LFC in Ghana: 'Our fans are the best'
10th Apr 2012 - Latest News
"If you see a Liverpool fan in Ghana then they're a proper football fan, full of passion for the club and its history!"
So says Leslie Nsakie-Kassim, President of the Ghana branch of the Official Liverpool Supporters Club, who insists that even though the Reds aren't at the top of the footballing tree right now, the dedication of the club's fans in this particular corner of the world remains total.
Manchester United may have a large fan base within the west African country due to their recent successes and Chelsea may be able to boast Ghanaian hero Michael Essien in their ranks, but according to Kassim the Reds are still the number one.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv 24 hours before the club's team of community coaches join Kop legend Ian Rush in a series of soccer clinics in association with main sponsors Standard Chartered in a bid to help improve the game at grass roots level, Kassim insists backing for the Reds in Ghana will always be unconditional.
"Liverpool has a lot of fans in Ghana, with up to 200 in our official supporters club," he said. "I suppose over the last couple of years we've been on the wrong end of the banter from opposition fans because we haven't done so well, but if you see a Liverpool fan over here then you are seeing a proper football supporter, not somebody who has just picked a team because they are winning or because of a particular player.
"Our supporters club has over 200 members and we always get together to watch the games. The atmosphere is always really exciting because we all love the club so much. We will all be here on Tuesday night for the game with Blackburn and then of course on Saturday for the FA Cup semi-final against Everton.
"It has been a disappointing season in the league so far, but in King Kenny we trust. I think we have to take this season as a rebuilding season, regroup and then come back to the Liverpool we all know. I think the football has been fantastic at times this season, but the results haven't always been there.
"It would be great if we could get back to where we were so we could shut up some of the fans of other clubs over here who have been getting on our case of late because our results haven't always been the best. But we will be with the club for ever. We're not going to change just because someone else wins or just because a player we know well signs for another club, Liverpool is our life and that's the way it should be."
Ghana welcomed Ian Rush on Monday evening as the former Reds' striker jetted into the capital Accra ahead of a three day schedule packed full of soccer clinics, media interviews and other specially arranged visits.
"It's amazing to have Ian Rush in our country," added Kassim. "When we heard on the radio he was coming over the feeling was just something else. He is a real legend and we can't wait to see him over here. It's massive for Ghana.
"Hopefully this is going to be a great week for us all, with Ian Rush being here and two victories against Blackburn and Everton.
"If we win the semi-final then I think it'll be the same as when we won the Carling Cup final, with the party in our local bar going on for hours after the end of the game. That's what supporting Liverpool is all about, enjoying great moments and memories with fellow fans."
Liverpoolfc.tv are with Ian Rush every step of the way in Ghana over the next few days, so make sure you stay logged on for all the latest updates.
No comments:
Post a Comment