Appiah assures Ghanaians from Miami

Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah, has stated assured the nation that all possible measures are being adopted, to ensure that the Black Stars make history at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The coach gave the assurance at a ceremony held by flag-waving, singing and chanting Ghanaians that welcomed a contingent of players and officials of the Black Stars, led by the Ghana Football Associacian (GFA) boss Kwesi Nyantakyi, at the Miami International Airport last Sunday night to begin a training tour.

The Stars who started plunged into serious training yesterday afternoon, are in the USA for the final preparations for the 32-nation soccer extravaganza that kicks off June 12. They play South Korea in a friendly match on June 9 at the Miami Sun Life Stadium.

The contingent, including the final list of the 23 players for the World Cup, flew in from Amsterdam, where they lost not just a tune-up match 1-0 to fellow World Cup bound Holland, but also, saw the exit of key defender Jerry Akaminko through injury.

The defender who suffered a last minute ankle injury that ruled him out of the World Cup, flew in with the rest of the contingent to undergo further medical treatment.

Touching on the state of the team, coach Appiah said there were no other injuries adding the players were physically and mentally fit and in high spirits.

Throwing light on the match, the coach explained that it was a useful lesson in which the Stars did their best. H e said they twill correct their mistakes in the days ahead so as to be ready for all their Group G opponents, Germany and Portugal and the United States against whom Ghana play an opener June 16 in Natal. The team underwent training yesterday.

"We shall be ready for all out opponents and not just the Americans. The motivation in camp is very high, and we will live up to expectation in Brazil" assured coach Appiah to the welcoming delegation led by the President of the Ghana Association of South Florida Dr Edmund Abaka.

In brief remarks, the captain of the Stars Asamoah Gyan said the players were very happy to have seen Ghanaians come out to show them so much love and support by singing, chanting and waving the national flag. He said morale in camp was very high and they will live up to expectation.

On his part the GFA chairman said nothing is being left to chance to ensure the

that, Ghana makes history in Brazil, by becoming the first African country in World Cup history to advance to the last four.

He urged Ghanaians to come out in their numbers to support the Black Stars during their last friendly match against South Korea at the Miami Sun Light stadium on Monday, June 9.

He stated that the Black Stars will go all out to win the match to assure the nation of their readiness for Brazil 2014.

A number of activities have been line up for the Black Stars. On June 7 there will be a soccer clinic and on Sunday a picnic.

From : Prince Osei Bonsu and Samuel Kissiedu .Miami - Florida.