Ex-National goalie appeals for final support

Accra, May 9, GNA - Ex-national goalie Ali Jaraah has appealed to individuals and organisations for financial support to enable him to complete treatment at Cromwell Hospital, London.

Jaraah, who rose to stardom in 1993 after FIFA World Under-17 Soccer Tournament got paralysed afterwards and has since not returned to the pitch.

Narrating his situ ation to the GNA Sports, the former goalie said his inability to raise the required funds to complete his treatment has hampered his recovery.

Ali Jaraah said he has only a few months to respond to commence the next phase of his healing process but might not be able to undertake the treatment if he is not able to raise the funds for the medical exercise in the United Kindom.

The goalie, his present condition will witness a massive improvement and he stands the chance of returning to the pitch if he is able to undergo the treatment.

Jaraah, 1993 Sports Writers Association Most Exciting Player of the Year said, he is currently receiving support from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) but that alone cannot finance his medical treatments.

The former goalie and a role model to most young goalkeepers was an assistant trainer with his former club, Accra Hearts of Oak, but was relieved of his duties at the start of the 2006 soccer season. Jaraah, has for the past years been involved in training goalkeepers at a centre-- "Ali Jaraah Goalkeepers Academy". He takes credit for turning out goalkeepers like Liberty Professionals' Kotei Blankson and Laud Quartey of Accra Hearts of Oak. 10 May 06