the Black Bombers have bemoaned the lack of support from the Ministry
of Education, Science and Sports (MoESS) and the National Sports
Council (NSC) during its preparations for international competitions.
This, according to the boxers, makes them feel neglected by the
authorities and as a result affects their output at international
competitions.
Bastir Samir, captain of the Black Bombers made the complaint on
Friday when the team presented medals they won at the just ended
African Boxing Confederation (ABC) Zone III Championships in Abidjan,
Cote D'Ivoire to Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the NSC in Accra on Friday.
Ghana won seven medals made up of two gold, two silver and three
bronze at the event to place second behind Nigeria.Samir recounted the
difficulties they had to go through with regards to issues of
allowances and transportation in the build up to the Zonal
Championships.
"Sometimes, it's even hard to get water to drink after a hard
day's training and this easily kills our morale in camp."
Samir explained that most amateur boxers jump into the
professional ranks due to some of the problems they encounter at the
amateur divisions.
He gave the assurance that most of the boxers will be ready to
stay in the amateur division and win laurels for the nation if their
needs are met.Captain Samir also called for longer camping periods
ahead of championship events for the team, adding that it will go a
long way in helping them to build their fitness level to improve upon
their performance.
"Though there was no camping for the team before we left for Cote
D' Ivoire, we managed to win medals but I believe we would have done
better if the authorities had organized some form of camping for us".
The captain of the Black Bombers called on the authorities to
arrange regular training tours for the team to expose them to the
international scene, adding that training locally is not enough to
achieve any meaningful success.
"At international competitions, you meet experienced and
competent opponents who expose your mistakes and get you well prepared
for the challenges ahead".
Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, the CEO of the NSC congratulated the
boxers for their efforts and assured them of his outfit's support in
future championships.
He urged them to train harder to win more laurels for the nation
at the African Boxing Championships scheduled for Madagascar from May
13-24.
23 March 07
