PUMA INTERVIEWS SOME OF AFRICA’S BIGGEST STARS PT1: GHANA

DOMINIC ADIYAH, FORWARD, GHANA/AC MILAN

What do you think Ghana’s chances are in Africa Cup of Nations?
I’d like to give thanks to the Lord Almighty for giving me this life. It is a great tournament and a joyful time as far as football is concerned. We want to do something special for our nation so we want to win. Everybody wants this trophy so the competition is strong.

What is it like to have the World Cup hosted by an African nation?
It’s fantastic that Africa is hosting its first World Cup. This is a great opportunity for our continent and African players. Everybody wants to get into the team and showcase their talents to the rest of the world.

What do you think about the Africa Unity Kit?
The Africa Unity kit is a fantastic idea. When you look around it feels like Puma is bringing us together as one family.

How are feeling about signing for AC Milan?
It’s been a great time for me since I played in the 2009 Egypt Under-20 World Cup. I’ve just signed for AC Milan and I’m now looking to play at the highest level. I feel proud because so many big players have passed through this club.
I now have to build my confidence and get myself involved so I can reach that level one day. It’s a wonderful place and a great honour to play alongside the likes of Ronaldinho, Seedorf and Ambrosini.

HANS SARPEI, LEFT BACK, GHANA/BAYER LEVERKUSEN

Do you think Ghana will win Africa Cup of Nations?
We have a great team including young players who have just won the Under 20 World Cup, so I think we can do very well.

What does it mean to have the World Cup hosted by an African nation?
For Africa to finally host the World Cup for the first time is very important because it’s been everywhere else. It’s a chance for the world cup to see Africa in a different light. Also one of the African nations could win it!
Ghana has a chance of winning the World Cup. We’ll need a bit of luck to win it but we have great players, especially when everybody is fit.

What do you think about the Africa Unity Kit?
The Africa Unity kit’s message of a united Africa is very important, particularly for the kids. It’s a show of unity for the whole world to see.

ASAMOAH GYAN, FORWARD, GHANA/RENNES

What are Ghana’s chances in the Africa Cup of Nations?
This African Cup of Nations is so important for us because although we’ve won it four times, it’s been a while since we’ve lifted the cup. This generation has to do something to make Africa and Ghana proud. All Ghanaians are waiting for this moment.
You cannot predict who will be the stars of the tournament – an underdog or unknown player may come out and be a star. What is important is that we play as a team.

What do you see happening with Ghana in the World Cup?
This is the second time we’ve qualified for the World Cup. In 2006 we did so well and everybody was satisfied with our performance so now there is more expectation. Luckily this time we’ll be playing in Africa so there’ll be more African fans supporting us which will be great motivation for us.
Statistically Germany is the best in our group. Since they have done so well in world cup history everybody will expect them to win the group; but Serbia topped their qualifying group beating France so it’s not going to be easy. They have a great team and I think right now they have the best team in the group. If you look at the way they qualified – they were unbeaten.
But Ghana can be a surprise there. People may think we are underdogs but in football anything can happen. It’s not going to be an easy group but we have the quality to surprise.
This year at the Under 20 World Cup, an African team won for the first time. So in football anything can happen. It depends on our motivation, concentration and determination. We are expecting to win the World Cup. No African team has ever reached the semi-finals and that’s the minimum we want to achieve.

How do you feel about PUMA’s support of African football?
For the past year, PUMA has been supporting more African teams. They have done so well for African football. They are trying to generate something important here. We need facilities and that kind of thing and Puma has done a lot for us. I have to personally thank them for what they are doing in Africa.