Rajevac upbeat over Stars chances

Milovan Rajevac

Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac is upbeat his injury-ravaged side will make a good impression in Nations Cup tourney which is only a week away.

He told KickoffGhana.com editor Michael Oti Adjei he is satisfied with the training regime in camp at the moment.

The Stars have bagged 15 goals in two training matches with second division sides in South Africa and look forward to an impressive outing on Tuesday when they play Malawi in an international friendly.

He is optimistic Kwadwo Asamoah will live up to the billing as a creative midfielder whose prowess led Ghana to a back-to-back victory against Mali and Sudan in the World Cup qualifier.

With Stephen Appiah, Laryea Kingston, John Mensah, John Paintsil out due to injury, Rajevac expects Chelsea's Michael Essien to lead the not too experienced side to stake a claim for the ultimate.

The Chelsea star is himself nursing a hamstring injury but is expected in the team's camp on Tuesday.

Eric Addo, who is easily one of the most experienced players in the side, in a separate interview played down the injury situation in camp.

He said there is the need to motivate the young players who have been drafted into the team following the injury situation to key players in the squad.

Addo reckons cultivating a better understanding with his new backline will be key to making any impression in the competition.

He has for years been paired with John Mensah in central defence and John Paintsil on the right.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyoyonline.com/Ghana