Ampofo Ankrah (2nd R) in a hand shake with Hilal before presenting the plaque. With them are coach Akenteng and other officials
FIFA Instructor Talib Hilal has highly praised officials of Ghana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA) for their professional way of running the young association.
The association, headed by Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, started operating a few  years ago but has successfully ended its maiden Premier and Division One Leagues sponsored by CAL Bank Ghana Limited.
Hilal, also the national Beach soccer team coach of his country, Oman, has been in Ghana since last Friday for a FIFA course for beach soccer coaches.
The five day coaching course began last Sunday and it is expected to end tomorrow at the Ghanaman Soccer of Excellence in Prampram.
About 25 coaches took part in the FIFA organized course Hilal facilitated, having conducted same in Uganda and Yemen in recent years.
“Ghana is really picking up in beach soccer per your achievements despite the fact that it is a new Association. This course will equip the coaches with the needed technical knowledge to impart to their respective clubs,” he said in an interview.
He revealed that the emergence of Ghana in beach soccer will pose a challenge to Nigeria, saying, “Nigeria always qualify for the World Cup because they have no competitor. But from what I have seen and heard from you, I wouldn’t be surprised if you overtake Nigeria soon.”
The 2008 Asian maiden Beach Soccer Games winner urged officials of the Association to keep up their good works in order to attract the attention of the international community.
Talib, after guiding Oman to win the maiden edition, managed a second position when Oman hosted the second edition in 2010.
Two years on in China, Oman lost in the semis. He qualified them for the World Cup in Italy in 2011 but they were eliminated in the first round.
It was Ghana Football Association (GFA)’s technical director coach Francis Oti Akenteng, who put in the request for the coaching course and was supported by the FA.
As custom demands, president of GBSA Ampofo Ankrah in the company of Coach Akenteng and other officials presented a plaque and scarf to the FIFA instructor before the course.
Meanwhile, the Association will meet on August 18 for its second congress to usher in the 2012/13 season.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum
