TANO SOUTH DISTRICT PARTICIPATES IN UNDER - 14 SOCCER COMPETITIONS

As part of the activities marking the 50^th celebrations of the creation of Brong – Ahafo Region, an Under - 14 Soccer Tournament took place at the Sunyani Coronation Park on Saturday, 1^st August, 2009.

The competition involved four teams in the Sunyani Zone, comprising Tano North, Tano South, Sunyani Municipal and Sunyani West Districts. The tournament was on knock – out basis and the champion was expected to represent the zone at the finals where the champions from all the five zones will compete for the selection of a regional champion.

The Tano South District Planning Committee liaised with the sports organizer of the District GES (who is also the District Sports co-ordinator), in the selection of players for the Tano South under - 14 team.

In accordance with directives from the Regional B/A @ 50 Planning Secretariat, the boys were made to produce their Birth Certificates to authenticate their ages. Photocopies of the birth certificates as well as a group picture of the players and two coaches were sent to the National Sports Council at Sunyani to confirm our participation.

Some of the players were drawn from Techimantia, Derma, New Brosankro and Kwasu all in the Tano South District to strengthen the team. They were camped at the District capital Bechem for three (3) days (29^th, 30^th and 31^st July) for training before being sent to Sunyani Coronation Park on 1^st August, 2009 for the tournament.

The final vetting of the players saw, five (5) of the key players disqualified based on the fact that their stature and appearance showed they were over fourteen years. Tano South official’s protests and appeals that since the boys had been able to make the desired weight of the weighing they should be considered were totally rejected by the Sports Council Officials.

At the end of the game, Sunyani Municipal beat Tano South by two goals to one and Sunyani West also beat Tano North by 3 – 2. In the finals, Sunyani Municipal emerged winners by defeating Sunyani West 3 – 2.

Even though the Tano South District under 14 team were beaten by their opponents (Sunyani Municipal), the team was not disgraced. The boys played so well that they were adjudged the best team. However, luck eluded them, leading to their defeat in spite of scoring the first goal.

BARNIE K. AGYEMAN
DISTRICT INFO OFFICER