Footy-ghana.com can confirm that former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah and former team-mate Kwame Ayew were part of the local component of the team that arrived in Turkey on Monday morning.

According to our sources, Appiah and Ayew are expected to encourage the squad ahead of their international friendly against the Turks on Wednesday night.

Footy-Ghana.com can confirm that the duo’s accommodation and expenses will be financed by the Ghana Football Association as part of a drive to involve retired members of the Black Stars in the buildup to Ghana games.

The team trained for the first time in Turkey on Monday evening ahead of the friendly, which forms part of Ghana’s preparations for the crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Zambia next month.