Umbro delivers first batch of jerseys to Stars

Accra, June 1, GNA - British sports kit manufacturing company Umbro, yet to finalize contractual agreement to clothe the senior national team, the Black Stars, has delivered the first batch of jerseys to the team ahead of the Africa Group Two World Cup qualifier against neighbouring Burkina Faso.

The preliminary sets, which arrived in the country on Tuesday, included four sets of jerseys - two yellow and two white with shorts and hoses to match -35 track suits, training bibs, 100 footballs, three sets of training jerseys, casual wear, travelling equipment (bags), football boots - hard stud and soft plus caps.

Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, a Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, who briefed the GNA Sports in Accra, said the arrival of the items was timely since they would liven up the spirits of the players to deliver. Goldfields Ghana Limited, new sponsors of the Black Stars, are also billed to make a cash presentation to the team in Kumasi on Thursday while government has devised an innovative system dubbed "Win Big and Take Big", which includes special packages to beef up whatever would come from the sponsors.

The idea, according Mr Amoah, is to ensure that Ghana won her remaining three matches to make its maiden World Cup appearance in Germany next year.

The Deputy Minister and some members of the Black Stars management committee leave Accra for Kumasi on Thursday to watch a practice match between the team and in-form Asante Kotoko.

The Minister of Education and Sports, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, is expected to join the team later on Saturday.

Ghana trails South Africa and minnows Cape Verde Islands who are on 12 points and 10 points respectively.

The Stars trek to Kenya after Sunday's game for a final brush-up before their crunch duel with South African in Cape Town. 01 June 05