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Ghana to honor ex-Black Stars skipper

Xinhua, April 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

Ghana's Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ahmed has paid glowing tribute to former Black Stars Skipper Stephen Appiah for his contribution to the development of football in Ghana.

Speaking at an event to launch a testimonial match in honor of the Ghanaian international, Ahmed described him as a legend whose exploits as a footballer from club to the national team had been an inspiration to the entire Ghanaian youth and beyond.

He said Appiah, popularly known as 'Tornado', deserved to be celebrated because he was not just a footballer with great skills on the pitch but a leader as well, who was an inspiration to his team.

Appiah captained the Black Stars to its first ever FIFA World Cup in 2006 and also led the team to their second consecutive World Cup in 2010 and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

"His inspirational role in Ghana's first ever qualification to the FIFA world cup in Germany in 2006 remains fresh in our minds and we shall always remember him for his efforts," said Ahmed.

He called for total national support for the initiative.

Appiah said he had invited officials and some players of his former clubs in Europe and most of them were excited about the idea and ready to come down and take part in the testimonial game.

The testimonial game will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on June 27.

Stephen Appiah was capped 67 times for the Black Stars of which he managed to score 14 goals. Endite