Manisaspor defender Jerry Akaminko says he had high hopes of earning a call up to the Black Stars after hearing that Kwasi Appiah had landed the Black Stars coaching job.

He told Kumasi-based Angel FM that he is grateful to God for the opportunity handed him, after he was named in Ghana’s 30-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

‘When I heard that Kwasi Appiah had been made the new Black Stars head coach, I had high hopes that I would earn a call up. I am therefore grateful to God for this call up.’

The former Heart of Lions skipper also told Angel FM that the Black Stars team would go from strength to strength, adding that after previous exploits, there is no way that the team would dip in its performances.

‘Because of those already in the team, the Black Stars have done very well. So this is not the time for the team’s performance to dip. The team will rather go from strength to strength.’

Akaminko, who joined Turkish top flight side Manisaspor on a free transfer from Orduspor at the start of the season, has enjoyed a consistent run, making 27 starts so far this season, even though Manisaspor suffered relegation at the end of the season.