The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has demanded that the Black Challenge account for donations the team has received since winning the 2024 African Amputee Football Cup of Nations. The team’s head coach, Richard Obeng, has reacted to this demand.
Richard Obeng clarified in an interview with Kumasi-based Akoma FM that the funds were used for a variety of team needs.
Obeng revealed that the team management had to set aside donations to meet other costs because the ministry only paid for plane tickets.
“The funds from the gifts have already been utilized. When we got back, we were in Accra as a team without any help. We spent the cash on lodging, hotel expenses, and return transportation.
“They gave us tickets, but that was the end of their help for us. We were maintenance-dependent on donations. The money has already been allocated for our maintenance, therefore we will give a thorough explanation of how it was utilized,” Obeng said.
Richard Obeng also took issue with the Sports Ministry’s disregard for the squad after their triumph.
“After winning the competition, we refrained from requesting charity donations. Upon arriving at the NSA, we inquired as to why no one was present to collect our prize. They told us they didn’t know we were back. They were aware of the date on our return tickets, so this was untrue,” he declared.
He also explained the purpose of the team’s visit to the Believers Worship Center’s Reverend Stephen Adom Kyei.
“We went to him since he purchased the jerseys we used for the competition. There were no jerseys on us. We came to express our appreciation,” explained Obeng.
Minister Ussif outlines his stance on gifts from outside sources.
Prior to interacting with outside parties, Ussif emphasized that the squad must coordinate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS).
If you succeed and there are issues that need to be resolved, this office [MoYS] should be contacted first. We won’t put up with you utilizing the government for your own benefit,” he said.
He fur
the team’s performance this year in contrast to last year was questioned by ther. “Unlike last year, when you landed and came here directly, this year you started going from one place to another without any documentation for the government that sponsored you, and that is unacceptable,” Ussif said.
The Black Challenge won their second consecutive AFCON title after defeating Morocco in the final.
