Yussif Basigi on reception, weather condition in Colombia and build up to FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Transcript
Head Coach of the Black Princesses, Yussif Basigi gives updates on the team, having arrived in Colombia on Thursday, August 15 ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
In this interview with ghanafa.org, Basigi speaks about the great reception at the Airport, the weather condition and the massive support from the Government and the Ghana Football Association.
Read on for the full transcript: .
On the great reception on arrival
When we came for the draw few months ago, they assured us we will enjoy the World Cup in Colombia. Our arrival was clear indication that we will enjoy it because we were warmly welcomed and entertained by the Policia at the airport so it means the town folks will make us enjoy the tournament.
On the weather
To the Colombians, they will say the weather is normal but to us it’s quite cold, not too cold but manageable.
On first few days of training
The altitude here is not friendly so after a long journey, we didn’t do intensive training and it was a shakeup session and we will gradually acclimatize. It’s good we came early to adapt to the timelines as well. Gradually, we will go on high intensity.
On support from Government and the Ghana Football Association
I would like to say a very big thank you to the Government and the Football Association for bringing us here in time to acclimatize with the weather conditions especially the altitude. We are very grateful for all that they do for us and we are going to reciprocate. They have organized two high profile international friendly matches for us which will prepare us very well and inform us the level we have gotten to and where we should get to.
On the need for support
Ghanaians are our fans and always behind us in prayers and in support and this is no different. They did it for us in Cape Coast and this time we are expecting it to be massive. They should keep supporting us to get to the highest heights.
The Black Princesses will open their campaign against Austria on September 2 before taking on Japan and New Zealand in the other group E matches.
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