Reds embark on African fact-finding mission

Waiting to greet them at Kotoka International airport were welcoming party from Ghanaian club side Ashantigold FC,including chief executive Kudjo Fianoo.

A representative group of the Ghana Branch of the Official Liverpool Supporters Club, made up of two executives and five members, were also present.

The Liverpool delegation, consisting of Stuart Gelling and Gareth Evans - who are both coaches at the Kirkby-based Academy, are in Ghana to take a look at Ashantigold, who are seeking collaboration with the Reds for the growth of their club and soccer academy.

Spokesman for the Liverpool group, Stuart Gelling, told reporters later that they were happy to be in Ghana on their first ever visit to Africa and looking forward to an exciting one-week stay.

"We hope to enjoy our stay and learn a great deal of Ghanaian football. We have come here with an open mind to have a look at Ashantigold and report back to Mr. Rick Parry who sent us," said Gelling.

"We will look out at players with the required standards for European football. Ashantigold approached Liverpool and requested our support. So why not give them a try?"

Officials of Ashanitigold, including Kudjo Fianoo and board chairman Dan Owiredu, travelled to Anfield last January to hold talks with Rick Parry and this visit by the Liverpool Academy technical staff is a follow up action.

In Ghana, Gelling and Evans will, apart from having some workouts with Ashantigold coaches and assessing the Ghanaian club, also watch Ashantigold play Feyenoord Academy in a specially arranged friendly game on Thursday or Friday.

In addition, they will visit some historical places in Ghana and tour one of the mines of the Obuasi-based Anglogold Ashanti, one of the world's biggest gold mining companies that owns Ashantoglod FC.

Before leaving Ghana next week Monday, they will attend a dinner by the Ghana Branch of the Official Liverpool Supporters Club.

Thanks to Aristo Dotse for his assistance with this article.