The presence of former players in the Black Stars' camp has been cited by Ibrahim Sannie Daara, a former communications director for the Ghana Football Association, as a major reason for the team's potential success in the World Cup.
Despite Ghana's disappointing performance in recent tournaments, the Black Stars have continued to hire veteran players as management and staff to provide the young, talented players with experienced guidance.
One recent tournament that the Black Stars of Ghana performed poorly is the 33rd African Cup of Nations which was held in Cameroon. Ghana was eliminated very clearly in the group stage.
Samuel Osei Kuffour and Ibrahim Tanko are two former Ghana internationals who are now in Qatar with the Black Stars in preparation for the World Cup.
Two former Black Stars players are on the technical staff: head coach Otto Addo and two-time World Cup participant Richard "Olele" Kingston, the goalkeepers' trainer.
“The coach himself was a member of the team. Part of the backroom staff is Anthony Baffoe and Sammy Kuffuor. All of these experienced ones advise the players to be measured in their expectations and take off the pressure,” Saanie Daara said on Tv3’s Key Points
The Black Stars of Ghana landed in Qatar yesterday in grand style. The players were spotted wearing traditional smocks called fugu with hats.
Videos and pictures of Ghana's entry into Qatar went viral on social media. Excited Black Stars supporters commended the Ghana Football Association for a great initiative.
Before flying to Qatar, the Black Stars beat Switzerland 2-0 in an international friendly played in the United Arab Emirates.
The Black Stars of Ghana is in Group H alongside Uruguay, Portugal, and South Korea. Ghana will play Portugal on 24th November at the Stadium 974, South Korea on 28th November at the Education City Stadium, and play their final group game against Uruguay on 2nd December at the Al Janoub Stadium.