PUMA and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Wednesday announced a multi-year extension of their partnership through to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A joint press statement by PUMA and the GFA released in Accra announced the deal during a special reception in Accra after the 2008 African Cup of Nations kicked off. The statement was signed by both PUMA CEO Jochen Zeitz and GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi. “Ghana was one of the most inspiring stories of the 2006 World Cup, capturing the world’s attention with their exciting style of play and passion for the game,” said Zeitz. “PUMA is proud to extend our partnership with them for many years to come and we wish The Black Stars the best of luck during the next three weeks in the African Cup on their home soil.” The Black Stars have been a dominant force on the African continent for the past half century, winning the African Cup of Nations four times (1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982) and finishing second on three occasions. They have previously hosted or co-hosted (with Nigeria) the African Cup on three occasions, winning twice as host in 1963 and 1978. In 2006, the team made its first-ever World Cup appearance, upsetting the Czech Republic and the United States in the group matches before losing to Brazil in a Round of 16 game in which Ghana controlled the pace of play for much of the first half. “We are proud to be partners with such a global brand that has made a commitment to football in both Ghana and the African continent on the whole,” said GFA President Nyantakyi. “PUMA has consistently delivered on its promise of support – and this is further evidence of PUMA’s confidence and commitment in their relationship with the Black Stars and Ghana Football.” As part of the partnership, PUMA has also helped secure a Mercedes-Benz bus for use by the National Team and will assist in construction of a turf training field for the Association. PUMA will be the Official Supplier of The Black Stars and all its associated teams including the Men’s ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘U21’, ‘U19’ and ‘Youth’ National Teams, as well as Women’s ‘A’, ‘U21’ and ‘Youth’ National Teams beyond the 2014 World Cup. In 1992, Ghana’s Olympic Team won the bronze medal at the Barcelona Olympics and, last year, Ghana’s Women’s National Team played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the third consecutive time.