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Soccer News of Thursday, 11 September 2008

Source: GNA

'Milo' expects more from "big" boys

Accra, Sept 11, GNA - Ghana Black Stars head coach, Milovan Rajevac says he expects his senior players to be the defining factor when Ghana hosts Lesotho in the ultimate Group Five clash of the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.

Ghana must win convincingly to remain in contention for the next round berth and the Serb underscores the need for his influential players to lead the way.

'Milo' told GNA Sports in Accra "I expect the key players to prove why they are seen as influential in their big clubs.

"They must know that playing for the national team is a big pride and must give off 100 percent."

'Milo' who was unenthusiastic with the performance of some key players in his first competitive outing against Libya last week, said, "they must change their attitude."

The Serbian coach however praised the level of discipline in camp but said much has to be done tactically to achieve results. The trainer said the team was undone by less training time before the Tripoli slip but insisted it afforded him enough insight about the potentials of the players.

"That was our first time together and I made a lot of observations - positive and negative.

"I have a fair idea on what to do to build on the positives and produce results for the next round."

Coach Rajevac tasked the players to brace up for tougher times ahead insisting "there will be a lot of work after the Lesotho game because the next round will be much more difficult."

The Black Stars lacked shine and a sense of urgency against the Libyans and were lucky to have lost by a solitary goal. The coach told GNA Sports he relishes a speedy recovery for injured duo, Asamoah Gyan and John Mensah to beef up the team. "I wish they will recover soon so I may have the opportunity of assessing them in my desire to build a solid team."