Let's get strong local Black Stars - Gus

Obuasi (Ashanti Region) -- The Acting Managing Director of Obuasi Goldfields Sporting Club, Gus Kessie has stressed the need for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to work towards the formation of a formidable Black Stars centred on the local players.

In a New Year message, which touched on various aspects of soccer development in the country, Kessie said "there is the need to get a Black Stars of local standing but if we happen to get the seasoned professionals who can fit into the team within three days, then we count ourselves lucky".

The Acting Managing Director believes that in as much as football continues to be a team event, it is necessary the GFA have access to the players to work together before a match is played.

Touching on soccer violence, the Goldfields boss expressed grave concern about the behaviour of some soccer fans whose concern is to create confusion when the going gets tough for their idol clubs. "Football should bring us together, football is not violence and we all should do everything possible to ensure that this is achieved", he said.

Kessie advised club executives and other officials to be prepared to accept defeats, admit their weaknesses and be prepared to make amends adding, "the supporters listen to their leadership since the tail should not whack the head".

He suggested that soccer fans who have lived in particular localities should support clubs in those areas and that, "I think we will be given Hearts and Kotoko a run for their money and the best will come from Ghana."

Touching on the vision of Goldfields for the years ahead, the Acting Managing Director said the club's objective is to win the premier league, go to Africa to promote the club internationally.

"We are putting our house in order to give the Ghanaian soccer public the good football which they have been starved for years. We are employing everybody, especially true soccer fans, referees, match commissioners and observers to co-operate to ensure that this dream is realized", the Goldfields boss said.

Kessie said Goldfields intends to get its management structured not only to give support to the club's technical bench, and get problems quickly solved, but also maintain the club's position as the first premier club of professional status in Ghana.

On his part, Alhaji Mohammed Sannie Issah, National Chairman of Goldfields Supporters Union (SHAFT) called for good press-Goldfields relations to enhance the achievements of the objectives of the club. "This year, I want very good relations between the SHAFT and the media, both the print and the electronic since without the press, soccer cannot develop".

The National Supporters' Chairman emphasized that since Obuasi has a strong press corps, there is the need for Goldfields management and the supporters to relate well with them. He praised Sam Jonah and Gus Kessie for their hard-work and vision to promote soccer in the country adding, "I personally appreciate what they are doing in the sphere of soccer development".