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Soccer News of Friday, 12 June 2009

Source: GNA

Mills cautions Stars against complacency

Accra, June 12, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills has cautioned members of the senior national team, the Black Stars against any form of complacency as they prepare for their next World Cup qualifier against Sudan, on June 20.

Addressing the team at their training session at the El Wak Stadium in Accra, on Friday, President Mills said, "this is not the time for you to relax, but you should rather intensify your training to ensure a qualification to the World Cup".

President Mills also asked the players to put in their maximum best by sacrificing for the nation, adding that government will reciprocate their sacrifices in due time.

The President assured the players of the nation's fullest support as they seek honours for Ghana, saying he was also looking forward to a game between the Black Stars and Brazil at the World Cup, which he was sure the Stars would emerge victorious.

According to the President, he had gone into a bet with a Brazilian delegation, which visited him recently and was confident the Stars will do the nation proud by beating Brazil at the World Cup. John Mensah, deputy captain of the Black Stars assured the President of their determination to qualify for the World Cup. He said "We're ever prepared to make the nation proud and all that we need is your motivation and prayers."

The deputy captain said the victory of the Stars over Mali was a demonstration of their desire to make the second consecutive appearance at the World Cup and was confident the team will secure another victory in Sudan to enhance their chances of achieving their target.

The President was accompanied by Nii Nortey Dua, acting Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lantey Vanderpuije, Special Aid to the President, Mahama Ayariga - Presidential Spokesperson and other presidential staffers.

President Mills was met by Mr Kwesi Nyantakyie - President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), his vice Fred Pappoe, who doubles as head of the management team of the Black Stars, Kofi Nsiah, General Secretary of the GFA and other officials.

The Stars are expected to depart Accra on Saturday, June 13, for Kenya to round up preparations towards their game against Sudan.