Stevanovic wants Stars out of holiday mode

Goran Stevanovic

GHana coach Goran Stevanovic is determined to get his players into the right frame of mind as preparations for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Congo heads into the home stretch.

Stevanovic has already taken his players through four sessions since they begun training at the Accra Sports Stadium, but they only moved into residential camping on Sunday and Stevanovic will have his full set of players on Tuesday morning when Kevin-Prince Boateng, Prince Tagoe and Andre Ayew are expected to report.

The Serbian is confident the arrangement will keep his players fresh, but tells KickOffGhana.com that the timing of the game worries him a bit.

“I have always said I don't like games at the end of June on the back of a long season,” he says. “Often players may be thinking about holidays, some will be thinking about where next they will play their club football and some will be tired after a long season.

“But it is my job to take care of all that and I have a group of players who I believe to all intents and purposes can respond well to the challenge.”

Part of Stevanovic's job will also be to ensure his players will not underestimate a Congolese side they beat 3-0 on the road in March to remain top of qualifying Group I on goal-difference ahead of Sudan.