Stars seek good start to Appiah's era

Ghana players are hopeful of getting Kwesi Appiah's era as head coach of the Black Stars off to a positive start as competition for places becomes keener.
The Black Stars have been training in Accra towards the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on June 1.
Kwesi Appiah, who has taken over the reins of the national team has received massive endorsement from his players ahead of his first official game.
“Kwesi Appiah is a good coach,” Dnipro FC midfielder, Derek Boateng commented when asked about the Black Stars coach. “We have worked with him for a long time, from when he was the team’s assistant coach.”
“Now he is the head coach, there is not much of a difference. What we as players have to do is to show discipline and hard work in training to support him.”
For Dominic Adiyiah, who is making a return to the team after missing out of the Black Stars squad that played at the 2012 African Cup of Nations, he has to justify Appiah's confidence in him.
“I know I would be a success as I can feel the trust of the coach which is paramount for every player to succeed.
“It wouldn’t be about who gets the chance to play but the success of the team is paramount. I would be thrilled to bang in the goals on my return to make it a memorable one,” said Adiyiah.
Adiyiah is certainly not the only member trying to impress. New members called up into the Black Stars, Ishmael Yartey and Christian Atsu hope to impress to register places on Kwesi Appiah's roster.
“I will do my best for the Black Stars what I have been doing for Servette and I will try to impress the coach so that I can stay with the team,” Yartey said.
Atsu added: “I am settling in well but I will take my time and work hard so I get more chance in the team.”
A winning start against Lesotho at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi will certainly get Appiah's reign off to a good start but for defender Samuel Inkoom, the role of the supporters will be crucial.
“The task ahead are big but we’re every determined to surmount it. We have a good team and we will pray that our dear Ghanaian soccer fans will continue to believe in us," Inkoom said.
Ghana, who have made two appearances at the World Cup will be aiming for a third-straight qualifying when the continental campaign starts for places in the finals to be hosted by Brazil in two years time.
The Black Stars will follow up on their opening match with an away clash against Africa champions, Zambia on June 9.