Bissue confident Satellites can defend U-20 title

Israel-based junior international James Bissue says the Black Satellites have what it takes to conquer the world and has expressed the desire and determination to help Ghana’s U-20 team to a successful defence at next month’s African championship in Libya.

Bissue knows all eyes will be on the Black Satellites as they undertake the unenviable task of defending the trophy Ghana won two years ago, but he has exclusively told *SportsInGhana.com* from his base in the Israeli city of Be’er Sheva that he and his teammates are good enough and will be up for the challenge.


“The tournament is still a long time away but I know we have a strong team that is good and can challenge. We know Ghanaians will accept nothing than we win the cup but we are not under any pressure, and trust me that we will be ready,” said Bissue who has featured consistently for the Satellites in the qualifiers.


The 19 year old joined Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Be’er Sheva, which currently lie 7th on the 16-team league table, from Sekondi Eleven Wise in the 2009/10 season. He has made 7 appearances this term for the club which also have four other Ghanaian players on their payroll but James Bissue is certain to switch clubs come the end of the season*. SportsInGhana.com* is reliably informed that clubs from Spain, Russia, Ukraine and even Israel itself have variously enquired about Bissue but the gifted playmaker doesn’t want to make a decision until the end of the season.

Instead, what is utmost on his mind at the moment is the African U-20 Championship in Libya next month where the Satellites of course are under pressure to hold on to the trophy their predecessors won two years ago not forgetting that Ghana are also the defending world champions. James Bissue remains cautiously optimistic.


“Well, let the time reach and let’s see what God can do for us in the tournament. Surely our dream is to defend the cup but it’s all about hard work and prayers,” he maintains.


The local component of the Black Satellites are meanwhile in camp training ahead of their departure to Spain on March 2nd to begin final preparations for the African U-20 tournament which kicks off in Tripoli on March 18th. The huge numbers of foreign based players including Bissue are expected to then join the team in the European country on March 3rd