Former Black Stars captain André Ayew visited the Black Challenge, Ghana’s amputee team, on Tuesday and gave them financial support, the amount of which was not officially disclosed, less than three weeks before the World Cup in Mexico.
André “Dede” Ayew did not wait for the World Cup kick-off to put himself at the service of the Black Challenge. On Tuesday, the former Black Stars captain went to the training session of Ghana’s national amputee team at Ajax Park in Legon, Accra, according to Graphic Online. He brought financial support there, the amount of which was not officially disclosed.
The trip was not just about the chequebook. Ayew used crutches to test his footballing skills against the team’s goalkeeper in a penalty shootout. A way of putting himself on the level of a group preparing for the Amputee Football World Cup, from 13 to 22 November 2026 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, as GhanaWeb also reports.
“The gold medal will be better”
In front of the players, the brother of Jordan Ayew, the current Black Stars captain, delivered a simple message, mixing affection and ambition. “I am here to support you and to give you all the love and all the strength I can give you, and to wish you great luck. I hope you will bring us back a medal, but the gold medal will be better,” he said, according to Graphic Online.
He also passed on his brother’s wishes: “My little brother Jordan says he also wishes you good luck.”
Donations already well established
André Ayew’s support is part of a growing wave of solidarity around the Black Challenge. Last week, dancehall artist Stonebwoy had already donated 100,000 cedis after a visit to the team. The MP for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, for his part gave 10,000 cedis, plus water and refreshments.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, also put his hand in his pocket, to the tune of 50,000 cedis, while promising opportunities under the “Nkoko Nketenkete” programme. These gestures add to André Ayew’s.
Delayed visas and a global goal
Visa delays are disrupting the plans for a preparation camp in Turkey, according to Graphic Online, as the kick-off approaches.
On the pitch, the reigning African champions are targeting a first world title. Ghana will play in Group D, alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq, in a 24-nation tournament.