GHALCA Boss To Bow Out

The Chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association has confirmed that he will not be seeking re-election when the association goes to Congress next month ahead of the Ghana Football Association Congress.

Speaking to the Soccer Express yesterday, Appiah said he publicly declared he would not seek re-election two years ago and he still stands by his words.

Asked why he would be bowing out at a time when the association was on the throes of greater achievements like the proposed, Professional Football League, Appiah said he had paid his dues to GHALCA and wanted others to have the opportunity to run the association.

"There are younger members out there who have the potential and they need to be given the opportunity to prove their worth. After two three-year terms I need to sit back and concentrate on my business and farming," Appiah said.

The outgoing GHALCA Chairman noted that the position was a sacrificial one that required 60 per cent of his precious time and the use of most of his private utilities like telephones, office equipment and even his private vehicle and he needed a break.

Asked if there was nothing to regret about his stewardship, Appiah said he was very unhappy about the faceless elements of negativity in the soccer environment who frown upon every new idea and said that attitude was detrimental to the development of the game.

"Whoever takes over from me has to be uncompromisingly honest, hardworking and conscientious as the job is demanding."

On the just-ended Top Four competition, Appiah confirmed that plans were far advanced to fly the winner and runner up to South Africa and earlier advertised. "I am travelling to South Africa early next month to finalise the deal," he disclosed.