Kwesi Nyantekyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is very optimistic about the Black Stars chances of getting to the medal zone of the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana TV Consortium for sponsors to come on board for television coverage of the World Cup at the La Palm Hotel in Accra, he said Ghana must certainly improve upon the last performance in South Africa 2010, which saw the Stars at the quarter final.
He noted that, if Ghana went to the second round in 2006 in Germany, then it follows logic that they must go to the semi finals, and if they are able to scale that hurdle, then Ghana would be the first African nation to lift the most prestigious FIFA World Cup.
He said the Black Stars are leaving no stone unturned and would prepare very well for the World Cup, as it is the biggest social event on earth and the best avenue to showcase the country and the top players.
“The Black Stars need the best preparations and we are going for the best training programme in Europe and America before going to Brazil on June 10, two days before kickoff,” he stressed.
According to Nyantakyi, Ghana will start camping from May 25 with matches against Montenegro on March 5 and Holland in Rotterdam on May 31.
He hinted that Ghana will continue the training and camping programme in the United States of America (USA) where the Black Stars will face two experienced World Cup nations, Costa Rica and Honduras.
“With these preparations, we hope to be in good shape and battle ready for the World Cup,” he assured.
Kwesi Nyantakyi acknowledged that Ghana is in the group of death as they have to qualify in a group made up of old rivals USA, Germany who are the second best team in the world with super stars like Ozil, Muller and Boateng, as well as Portugal led by Christian Rolando, the current FIFA Best Player of the world.
He said the Black Stars would camp in the city of Marceio to cut the problems of traveling long distances as Brazil has a vast span of land and the various stadia are apart.
He prayed that Ghanaians would show love for the Black Stars and offer them total support as football cannot be played and entertained without the fans.
“We need the prayers of all Ghanaians, pray for the Black stars,” he urged.
For the past 32 years, Ghana’s senior team have never won a trophy at international level. The last cup the Black Stars won was the African Nations Cup in 1982 in Libya.
They have, however, come very close like the just ended CHAN 2014 in South Africa where the local Black Stars were beaten 4-3 on penalties at the grand final after a goalless drawn game with Libya.
There are many people who believe the Black Stars have spiritual problems since they play very well, but are cup shy.
But Kwesi Nyantakyi believes there is a way, so far as Ghana moves on.
