Ghana beach soccer leagues end in grand style

West Africa's only double tier beach soccer leagues have come to a successful conclusion in the Ghanaian capital Accra. Following an afternoon of intense and exciting action, Keta Sunset Sports were crowned champions for the second year running with a 1-1 draw against East Legon Sharks.

It could have been a different story had nearest challengers Ada Assurance beaten Havedzi Mighty Warriors but they also drew 1-1 to fall out of contention for the 2012/2013 CAL Bank Beach Soccer league title.

In the presence of the Mantse of La (King), Dr. Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru III and the head of Cal Bank’s marketing department Mr. Kofi Siabi, the beach soccer teams put up scintillating performances to bring down the curtains on a very successful league season.

Other high profile guests and dignitaries who sat and marvelled at the spectacle were CEO of Kenpong Group, Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, Mr. Eric Nkansah of the National Sports Authority as well as Miss Sabina Aryee of the UNAIDS ‘’protect the goal’’ campaign.

Nungua United failed in their bid to retain their championship status as a hard earned draw 4-4 with Wuo Gb33 fell short of the result needed to beat the drop. East Legon Sharks continued their impressive five match unbeaten streak and earned an important point which confirmed their continued stay in the CAL Bank beach Soccer league.

In other games, Dansoman handed Layoca 4-0 drubbing while Teshie United further nailed the coffin for the already relegated Tegbi Youth by posting a 2-0 over them. Sunset Sports Captain Julius Cesar was adjudged the best player in the championship while Fredrick Kwevi annexed the same award in the division One.

Frontman of La based Wuo Gb33, Richard Osa finished Top goal Scorer for the second consecutive season with 24 goals.

Gulf powers were eventual Champions of the Division and qualified for the Championship beach Soccer next season alongside runners up Nima Bsc who missed the Title by inches.

Osu Dolphins and Chorkor Blue Whales finished bottom in the division one league and will make way for two new beach soccer teams next season. Winners went away with respective trophies cash prizes and assorted items from Multi Choice Ghana.

Meanwhile, the quick thinking and diplomacy of Ghana Beach Soccer officials prevented what could have been an ugly incident when the CEO of Keta Sunset Reuben Adjaho and his officials attempted to boycott the medal and trophy presentation that wrapped up the impressive Ghana Beach Soccer league.

Claims that his team should have been given a winning cheque of Gh5, 000 and not 2,500 were brushed aside and dismissed by GBSA officials as absurdity. According to the president of the GBSA, the Championship clubs had agreed to support Division One teams with half of the prize money. A position endorsed by the Manager of the La Beach Resort and executive member of GBSA Fred Afful.

''This is no matter that should even be discussed because as far back as last season, the GBSA agreed with the ten Championship teams to give half the prize money of Gh2,500 to division one clubs'' And according to Mr Afful, '' In any case, making such a flimsy protest in the presence of the La Mantse was totally disrespectful and primitive. The club officials in question would certainly be punished ''

In a major boost for beach soccer in Ghana, the Ghana Football Association has assured the GBSA of future partner support and partnership to help improve the game in the country.

Satellite TV giants DSTV, provided sports bags and paraphernalia for top performing players with assurances of a bigger input next season. As a show of his appreciation for the skills on display, the CEO of Kenpong rewarded the MVP of the Cal Bank Championship with a Blackberry z10 and an amount of 500.00gh as well as another 500.00gh for the MVP of the division.