Nation looking up to Stars to lift Ghana 2008 trophy - Kufuor

Accra, Dec. 31, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on the eve of the New Year reminded the senior national team, the Black Stars, of the task ahead of them, saying the whole nation was looking up to team to lift the coveted trophy.

"We pray and wish the Stars every success", he said in his traditional New Year address to the nation. President Kufuor said the country counted on the privileged players to conduct themselves in the true spirit of sportsmanship and high patriotism. "These same virtues should also guide the behaviour of the general public throughout the competition, even as we give unalloyed support to our team."

He said the country was expecting high patronage by visitors, including over a million football fans and tourists at the "Ghana 2008", which was only three weeks away. Besides, the event would attract global television coverage to expose the nation to the rest of the world. President Kufuor said it was therefore important to extend all due courtesies to the visitors to make their stay a happy one and the Tournament a success.

He said, with the construction of two new stadia and refurbishment of two others to the state of the art, the stage was set for what should be a successful soccer fiesta.