Appiah's blog: 4-nation tourney and StepApp launch

I know you will be surprised to learn that I am writing this week’s update from Italy. Yes that’s the truth. I arrived in Turin this morning from Istanbul after yesterday’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kayserispor in the Turkish league. It was an interesting game and to have contributed by setting up Senturk for the opening goal was something special for me. But the red card to Edu made things difficult for us which contributed to the defeat in some way. To the fans of the club, we want them to know that we were equally not happy with the outcome of the match and we promise to work harder to achieve better results for the club.

I came to Turin because my wife and kids still live in this Italian city. I wanted to visit them before I head off to Accra for the international break. My visit here could spark off fresh speculation about me moving to an Italian club. But I am here just to see my wife and three boys who are still in school in this country and also play with the junior team of Juventus.


I will arrive in Accra on Tuesday night with two things on my mind. The first is that I will be playing with my national team colleagues for the first time since the friendly against Nigeria in February. I hope we can win the four-nation tournament to help build up confidence ahead of the 2008 African Cup of Nations.


The second thing is that my clothing line StepApp will be launched in Accra on Monday 19 November. This project is very dear to my heart because personally it fulfils my desire of helping the underprivileged people in Ghana and elsewhere across Africa. I come from a very poor family and I thank God that he gave me the talent to play football. In the past I have used money gained from football to help the needy and most of it has gone unnoticed or unannounced.


Now I want to use that talent to generate more money to support this foundation by expanding it to touch the lives of many needy people. That’s why I have used my passion for fashion to design clothes myself for the fans and part of the proceeds can go into this foundation. I need you the fans to support this range of products I will be introducing so that together, we can help those people who are less privileged.


The StepApp team in London, Turkey, Portugal and Italy have already arrived in Accra to make sure that the work is done. To the team I have noted your good work and sleepless nights particularly Akosua, Eby, Korkor, Kweku, Mike and the guys working on the documentary. I am very grateful that you guys have pulled this project together.

I will answer some of the questions you sent me on my flight to Ghana and will answer the rest whilst I am in Accra. Please visit the website for regular updates from the national team and also updates on the launch.


This week’s plaudits will go to Sadat Bukari and Moussa Narry for winning the African Champions League with their Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel after beating the great Egpytian club El Ahly. Congratulations guys!


I have already been informed that clubs from Europe are chasing these two Ghanaian players and I hope they achieve all their dreams.Also the Black Meteors are playing Nigeria. I pray we beat them and qualify for the Olympic Games in China next year.


Once again don’t forget about the StepApp brand coming out next week to help support people in need.


Its StepApp time!