Sports Minister Hon. Mustapha Ussif charges GFA, clubs to reclaim lost glory in CAF club competitions
The lawmaker recalled the glorious days of Ghanaian clubs on the continent and charges the clubs to reminisce such performances again
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, has charged the Ghana Football Association and clubs in the local league to make conscious efforts to reclaim the country’s lost glory on the continent.
The lawmaker recalled the glorious days of Ghanaian clubs on the continent and charges the clubs to reminisce such performances again.
The minister made the call while addressing members of the football family during the 29th Ordinary Congress of the Ghana FA held in Kumasi on Monday.
“Our premier league clubs have lost their competitive edge, and it is time to reclaim our position among Africa’s best,” he charged.
The honest call of the minister could not have come at a better time following the poor show of Ghanaian giants – Kotoko and Hearts – in CAF club competitions last season.
The Porcupine Warriors were shockingly kicked out of the CAF Champions League at the preliminary stage by Burkinabe side Kadiogo at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
A 1-0 away win for the Porcupine Warriors was blown away by the Burkinabe side when the overturn the score line and kicked out the Ghanaian side on penalties.
Similarly, Hearts of Oak failed to make it out of the preliminary stage in the CAF Confederation Cup falling to Malian side AS Bamako.
The story for the two giants has been the same for almost a decade with none of them making it to the group stage of the continental competitions.
The worrying situation has compelled the Yagaba-Kubori MP to charge the Football Association and the clubs to double their efforts in reclaiming their lost glory on the continent.
“The FA, Club owners and key stakeholders must invest in all aspects of the game to attract more fans, fill our stadiums, and regain our prominence in African club competitions.
“Let us develop strategies to make our domestic league more attractive, competitive, and financially sustainable,” he added.
Ghana will be represented on the continent by Medeama SC and Dreams FC in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively next season, and many expect the story to be different from their predecessors.
