Ho, June 2, GNA - Chairman of Volta Regional Football Association, Mr Francis Dogbatse has described the Black Stars 1-4 defeat to the Oranje Boys of the Netherlands as a good omen for the team ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.

Mr Dogbatse said even though the score line was "too scary", such a result would make the technical handlers and the entire team to sit up before the tournament kicks off.

The Regional Chairman of the FA who was speaking to the GNA Sports in Ho, said he was optimistic that the Black Stars would go beyond the group stage at the World Cup and urged the populace to remain hopeful of the team. "We know the Stars to be slow starters so this defeat should be expected and there must be no cause for alarm," Mr Dogbatse said. Mr Dogbatse noted that the players appeared to be cautious in order to avoid injuries and did not play according to the tactics of the coach but was hopeful the team would be more purposeful in the next friendly match against Latvia on Saturday, June 5.

Meanwhile, some football fans in the Ho Metropolis have expressed mixed feelings about the performance of the team. Ms Felicia Dorcas Akuaku, a former footballer and an ardent supporter of the defunct Voradep Football Club in Ho said she was not sure of the chances of the team going beyond the group stage because there was no urgency and connectivity in their game plan.

She said in the mean time her spirit is down but pray that the team would pick the pieces and put up a splendid performance at the World Cup. Mr John Dzotsi, a fan of the Black Stars said the team need to work on its defence and play aggressively to achieve success. 02 June 10