There was joy within the playing body of the Black Satellites yesterday as they received their first payment � qualification bonus of $9,000 each � as they managed to squeeze through to the 1/16th stage of the ongoing U-20 World Cup.
The Satellites qualified as one of four best third-placed sides after the final group match last Saturday night, having beaten USA 4-1 last Wednesday to finish behind Spain and France in Group A.
The players were handed their bonuses a day after qualification was made certain by Egypt�s 2-0 win over England in a Group F clash.
Although the qualification bonus pales into insignificance compared with that of the Black Stars, who received $25,000 as qualification bonus at the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, there was a rejuvenation of spirits in their camp when the monies were finally paid to them in cash.
Indeed, prior to the divine intervention last Saturday night, there were fears among the players that they would return home from the tournament without any financial reward.
The Chairman of the Black Satellites Management Committee, George Afriyie, had told, Graphic Sports that the monies were ready for the team if they qualified for the next round, saying without qualification, there wasn't going to be any payment.
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