Soccer News of Saturday, 24 May 2014

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Schlupp determined to help Black Stars exceed expectations in Brazil

Defender Jeffrey Schlupp says the Black Stars are determined to repay the confidence reposed in them following his first meeting with Ghana President John Mahama.

The Leicester City star was part of the Black Stars squad that were hosted by the nation’s leader at a state dinner on Thursday to bid them an official farewell as they embark on their third World Cup campaign this June in Brazil.

The team wrapped up their four-day training program in Accra with an impressive 6-1 win over a local select side in an exhibition game on Friday.

The Black Stars have enjoyed tremendous support from Ghanaians during their brief stay in the nation’s capital.

Thousands of supporters troop to the Accra Sports Stadium every day to watch their training sessions.

The highlight of the Black Stars’ four-day stay in Accra was a meeting with President John Mahama at a state dinner where they were charged to go all the way to winning the tournament in Brazil.

Schlupp, who is making a return to the team for the first time in almost three years, says the team is inspired to exceed expectations in Brazil.

“The meeting with the President was an honourable moment and a big moment for me,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“It means a lot and hopefully we can repay him with a good performance at the World Cup.”

The Black Stars team will travel to Rotterdam on Saturday evening where they will be camped for a week and play the Dutch national team in an international friendly.