Story: Nana Sifa Twum & Isaac Amo-Kyereme, London

Two former captains of the Senior National Team, Akwasi Appiah and Opoku Nti have flown home from their base in Europe to put their experiences at the disposal of the Black Stars who go into African Cup of Nations this weekend as hosts.

Appiah who currently holds a degree in soccer coaching management said ?I am Akwasi Appiah and who I am today because of Ghana. The nation has made me what I am today and therefore I believe it should come in the form of reciprocity and that is why we have to help.

Opoku Nti also parades his coaching trade in Swissaland with the first all African football club in Europe, African Football Club.

In a pre departure interview, Akwasi Appiah noted Ghana has gain another chance to annex the African Cup of Nations for the fifth time with the quality of players we have against the background of being a host nation.

He said since 1992 when Ghana narrowly lost the cup at the finals, this is is the time Ghana has again assemble a very good individuals to represent the nation and it is likely that the boys will play with dedication and commitment to win the tournament for the nation.

Appiah noted that there was the need for them to share their rich experience with the current Black Star squad and help in motivating them to win the cup. The former captain and other three members of the Former Sports Personalities Association in Europe, included another former captain of the Stars, Opoku Nti arrived in the country yesterday (Wednesday) to help inspire the players to win the cup.

He said there is obviously a very good team and observed that from the time of the last world cup participation by the Stars, there has been a very incredible unity among the team which is a recipe for success.

Appiah who captained the national team for a decade, said the absence of the current captain, Stephen Appiah should not be a source of worry to the players and the nation, since such situations do happen in soccer. ?All that is required is dedication and the need for the players to focus on every singing match as it deserves. For example we need to beat the Guineans and the Namibians in our first and second matches respectively and we can be sure of staying for the next round, that is how it means and has to be done? Appiah affectionately called Mayale noted.

He urged Ghanaians to strongly support the Stars their coach to bring honour to the nation adding that coach has a very difficult task by assembling the squad who play around the globe. ?Unlike our time when almost all of us played at home, these boys are international figures and assembling them alone and get them to play cohesively is a big one.

The duet who helped Ghana to win the cup for the last time in 1982 and also played in 1984 and 1992 Cup of Nations said they were expecting the authorities to invite them to assist, by way of inspiration and motivation as had been done by some counties participating in the tournament but received no invitation. ?But since we love our country we have decided on our own to fly in and support these young and talented boys to play and win?. The soft spoken former captain indicated.

On his part, Opoku Nti, , said this is the time the nation has to show its support even when the going gets tough. ?No player will want to clad in national colours and not play well, at times players make mistakes and even in their mistakes, I believe we need to urge them on so that they do not more mistake, that may cost us badly?. He advised.