The Ghana Football Association welcomed today’s decision by Johan Botha, new managing director of Gold Fields Ghana – headline sponsors of the Black Stars – to renew the existing sponsorship deal between the mining firm and the national team.

Johan Botha, who takes over the operations of the mining firm during his introduction to the Ghana Football Association expressed his company’s happiness with their partnership with the Black Stars brand.

With a deal worth a total of $4.5 million which elapses next year, the former head of the company’s Tarkwa mines said they would extend the deal prior to the World Cup to enable them continue their association with the Black Stars.

President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi in after receiving Johan Botha extolled the miners for their positive contribution towards the success story of the Black Stars at the last World Cup finals in Germany.

“We welcome your decision to renew the sponsorship beyond the World Cup.

“Gold Fields Ghana has played a key role in the Black Stars’ qualification to the World Cup and we hope with the African Cup of Nations coming up, the company would be part of our success story when we lift the trophy.

“Gold Fields Ghana is a sterling example for other corporate organisations. Your association with the Black Stars has marketed your company worldwide. The Black Stars has distinctly differentiated your brand. It’s now a household name when mentioned in football,” the FA President said.