Commentary on the Qualification to the World Cup

Ghana, the pride of Africa, has done it again.  The nation is still in an ecstatic mood following the sweet two – nil victory of the Senior National team, the Black Stars over their Sudanese counterparts to secure their ticket to the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa.  

The elation that gripped the whole country following the final whistle of the referee in yesterday's epic battle with Sudan shows how deeply Ghanaians love their football.  

The Black Stars deserve all the praise for their soccer artistry and finesse which have seen them winning all their group matches so far.  

With 12 points, seven more than their closest challengers Mali, there is no way the other Group 'D' contestants, be it Mali, Benin and Sudan could catch up with the Stars even if they lost their next two assignments, which of course is  impossible.  

It is too early yet to determine who will be joining Ghana to represent Africa in South Africa 2010, but whoever it turns out to be, we are hopeful they will be selling Africa's brand of soccer to the world.  

This is the second time the Black Stars would be playing in the World Cup.  The last time they participated in the tournament in Germany in 2006, they proved the cynics wrong as they sold quality African football which made top football nations like Brazil, Portugal, England, Argentina and Spain envy.  

The fact that they beat much fancied teams like US and Czechoslovakia and were only eliminated by a soccer giant like Brazil at the quarter final stage was quite a feat which they would hopefully build on as they make a triumphant entry into South Africa next year.  

The Coach, Milovan Rajevac, officials of the GFA and the team's Management Board must be walking chest out for making Ghana proud.  For Coach Milovan, he becomes the second Serbian after Ratomir Djukovic to qualify Ghana to the World Cup and this is quite significant.  

The GFA leadership must also be singled out for praise for securing two consecutive participation in the world tournament.  Since the 2010 World Cup is less than a year from now, it is hoped the team would continue to train hard to leave a lasting impression in South Africa.  

They must eschew complacency and exhibit discipline.  They must listen to what their handlers tell them and must not be “Mr. Know All”.  This is because pride and arrogance have been the bane of African football particularly for those players who ply their trade outside.  

Government must immediately launch operation South Africa 2010 aimed at mobilizing enough resources too propel the team to greater heights.  

The team must be well motivated to enable them to give off their best in South Africa.  Ghana will definitely be the cynosure of all eyes and the target of most teams and so we must be cautious.  

With the likes of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, the Kingston brothers and Captain Stephen Appiah still in top form, nothing must stop the Black Stars from going beyond the quarter finals.  

There is the need to strengthen the attack to make it very potent.  The technical bench should work on their shooting up front, to make them deliver the goods.  

It is enough pride that Africa is hosting the World Cup in 2010 but it will be a more remarkable greater achievement if the cup remains on the shores of Africa.  

Ghana provided leadership during the colonial struggle and it must be prepared to be the light to guide the continent's participating teams to prove their mettle at the tournament.

Let all Ghanaians put their political colours aside and support the Black Stars or any of the participating African teams to lift the World Cup trophy.   For only the best is good for Africa.  Whilst we doff our hats for the boys, let us together say “ayekoo”, they have indeed made Ghana proud.

By Justice Mingle, A Journalist