Local Black Stars to commence preparations in November

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - The local components of the Black Stars are to commence preparations in November for the next edition of the Championship for Africa Nations (CHAN) in Sudan early next year. CHAN is scheduled for February 4-24, 2011 in Sudan and Ghana will be making her second successive appearance.

Over 60 locally based players are expected to justify their inclusion for a place in the final 23-man squad that will represent the nation at the competition. Ghana placed second in the maiden edition. Head coach of the team, Herbert Addo, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Sports said, preparations for the competition would start after the tenth week matches of the Glo Premiership. Coach Addo said he expected players on the local scene to be in perfect form by then, hence the decision to settle on early part of November for the commencement of camping.

The coach said he would be looking at a large number of players since he wanted to get the best for the national team, adding that he has over ten coaches monitoring players during each league match. Coach Addo, who doubles as head coach for Aduana Stars at the Premier League Division, said the team would have to go through a rigorous training regimen to prepare them adequately for the competition, since it is a high profile event.

He added that, a detailed proposal would be presented to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for consideration, saying it would include series of friendly matches both on the local and international scene. On the team's chances at the tournament, he said it would largely depend on their preparations.

"It will depend on the nature of prepara tions we put in before the competition. If we want the best, then we must put in the best efforts. "We have to play many high profile friendly matches to toughen up the boys for the tournament. Without this, it will be difficult to make the expected impact in Sudan," he concluded. 12 Oct. 10