体坛英语新闻：Ghana coach launches initiative to support retired players

ACCRA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The head coach of the Black Stars, Ghana's senior national men's soccer team, Kwesi Appiah on Thursday launched an initiative to support retired national footballers and other athletes.

Speaking at the inauguration of a five-member board of trustees for the 'Kwesi Appiah Foundation', the former Ghana skipper said he has dedicated a portion of his monthly salary to a fund set up solely to cater for the welfare of the ex-national stars.

"Today's inauguration of my board of trustees, the foundation begins a journey that I hope will change many lives," he said.

The standard of living of most Ghanaian retired players and athletes has been deplorable despite fighting hard to defend the flag of the country at international events with some winning laurels.

Critical to the losses that retired footballers face is finance because they don't make enough money after retirement which has led many to depression.

The deputy minister of youth and sports Pius Enam Hadzide applauded the Ghana coach for the initiative and called on the corporate world to support his objective of providing financial assistance, medical aid and skills development to these former players through his foundation.

Appiah was reappointed Black Stars coach in April this year after mutually parting ways with the Ghana Football Association in 2014 following an abysmal performance at the World Cup in Brazil.