Stars Can Make It- Former Skipper

A FORMER skipper of the Black Satellites, Ransford Banini is optimistic Ghana's Black Stars could qualify from the group-stages of the impending Germany 2006 World Cup tourney.

"If the Stars exhibited their unity, determination, and focus on the tournament, they would spring surprises, in Germany," Banini told Guide Sports, in exclusive interview in Melbourne, Australia.

He added: "Having qualified from a tough group during the qualifying series of the CAN 2006/Germany 2006 World Cup finals, I believe the Stars are capable of battling it out, with their World Cup opponents."

However, the former Ghanaian international, who now lives in Australia, cautioned that, should pomposity and muscle-flexing arise in the Stars' fold, they would not make any impact in the Championship.

Banini noted that, should the players showcase acts of discipline, and brotherliness, there is nothing they cannot do, to outwit their opponents. He further revealed some game-plans of the Stars' Group E opponents, Italy, Czech, and USA.

The former key player of the Satellites 93 squad, and Goldfields, now Ashantigold, hinted that, the Italians are noted for playing defensive, with a solid mid-field, while the Czechs and the Americans play attacking, and defensive style of soccer, whenever they featured in tournaments.

He pointed out that, tournaments are not the same as league matches, stressing that, it behoves the Stars to give of their best, during the course of the championship, so as to make Ghana proud, in the world of soccer.

"Even, having the opportunity to don the national jerseys, should motivate the Stars to go all out, to defeat their opponents, in the course of the World Cup finals," Banini indicated.

Banini was excited about the presence of experienced player, Samuel Osei-Kuffour in the Stars camp, stating that, the AS Roma defender's rich experience would help bolster the team's defence.

Banini was instrumental in the 1993 Black Satellites' squad, which won bronze, during the course of the 1993 Sydney Olympic Games, in Australia. The preceding story was made possible by the kind courtesy of Emirates Airlines.