SOUTH AFRICA HAPPY WITH TAMALE ... (Page 62)

Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale

The Head of Delegation of the South African team that is currently in Tamale for the Ghana 2008 tournament, Mr Mandla ‘Shoes’ Mazibuk, has observed that negative media publicity that sought to paint a gloomy picture about the metropolis prior to the team’s arrival in the area was unfounded.
“On the contrary, we are very happy about the kind of things we have seen here and the warm reception being accorded us by residents. In fact I can’t believe what I am seeing here in Tamale,” he further stated.
Mr Mazibuk made the remark during a reception organised for the officials of the four participating teams who are playing in Group D matches in the metropolis. They are, South Africa, Tunisia, Angola and Senegal.
The reception was organised by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) in collaboration with other stakeholders including the Director of the Institute for Policy Alternatives (IPA), Dr Sulley Gariba.
It was aimed, among other objectives, at promoting interaction among the teams and some key personalities and individuals in the metropolis. It also offered the visitors the opportunity to enjoy some musical performances by the indigenous people.
King Ayisoba, Sheriff Ghale, and the Yongo and Golb groups from the Upper East Region entertained the visitors with scintillating music.
Mr Mazibuk expressed optimism that residents would continue to accord the teams warm reception during and after the tournament.
The Senegalese Minister of Sports, Mr Issa N’baye Samb, said “what we are witnessing in Tamale bears testimony to the proverbial African hospitality”.
He noted that cordial relationship existed among all the participating teams. Mr N’baye Samb equally commended media practitioners covering the tournament for their immense role, adding that “you people are indispensable”.
He later donated a cheque for 10 million CFA (France) to sports journalists from Senegal to help facilitate their work.
Dr Gariba and the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Amin Adam, both noted that sporting events such as the Ghana 2008 tournament were critical to the exchange of ideas and economic revival among the participating countries.
“We want to assure you that you are at home and we would offer you the greatest sense of hospitality and friendliness,” he further stated.
The Chairman of the Tamale Venue Organising Committee (TVOC), Mr Bolina Saaka, for his part, hoped the foreigners would go back to their respective countries with fond memories of Tamale.