Black Stars to camp in Nelspruit

Ghana's Black Stars are likely to hold camp in the South African city of Nelspruit ahead of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010.

Nelspruit, the capital of the Mpumalanga Province is situated in North-eastern South Africa and lies about 100-Kilometers west of Mozambique.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) told the GNA Sports in Luanda on Saturday that Nelspruit look the most suitable and likly choice for the Stars' camp in preparation for the 27th edition of the continental soccer showpiece.

Nelspruit will also serve as one of the venues for the South Africa 2010 World Cup with the construction of the 40,000 - capacity Mbombela Stadium which also has some standard sporting facilities.

Mr Nyantakyi said the decision was yet to be firmed, but Nelspruit remains the strongest choice.

"We are considering some venues in South Africa and it will likely be Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga province."

The GFA capo explained that camping for the tournament will start 14-days ahead of the tournament since the foreign legion of the team are expected to be available at least two-weeks before the tournament.

"During the camping, we will engage in one or two friendly games to fine-tune our preparations and acclimatize to be in good shape."

Despite being drawn in a tough all-West African group alongside Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Togo, Nyantakyi insists they have their sights on the ultimate.

"It's a very difficult group and all the four teams are neighbours. I think it is the strongest group.

"Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire are the best teams, but you can't underrate any team. In competitions like this, you underrate opponents at your own peril."

The Stars will open their campaign against eastern neighbours, Togo on January 11 in Cabinda, face western neighbours Cote d'Ivoire at the same venue four days later before wrapping up against northern neighbours Burkina Faso in January 19 in Luanda.

The Stars, winners in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982 managed a disappointing third place finish as hosts of the last edition in 2008.

Source: GNA