Memory Lane Fiesta to rekindle past virtues - Ben Koufie

Accra, Nov 16, GNA - Ben Koufie, a former chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and a member of the planning committee of the President's Memory Lane Sports Fiesta said the institution of the competition would rekindle the virtues that were associated with the national football league in the past.

He said unlike what pertains now, the rivalry that existed between traditional clubs which would be renewed at the Memory Lane Competition was healthy, devoid of acrimony and violence that had characterised the league in recent times.

"It will be sentimental and very good for the country as it will take the mind back to reflect on the past, to imagine what one did in the past and what he is doing now."

He said apart from redirecting the orientation of the youth to the peaceful but arch rivalry that existed among clubs in the past, the competition would also create opportunities for old timers to talk about the past for the historical benefit of the youth.

Ben Koufie said the only semblance that existed between the olden days league and the modern one was the euphoric atmosphere at the pitches and match venues, adding that unlike now, there were no protests in the past to generate tension among supporters, leading to tragedies. The inaugural President's Memory Lane Sports Fiesta gets underway on December 18 at all regional capitals and some habitual soccer towns with clashes, mainly derbies, between Ghana's traditional clubs. In Accra, the Wonder Club of Ghana Soccer, Accra Great Olympics will sort things out with dethroned premiership champions, Accra Hearts of Oak, while newly crowned champions Asante Kotoko slug it out with Kumasi Cornerstones, the former 'spoilers' of Ghana football. At Obuasi, Adansiman will cross swords with Ashantigold as Hotspurs tackle Soccer Millionaires at Kade and Okwawu United tangle Maxbees at Nkawkaw.

At Koforidua, audacious Abuakwa Susubiribi will host Tafo Rovers and Arsenals will engage Hammers at Berekum.

Tano Bofoakwa will have an interesting occasion with 'the apostles of power soccer,' Brong Ahafo United, while Dwarfs meet Venomous Vipers at the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium at Cape Coast.

Other matches include All Blacks versus Agona Fankobah at Swedru, Hasaacas versus Eleven Wise at Takoradi and Mine Stars versus Real Tarkwa United.

In Tamale, Savanna Stars will lock horns with Real Tamale United, Catholic Stars will engage Upper Stars at Bolga, while Mighty Eagles host Vivacious Kpando Mulpo at Ho and Wa United clash with Numbo United at Wa.