Two prominent former Black Stars players Stephen Appiah and Ibrahim Sunday have lauded the decision by the state to honour and recognize sportsmen who have excelled in their sporting disciplines.
Prominent sports events organizers, Primeval Media in partnership with the Ghana 60 Year on Committee, has launched a special Award scheme code named ‘Ghana’s Finest 22’.
A total of 55 footballers comprising of five players in each category will be shortlisted to 22 with the help of public voting
A selection committee which comprises of former Chairman of the Ghana Football Association Lepowura M. N.D Jawula, Kudjoe Fianoo, Karl Tuffour, Fiifi Banson and headed by veteran sports writer Ken Bediako composed the nominees.
Former Juventus player and captain of Black Stars Stephen Appiah echoed his thoughts on the ‘Ghana’s Finest 22’ awards.
“I think this time its about sports it’s not only football alone Alhaji Jawula said they talk about boxing, athletics and football but they are focusing more on the Black Stars and I think that people have served this country for years and they died for the country and its good for Ghanaian’s to honour them.”
In a sharp response to a question on whether the awards will bring a rift among players Appiah said, “People might get it wrong based on their understanding, but as they said some players played well for their club but in the Black Stars they didn’t perform as expected. I think that we are Ghanaians, it’s a celebration of people who have achieved a lot for the country, so any nominee who wins we have to be happy for that person.”
Former Werder Bremen and Asante Kotoko player and subsequent coach Ibrahim Sunday also expressed his thoughts on the initiative to recognize past hero’s.
“I think it’s something worth initiating because most at times sportsmen and women not only footballers, we use to meet together and think that it is only when you are active when Ghanaian’s know you, if you stop acting nobody knows you anymore.”
He further added that this initiative was very good because it will inspire the young to do more for their country.
The public can vote for their favorite players to the short code 1458 on all networks.
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