Ghana’s former president, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings says a little more determination is what the Black Stars require to win the World Cup in Brazil, with just a few hours to commence the global show-piece.

The former President said Africa and the world saw evidence of how competent the Stars were at the 2010 World Cup where Ghana reached the last eight in South Africa, and was certain they will impress at the tournament; Ghana’s third successive appearance.

He said, “the Black Stars were among the best in the world as far as skill and stamina was concerned, but a heightened determination and the need to put aside self-preservation and the fear of hurting their legs are the key to their progress at the World Cup.”

The former President, who was at the Kotoka International airport to see off the Black Stars to the Netherlands, last month cited two personal experiences to illustrate instances where he denied himself the right to self-preservation in order to save the dignity of honourable men no matter the risk to his own life.

He said “in one instance in the late 70s, I glided an aircraft whose engines had ceased and landed it on the Tema-Accra Motorway. The passenger, the owner of the aircraft and a friend, insulted the dignity of an elderly man of integrity who was an engineer at Ghana Airways saying, “cowards, that’s why they are poor people.

“The statement infuriated me so much so that I took off with the partially serviceable aircraft with the passenger still on board, in defence of the dignity and integrity of the experienced engineer, knowing very well the potential consequences.”

“The World Cup is a symbol of great honour for the world, and they should attach that level of respect and dedication in all their games as it is a window into the greatness of Ghana as the Black Star of Africa,” President Rawlings said.

Ghana are housed in Group D with Germany, USA and Portugal.