Princesses’ Aussie trip in limbo?
A scheduled trip to Australia today for Ghana’s Under-20 female football team, Black Princesses, to continue their preparations towards the upcoming Women's World Cup (WWC) could be in limbo as they have also been hit by the 'no money syndrome.' at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS).
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The Princesses will compete in the November 14 to December 3, FIFA Under-20 in Papua New Guinea and have planned to wrap their preparations with a two-week training tour in Australia but that plan looks threatened as there is no money for the team to travel with.
As at press time yesterday, the Princesses were frantically pleading with the the MOYS to give them the needed funds to enable them to travel as scheduled today, else they would incur more cost even before they set off.
However, indications are that, the MOYS could give at least part of the money needed to enable the team travel, as any change in travel date could attract some flight booking penalty.
A source at the Finance Office of the MOYS confirmed to the Graphic Sports that, though things were tight, an arrangement was being made to enable the Princesses travel as the ministry did not want any further backlash after a similar incident befell the female Under-17 side, the Black Maidens, when they went to the U-17 WWC in Jordan.
The chairman of the Princesses management committee, Nanabanyin Eyison, confirmed that the team had been given assurances that they could travel today, and said that could be a 'great relief' if they are able to go tonight.
" We have booked the flights which FIFA has paid for per our travelling itinery we provided, any change would attract penalties and also we have booked the accommodation facility in Australia, if we do not get there on schedule, we will also have to pay for the number of days, so it will be in our interest to go as scheduled.
" At least we have the assurance of the Minister that we will leave tonight, so we are optimistic and preparing to fly out tonight," Mr Eyison told the Graphic Sports.
The Princesses, coached by Masa Ud Didi Dramani, will be making their third appearance at the WWC and have been handed a rather tough Group C where they play France (Nov.14), USA (Nov.17) and New Zealand (Nov.21), in their bid to go past the group stage for the first time.
