Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, an International Evangelist, on Saturday, extended his encouragement to the Black Stars, as they prepare to participate in the 20th Football World Cup in Brazil.

“This is an epochal event because for the first time in the history of Ghana, we have qualified for this tournament with a home grown Ghanaian coach. This is a coach who has worked under two foreign coaches, knows the team very well and enjoys a good rapport with the players.

“My message to my very good friend Coach Kwesi Appiah is not to be intimidated by any big names on the international plane,” he said in a statement issued in Accra and copied to Ghana News Agency.

Dr Tetteh said the players should regard themselves as the equals of any team anywhere in the world and all they have to do is to prove that the African people are capable of managing their own affairs.

He said the players are international stars in their own right and play football at the highest level in Europe and elsewhere.

He said they should not feel any inferiority complex and be reminded that they are capable of the same exploits that brought fame and fortune to the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Cristiano Ronaldo, Clint Dempsey and Marcel Desailly to name just a few.

“My own observation from speaking to some members of the team is that they are in high spirits and are ready to die for the nation. The true spirit of patriotism was on exhibition during the last friendly match against South Korea. Jordan Ayew came straight off the bench to score a hat trick. He showed the spirit of readiness to prove a point to the world.

“Ever since I heard that FIFA had rated Ghana as the underdogs at the just started tournament, I had the feeling that the Black Stars are about to shock the entire world of football. I believe our gallant boys will rise to the occasion and play with a leonine spirit.”

Dr Tetteh said anytime the world has underrated Ghana, “we have sailed through the group stage. As a football enthusiast myself, I can recall times when underdogs have made a difference in football, destroying the form guide in the process”.

“I am therefore calling on Coach James Kwasi Appiah and his charges to be vigilant, have a unity of purpose, be focused on the ultimate prize and work as a team to bring glory and honour, not only to themselves but to Ghana and Africa.

“They can shock the World and they should remember that the secret of success is to have no fear. They should also remember that tough times never last but tough people do!

“We should remember that football has been one of the main elements of national cohesion and unity in Ghana. At times like these when economic conditions are biting very hard, the Black Stars can bring home something that will lift the spirit of the country.

“Our prayers are with them, and they should discard superstitions and false beliefs and adopt a more positive attitude before, during and after the tournament,” he said.