Ghana coach begins preparations for World Cup

Black Stars’ manager, Kwesi Appiah says he has began preparations for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, good six months to the tournament.

Appiah, the first indigenous coach to qualify Ghana to the quadrennial championship says he soon will begin monitoring his charges as he seeks to gather personnel for the tournament; the Black Stars’ third in succession.

He said “At the moment we have got some few injuries. I will visit those who have got injuries and then I keep monitoring everyone.

“I think our next friendly game is in March but before that we will keep an eye on everyone and make sure they are all in good shape.”

Ghana has been pitted alongside Germany, Portugal and the USA in Group G.

Ghana will be meeting USA trice in a roll at this level after victories at the Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010 editions while the face-off with Germany remains the second in succession following the group stage meeting at the last World Cup.

While Germany won the last group meeting in South Africa 2010 by a lone goal, the Portugal-Ghana clash is their first at this level.

Appiah was the assistant coach to Milovan Rajavac at the 20101 event and says “It’s nice to meet Germany whom we lost to in South Africa 2010 and also the US whom we beat in the round of 16.

“We are a better team now than in 2010 and I’m sure there will be a lot of surprises in this group. You have to term it the Group of Death, but as I said before the draw, once you are prepared to go to the World Cup, you must be prepared to face any team.”

Ghana remains Africa’s best performers at the last two editions of the World Cup.

Source: GNA