Former President Jerry Rawlings has congratulated the national Under-20 soccer team, the Black Satellites for winning the FIFA World Youth Cup. In a statement issued moments after the Satellites won a nerve-racking tie against Brazil on penalties, former President Rawlings said the victory was achieved by dint of “sheer hard work”. “Throughout the tournament the Satellites have fought tooth and nail to defend Ghana’s honour and as the tournament progressed every Ghanaian was confident in their ability to lift the trophy. “Today they showed absolute resilience, a sense of dedication and the will to die for Ghana. With one man down after forty minutes our gallant Satellites were more charged than ever to prove a point and they made us so proud,” the former President said. President Rawlings said the wild jubilations that greeted the Satellites victory across the country and several parts of the continent once again go to show the unifying effect of sports and prayed that this victory will serve as a source of inspiration for Ghanaians from all walks of life and divides to eschew a sense of nationalism and patriotism. Our Satellites displayed an awe-inspiring sense of patriotism today and their actions are worthy of emulation. “Congratulations, Coach Sellas Tetteh and your boys for a wonderful tournament. You have made Ghana and Africa proud with your victory. The stage is now set for a wonderful World Cup in South Africa and example you have, the Black Stars can only do better,” President Rawlings concluded. Visit former President Rawlings’ blog site - http://jjrawlings.wordpress.com