<<Print>>

The Black Stars of Ghana are definitely not unaware of the threat they face in their group opponents for the upcoming World cup in South Africa 2010. In the wake of the draw for the world cup, there is yet another big task confronting Ghana in just a month�s time when the nation makes an attempt to reclaim the Nations Cup trophy which has proved elusive for almost three decades now. In both cases, Ghanaians seem to be so much interested in the world cup than the African Cup of Nations and there are reasons aplenty why no one can begrudge them for their huge curiosity for the greatest showpiece in the world. Even though hopes are high, current developments in the team give reason for concern and it�s about the rampant injuries to most of our players. Michael Essien has become the latest addition to the list of players bogged by injury. The midfield dynamo limped off the pitch as Chelsea drew two all with APOEL Nicosia at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League. The unpleasant incident looked as though it was a minor situation but the fact that he could not continue the game meant a lot to me in particular. I just pray the scan will reveal he can play soon as he will be needed at the Nations Cup in Angola . Let me say that though Essien�s day was blighted by the injury, his output was excellent as he netted an incredible goal for the Blues. You know what? The fitness level of our players is very important as teams like Cote d�Ivoire , Togo and Burkina Faso our group opponents for Angola 2010 cannot be overcome so easily even when full fitness is assured. I know other players sidelined by injury would definitely be back for the tournament in Angola but the timing is the most significant factor. Stephen Appiah�s hamstring injury might take a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of six weeks to recover but that of John Mensah remains unknown. Again I understand John Mensah could be back as soon as expected since his case is not as bad as being bandied around. It remains a headache whether these players will return to full fitness before the Nations Cup. That brings to mind the issue of what Coach Milovan Rajevac would want to attain in Angola . Seriously, I think the man needs to spell out his mission for Angola . Is he going for the trophy as a priority or he will be out there to build a team for the world cup? If he is concentrating on getting a winsome side for the World cup then I suggest he calls up players like Kelvin Boateng, Ransford Osei, Adiyiah, Agyemang Badu, Jonathan Mensah, Eric Bekoe, Dede Ayew, Lee Arday ,Stepehen Ahorlu etc and test their character if they can compete at the highest level. Sending the old guards to Angola will mean no time for the assessment of the new boys. Again, Dereck Boateng and Adu Sarpei are waiting for another time to prove they are not yet over and done with. Of course we have had so many players around who have not been extra ordinary. Ghanaians must not let the pride of being one of the giants of Africa blind them into thinking that the Black Stars should win every trophy that comes their way. Maybe we can risk the senior players at the Nations Cup and lose them before the world cup but I don�t think anybody would want such a thing to happen. As I said earlier, it all depends on the philosophy and ideals of the coach; let�s not forget, it�s not going to be Essien, Appiah and John Mensah always featuring for Ghana as things like injuries inevitably occur in football. Remember in 2006, Ghana fizzled out into thin air when the nation paraded a rough and ready squad for Egypt Nations Cup tournament with the outcome nothing to write home about. Mathew Amoah made sure Senegal were no match for Ghana but Nigeria and Zimbabwe beat Ghana so easily to dump us out of the tournament. This time around, indications are clear the problems of 2006 could rear their ugly heads if care is not taken. Michael Essien missed the Egypt tournament before the World Cup in Germany and he came under serious vilification with some labeling him as unpatriotic though the player was injured. The point being driven home here is simple, if the Black Stars is made a bonafide property of some players, then in situations when they genuinely cannot play for Ghana there is bound to be confusion. Don�t get me wrong, some players might also feign injury so as to avoid the national team in tournaments like the nations cup but I doubt if Essien and John Mensah could do such a thing. In the case of John Mensah he is even battling for position at Sunderland FC in England whilst Essien will always want to be key in Chelsea �s campaign home and abroad. What I mean to say is that the players are unwell and needs our prayers to be fit again. Stephen Appiah loves playing for Ghana and the latest setback will give him sleepless nights. Its unfortunate he is out again just at the time he was gearing up to make his debut for Bologna in the Serie �A� last weekend. It will interest you to know that Appiah is making positives strides on his way back to recovery. My only fear remains the fact that Bologna can falsify information on the player�s fitness just to keep him away from the Nations Cup. I know it sounds weird but you never can tell what people could do; Appiah himself has spoken and hopes to be okay soon but all will depend on what the Bologna doctors will say. Think about that. They just secured the authority from FIFA to start using him last week and Ghana want him for the Nations Cup. The injury was true anyway but how long will it take? Meanwhile, as I wish the players speedy recovery ahead of the Nations Cup and the World cup, the head coach Milovan Rajevac should start his preparation for the world cup as early as possible. His native Serbia have already started and interestingly have employed the services of former Nigeria , USA, Mexico and China coach Bora Milutinovic to help in scouting and spying on opponents for next year�s mundial. They believe he has a wealth of experience to help his country Serbia . Now hear this, Milovan Rajevac could chase Mario Balloteli Bawuah but must first receive tutorials from Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho if he expects anything positive from the 19 year old. The GFA must give coach Milovan all the support he deserves to deliver and like I always say, no task is insurmountable; just as we saw in Germany 2006 and conquered, breaking through to the second round, Australia, Serbia and Germany cannot stop us if we do the right thing. This time around, the Black Stars must look beyond the first round.