting that the highest asset of any country is its human resource development.

Alhaji Ibrahim advised coaches not to wait for ready-made players but nurture, train and develop such talents and "be proud of themselves."

He urged referees to demonstrate utmost decorum as the searchlight was now on them.

The Executive Council chairman said all Regional Football Associations (RFA) would be strengthened to play their roles effectively in the development the game.

He said the second phase of the 5-YFDP would be residential to give it the urgency and meaning it deserves, adding that substantial resources had been allocated for it.

Mr. Francis Dogbatse, Chairman of the RFA urged referees to be fair and firm in the interpretation of the laws that are "a necessary recipe for incident-free matches at match venues."

He appealed to club administrators to help protect referees from crowd molestation and manhandling, "no matter the level of provocation." "Let us not allow spectators to bring the game into disrepute, while the clubs face sanctions for their uncalled for attitude," he admonished. Mr. Dogbatse entreated all stakeholders to approach football in a more professional manner for the right results to be achieved. 25 Sept. 03