Government to announce attractive package for Satellites

Accra, Oct 19, GNA - Government is putting up a handsome and attractive package in appreciation of the performance of the Black Satellites, who pipped Brazil 4-3 on penalties to win the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.

The Satellites became the first African team win the trophy, and an appreciative President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday said the package would be commensurate to the enormity of their performance.

The President said the package would be announced at the appropriate time after due consultations with stakeholders.

He made the promise when the gallant Satellites formally presented the trophies they won at the tournament to him at the Osu Castle, in Accra. Apart from winning the trophy, Satellites' striker Dominic Adiyiah was crowned man of the tournament and the goal king which came with a golden ball and a golden boot.

President Mills said the victory of the Satellites showed that there was nothing that Ghanaians could not do, and urged the players to gird their loins to take over from their seniors, the Black Stars.

President Mills also expressed appreciation to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, for declaring national support for the Black Satellites, adding that the support and the presence of the African Diplomatic Corps of Ghana at the ceremony was an indication of that Africa was ready to unite. President Mills said the young men had shown that with determination, hardwork, singleness of purpose, selflessness and God's blessings, everything could be done.

He praised God for listening to the prayers for victory, saying "our prayers have been answered."

President Mills commended the Ghana Football Authority, the Management and Technical Team of the Satellites, technical team, management of supporters in Ghana and across Africa, and re-echoed that strength laid in unity.

Black Stars Skipper Andre Dede Ayew was appreciative of the arrival party last Saturday, and the appreciation the nation had shown to the victory.

"Today we have brought the whole world in Ghana, he said. The Chairman of the Ghana Football Association, Mr Kwesi Nyantekyi said the Government of Ghana's payment of the bonuses motivated the Satellites on to victory.

He said FIFA Report described the Ghanaian team as most disciplined in the tournament.