I'm still committed to the Black Stars cause - Baba Amando

Kumasi, May 14, GNA - Baba Adamu Amando, the Ghanaian international footballer has declared that despite the uncertainty that hangs over his inclusion in the final list of 23 players to represent the nation at the 2006 World Cup in Germany next month, he was still committed to the cause of the Black Stars.

"Whatever happens I will still lend my physical and spiritual support for a successful campaign by the Stars in their World Cup debut", he noted.

Amando gave the assurance at a press conference organized by the Authentic Sports Network, a Sports Management and consultancy Firm in Kumasi on Saturday.

The conference was necessitated by recent public outcry and agitations by fans of Amando over his exclusion from the final 23-man squad named by Coach Ratomir Dujkovic as the possible list of players to represent the Black Stars at the 2006 World Cup in Germany for tournament.

Amando, who declined to comment on his perceived strained relationship with skipper Stephen Appiah was however optimistic that he would eventually secure a place in the Stars' team as his name was still among the list of stand-by players.

He denied speculations that he was club-less and also reluctant to attend training programmes of the Black Stars, which contributed to his being left out of coach Dujkovic's plans.

There is no iota of truth in that speculation, he said, adding that, "I am an active player of Krylia Sovetou Football Club in Russia and had been playing for them regularly".

The Russian-based player, who declined to answer most questions posed by sports journalists who participated in the conference, cautioned that sports journalists should endeavour to be circumspect on their reportage for the development of Ghanaian football.

Amando commended his loyal fans for the deep concern they had shown since coach Dujkovic released the final list of players to participate in the World Cup.

Mr Listowel Yesu Bukarsson, Chief Executive Officer of Authentic Sports Network, lauded Amando for accepting to interact with the press to share his sentiments.