A statement by the IYSO says the non-profit is thrilled to be part of the effort to help the Ghana national soccer team, the Black Stars, make history for Ghanaians and Africans all over the world as they embark on their world cup campaign. The IYSO plans to seek sponsorship within the US and the Diaspora in support of the Black Stars.
Ghana’s Black Stars will be making its third consequetive appearance at the FIFA world cup this summer in Brazil. They are also the only African team to qualify to the quarter finals in the last FIFA world cup in South Africa 2010, an achievement fans of the team across the world highly believe could repeated if not bettered in Brazil.
The Black Stars will arrive in the United States in the first week of June as part of preparations to play their first international friendly match against South Korea in Miami Florida on June 9 at the Sunlight Stadium. Ghana fans in the USA say they are excited about the clash and opportunity to watch the pre-Brazil 2014 clash.
Samuel Kissiedu, an Orlando-based veteran Ghanaian sports journalist (formerly of the Graphic Sports) says in reference to Ghana playing in the country of their group 'G' opponent: “it is unusual to train in the backyard of your enemy before meeting them in a battle”.
Samuel, also the Florida coordinator for the IYSO believes the Black Stars’ playing in Miami demonstrates “their high level of confidence and readiness to match any side in Brazil”.
Florida has witnessed Ghana play back in 1996 when the national Olympic soccer team——Black Meteors——played Brazil in Miami and lost 4-2. Some Ghanaian soccer enthusiasts still have memories of that game as they look forward to watching the Ghana-South Korea friendly.
Ghanaians in Miami and across the USA have been encouraged by the IYSO to support the Black Stars as the non profit hopes to raise funds through this match and other activities as part of efforts to recruit a fan base for Ghana in the USA to go support the Black Stars in Brazil 2014.
The IYSO appreciated the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC for their assistance with making the world cup campaign for Ghana a positive one. Learn more about IYSO at their website http://www.goblackstars.org