Allotey: Maidens Can Surprise The World

Augustus Abrahams Allotey, coach of the Black Maidens who have qualified for the maiden FIFA Under I7 World Cup believes his team can shock the world when they assemble in New Zealand. Speaking to the Statesports in Accra, he said the girls were nearly neglected and written of until they marshaled all forces to win their crucial games against Nigeria and Cameroun. "Infact no body expected us to qualify, but by the grace of God we have made it and now the whole nation is proud of us" he said. According to coach Allotey who played for Accra Great Olympic and other Nigerian clubs, Ghana is blessed with soccer talents and whether the person is a boy or girl and knows how to play football he or she should be encouraged. He noted that all had not been rough as the team has enjoyed their matches and the exposure gained in the international games. He appealed to the authorities to organise training tour for them so that they go out to learn about the skills and strategies of the advanced countries. He preferred that the Black Maidens be taken to either the United States or Europe (Germany, Sweden, Norway or England ), since they are well advanced in the women's game. Allotey expressed that motivation has not been the best and appealed to Ghanaians to come to their aid and present them with whatever a team needs in preparing for international games. Mercy Myles alias Ronaldiho, the captain of the Maidens was very optimistic when she said Ghana would be in the medal zone at the World Cup which takes place in New Zealand in October. I am very happy for what we have been able to achieve as one of Africa's representatives, and I am proud for leading the first girls team to the World Cup. New Zealand is very far, but we shall surely make it big. We are not going to New Zealand as tourists, but real footballers from Ghana, and we hope to follow the feats of the Starlets and Black Stars. Ghana would play in group two at the World Cup alongside Germany, Korea DRP, and a team from the CONCACAF region. The Black Maidens would play against Korea DRP on October 29 in Christchurch before facing Germany three days later and later play the CONCACAF representative at the event which starts on October 28 and ends on November I6, 2008