Maxwell Kpeglo, Head Coach of the Ghana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA) believes Ghana will shine in the new discipline in a few years to come.
Speaking to your truly at his residence in Ada, the Technical Director of Ada Assurance said Beach Soccer is a new sport in Ghana and it was good that the nation participated in the African Beach Soccer Qualifiers towards the FIFA World Cup to be staged in Tahiti in September this year.
He noted that though Ghana lost all her matches, 2-9 to host nation, Morocco, 3-11 to eventual winners, Senegal and 3-10 to Madagascar, it was an eye opener and many lessons have been learnt from the event.
The Masters Degree in Physical Education said Ghana is blessed with sports talents and it was very good that some players and officials went to Morocco to represent and know much about the game.
According to him, the players did their best, but the cold weather was a big problem that some of them who had not travelled before could not cope with. He stressed that the sand was also different from that of Ghana, whilst the tactical play changed because a Portuguese coach was contracted to help Ghana and communication was a problem.
“At least, we did our best, we went, we saw, we did not qualify, but we have learnt much and when we train harder and play more friendly matches, we shall qualify for the next World Cup” he said.
He congratulated the President of the GBSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah for making sure Ghana was represented and also the Minister of Youth and Sports for supporting the trip as well as CAL Bank, the major sponsor of Beach Soccer in Ghana.
He hinted that Beach Soccer is an attractive sport that can bring more tourist to Ghana if it is planned well.
“Morocco organized a great event and we have seen what they did. We can also do the same or better if the government and corporate bodies come together to help the game” he added.
The GBSA was established in 2007 after series of Media Games to create awareness. Ghana is the only country in West Africa that organize a Beach soccer League that is sponsored.
Some of the clubs participating are Ada Assurance, Keta SunSet, Dansoman, Chorkor Blue Whales, Gulf Powers, Nungua, East Legon Sharks, African Angels and Tegbie Youth.
Others are Havedzi, Nima, Senya Breku Sharks, Layoca, Wuo Gbee, Osu Dolphins, James Town Octopus, Cape Coast,Warriors, Winneba Giants and Golden Eagles.
