Black Stars could be champions - Obodai

Former Liberty Professionals midfielder and RKC Waalwijk footballer, Anthony Obodai says the Black Stars, given their recent feat, could be the champions at the CAN 2008 Soccer Tournament next year.

In a chat with *Sunday World*, the talented footballer who played in the 2001 World Youth Championship and FIFA/JVC Under-17 World Cup in 1999 for Ghana alongside Raza Pimpong, Michael Essien and Bernard Dong Bortey, appeared fit for a fresh start of the second part of the season at his present club, RKC Waalwijk.

"The Black Stars with the likes of Essien will do very well in CAN 2008" he said.

Early this year, Obodai signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Dutch's first division team RKC Waalwijk which expires in June 2010.

Anthony indicates he would be glad to play for the Black Stars whenever he is called to make his country proud, "I wish to play for the Black Stars anytime".

He featured in Ghana's friendly matches with Saudi Arabia and Rennes in France.

He was groomed under Manager Sly Tetteh of Liberty Professionals from where he moved to Ajax Amsterdam. He appeared 32 times for the club before he was loaned to Sparta Rotterdam for barely two seasons.

His fallout with Coach Wiljan Vloet on the training grounds dwindled his desire to remain at Sparta Rotterdam where he was captain. He appeared in 47 games since moving from rivals Ajax in 2005.

The 25-year old defensive midfielder who is in the country for a one month vacation is ready to undo his lapses and stage exceptional performance when back to his club.