Ghana's Black Stars opt for South African camping base

Ghana’s Black Stars look set to hold a training camp in the South African city of Nelspruit ahead of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010.

Nelspruit is the capital of the Mpumalanga province and is located in northeastern South Africa and lies about 100-Kilometers West of Mozambique.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in an interview with Cafonline.com said Nelspruit, one of the venues for the South Africa 2010 World Cup will probably be the Stars venue for preparation for the 27th edition of the continental showpiece soccer event.

Nyantakyi said the decision was yet to be firmed, but Nelspruit remains the strong choice.

“We are considering some venues in South Africa, and it will likely be Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga province.”

He explained that camping for the tournament will start 14-days ahead of the tournament as the foreign-based members of the team will be available at least two-weeks before the tournament.

“During the camping, we will engage in one or two friendly games to fine-tune our preparations.”

Despite being drawn in a tough all-West African group alongside Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Togo, Nyantakyi insists they have their sights on the ultimate.

“It’s a very difficult group and all the four teams are neighbours. I think it is the strongest group. Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire are the best teams, but you can’t underrate any team. In competitions like this, you underrate opponents at your own peril.”

The Stars will open their campaign against eastern neighbours, Togo on January 11 in Cabinda, face western neighbours Cote d’Ivoire at the same venue four days later before wrapping up against northern neighbours Burkina Faso in January 19 in Luanda.

The Black Stars settled for bronze as hosts of the last edition in 2008.

Source: CAF