Appiah thanks SWAG for top award

- Will travel for Morocco friednly despite injury
Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has thanked the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for voting him as the Sportsman of Year.

The Turkey-based midfielder was voted ahead of his colleague John Mensah and Ignatius Gaisah for his immense contribution towards the successes of the national team last year.

The 26-year-old was instrumental as Ghana finished as the only country in the second round of the World Cup in Germany.

Despite carrying an ankle injury he continued to play for the national team in the first round of the African Cup of Nations in Egypt last year.

Appiah, who is undergoing heavy gym work to help him recuperate from an ankle injury, was unable to attend Saturday’s event on the advice of Fenerbahce doctors but his mother Comfort Afua Mortey received the coveted prize on his behalf.

“I am very happy that even though I was not in the country to receive the award myself, my mum was on hand to receive it,” Appiah said.

“To receive this top award which other great players like Abedi Pele and Anthony Yeboah received in the past means a lot to me.

“But I am must state that the award also belongs to all players of the Black Stars because the strides we made last year could not have been reached without them.

“Sports journalists themselves should also share in my joy because this role as observers played an important part in shaping up the team.

“Ghanaians both at home and abroad should also share in this because without their support, prayers and fasting we couldn’t have done what we did.

“I expect the media to continue monitor the progress of the team with keen interest to keep us on our toes.

“This will ensure that when we host the African Cup of Nations next year the trophy will stay home.”

Meanwhile, Appiah has revealed that even though he is yet to recover from the ankle injury he will travel to France for the Black Stars play Morocco no Saturday.

“My short journey from Turkey to France for Saturday’s game has been approved by my club officials,” he said.

“This is to continue the team-spirit building exercise which to help us mentally for the African Cup of Nations.”