Kickoff (Cape Town)
18 August 2008
Black Stars defender John Paintsil has told new coach Milovan Rajevac to always have Ghana's unwavering passion for football and affection for the Black Stars at the back of his mind as he takes over as head coach.
The Serbian will take charge of the national team beginning this Wednesday in their international friendly against Tanzania and Paintsil says the Serbian will see at first-hand what the national team means when he meets the players in Arusha.
The Fullham defender is one of the few senior players who will travel for the game.
It is important that he understand how much going to the World Cup 2010 means to us.
"Like most Ghanaians I did not know about him before his appointment, but we will welcome him with open arm, Paintsil told KickOffGhana.com.
"For the players there is one thing that drives us and it is our love for this country so whoever is in charge we will play with the same positive attitude that we have always showed."
Paintsil expects a few things to change in the approach of the national team with the arrival of the new man and is keen to see at first hand what he has to offer in Arusha.
But the defender with 45 caps for Ghana will have his own advice for Rajevac.
"It is important that he understand how much going to the World Cup 2010 means to us. I know as a professional he will be up for it, but it is a national obsession and means much more than just a game to us."
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