Radical measures to transform Black Stars

Accra, Feb. 13, GNA - The Ministry of Education and Sports has described as heart breaking, the performance of the Black Stars at the Egypt Cup of Nations and have in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) initiated some radical measures to change the fortunes of the team at the summer World Cup.

A team from the ministry led by Mr Yaw Osafo-Marfo, the sector Minister, had a brainstorming session with members of the GFA headed by Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, its president, where the Minister was unequivocal on the Stars' disappointing outing.

Eight-point radical measures were agreed by the parties to help lift the gloom over the Stars before the World Cup in Germany 2006. The GNA Sports source at the meeting held last Friday, said as a first step, the Black Stars Management Committee, chaired by Fred Pappoe is to be reconstituted.

The Committee is presently made up just two officials and with the enormity of the task ahead the source said the number might be increased.

Coach Ratomir Djukovic has been directed to submit a paper justifying his criteria on player selection while the GFA is to review its decision on jersey colours.

The Black Stars trainer and the Management Committee are to submit their training programmes within weeks for ratification.

Also agreed were the reconstitution of the technical team and the strengthening of the medical team.

A new policy was also affirmed. And beginning this June, the Black Stars would not share the same hotel with other competing teams at tournaments; rather, the team would pitch camp at a different location even at an extra cost.

The idea is to give the boys enough concentration and make them well tuned-up for matches. It is also to ensure discipline and security in camp.

The new measures were corroborated by an earlier recommendation presented by Mr Pappoe, which included the need to play more high-profile friendly matches before the mundial. A protocol arrangement between the ministry and the GFA was also agreed.