The Black Stars might have received all the commendations for their impressive round-of-16 place in their debut at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany.

However, the other driving force behind the team’s success, Gold Fields Ghana has been accorded recognition by the FA for their massive financial support to the team.

At a World Cup review session in Accra on Monday between members of the Ghana Football Association and the headline sponsors for the Black Stars, Gold Fields Ghana, the FA extended their gratitude to the mining company and asked the sponsors to continue with their involvement.

“I think it’s a huge marketing boost for Gold Fields Ghana,”

“I would encourage you to extend your association with the Black Stars,” said FA president, Kwesi Nyantakyi.

The Black Stars’ qualification turned Gold Fields Ghana into a real World Cup partner and the FA boss hopes the investment by the mining company has received substantial returns that would see them maintain the pact for the future as the country prepares to host the next African Cup of Nations.

“Our operations have shown that we are capable of bringing returns to your investment.

“As we head towards 2008, it is the expectation of all Ghanaians and the FA’s hope that Ghana will not only host the tournament but win it.

“We are not just making an appearance but winning it and then also qualify for the World Cup (2010),” Kwesi Nyantakyi said.

Recounting the past when funding for national teams was a rather difficult venture, the FA president explained that the support by the mining company has enhanced the operations of national teams as the FA continues to pursue prudent financial management.

“The FA has demonstrated a good sense of openness. We have ensured accountability, transparency and good governance.”

Representatives of the team’s major sponsor, Gold Fields Ghana aside paying glowing tribute to the team for the display at the World Cup also cleared lingering doubts in the minds of people about the disbursement of the funds.

“Up to date, Gold Fields Ghana is satisfied with the way the money has been spent,” Tony Aubynn, the company’s Director for Corporate Affairs told the media.

Looking to better times, Gold Fields Ghana says it believes the Black Stars are ready to win silverware.

“We’ve got what it takes to win.

“For Gold Fields Ghana, we would support whatever is possible to ensure that we (Ghana) win.”

The FA team led by its president Kwesi Nyantakyi, vice-president Fred Pappoe, general secretary Kofi Nsiah, Aloysius Denkabe, Jones Alhassan Abu and Nana Ntiri-Dankyi were joined by members of the Black Stars technical team at the function.

Goldfields Ghana gained the coveted title, headline sponsors of the Black Stars in April 2005 when they signed up to become the team’s official partner for $3 million for a 3 year period.

Close to $2 million dollars has been applied from the total package up to date.

The deal covers wide areas such as coaches salary, bonuses, team travels, per diem and capacity building for the Ghana Football Association.