NNewew VVisionision SPORT Wednesday, February 6, 2013 43 NATIONS CUP: FIND ALL THE LATEST NEWS,GOSSIP FROM SOUTH AFRICA Appiah eager to see Black Stars emulate him NELSPRUIT names in history,” The Black and that means our players we are automatically going Stars boss (right) said. style and mentality is to pay attention to, but I’ll keep all Coach Kwesi Appiah was part “Then they can say in the almost the same. that in my head!” of the Ghana team that won the future ‘I was part of the team “So, at this level, suc- At the same time, Osasuna mid- FRED KAWEESI’S 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, and 31 that won in South Africa’.” cess will depend on fielder Anthony Annan could make years later on the eve of Wednes- Appiah, speaking at the the little things. his first start of the competition. AFCON DIARY day’s semi-finals he has told his team’s hotel, believed there “Looking at games “Anthony got injured at our train- players now is their time. was not a great deal to of Burkina Faso, they ing camp in Abu Dhabi but is re- “What have I said to them? I’ve choose between his team do well defensively, in covering well,” Appiah remarked. told them I was lucky to be one of and semi-final opponents Burkina midfield they are very very good, The Spain-based player com- Unsung heroes the players to come back with the Faso. it’s not going to be easy. mented: “It depends on the coach title, now they need to write their “We are both from west Africa “They’ve got some really good whether I play or not.” he 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations is in its final stretch this week. And what Ta ride it has been! Of the 16 countries that were drawn for the tournament, four are left to battle for Africa’s most prized soccer crown. The last two weeks have been filled with drama. There were thrill- ing matches played in world class Burkinabe back stadiums –– yes even the Mbom- bela that has been castigated for its poor pitch. There has been plenty of warmth from the locals that will guaran- tee the tournament lives long in memory. Key striker Sanou hails team’s togetherness But then, the event would not have registered the sort of success it has so far, had it not been for the army NELSPRUIT February 3 was also a special of volunteers that worked tire- day for Burkina Faso’s state lessly to keep everything running The limelight for Burkina President. smoothly. Faso’s impressive run at Or- “It’s was befitting birthday From the team bus drivers to teen- ange Africa Cup of Nations present to our President, agers escorting fans to their seats, 2013 may be hogged by the Blaise Compaore. I am the about 10, 000 volunteers were the likes of Jonathan Pitroipa, happiest coach at this AFCON bedrock on which this tournament Moumouni Dagano and Alain tournament. The things we was built. They have played a vital Traore, now of the team after worked on in training were role assisting various departments an injury, but in Wilfried executed in the game as we such as accreditation, marketing, Sanou the Burkinabe have a intended” media and transport. growing player who has been Sanou says Burkina Faso just as influential. will give Ghana solid compe- Vital contribution The striker has been in- tition. The welcome desks at airports, volved in the builds-ups and “ We have not come this train stations and hotels that creative play that has led his far not to be challenging for greeted fans as they arrived were side to the semi-finals where honours. Ghana is a good all manned by the volunteers. they will face Ghana at Mbo- team but so was Togo which The hospitality teams, anti-doping mbela stadium in Nelspruit we beat, so we will take the units, stadium helpers and media on Wednesday. same approach into the game, assistants –– their contribution was Sanou’s fingerprints are all play to win.” enormous. over the moves that have This volunteer process began last produced goals. Key Ghana threat year when the Local Organizing He was quick to divert any The Burkinabe will have Committee (LOC) in conjunction mention of his contribution to to be at their best to tame with CAF requested applications the team as a unity, “ We are Ghana’s talismanic captain for helpers. The ability to speak like a family on and off the Asamoah English, Arabic and French was an field and we are enjoying this Gyan, extra bonus. tournament which has being who will Over 20,000 applied, with a major- like a dream so far.” be hungry ity interested in helping out in an to add to area they viewed as a future career. Burkinabe comfortable the goal Some were motivated by the Sanou and company will feel he scored chance to watch games while the they have an advantage when against others as a means of survival as they play their fifth match Niger in the each was guaranteed R200 ($25) on the Mbombela pitch final group per day on top of lunch and refresh- against a Ghana team that game. ments daily. will acquaint itself to the new Coach Kwesi For the selected candidates –– environment on the day. Appiah rates aged above 18 –– a week’s basic Burkinabe coach, Paul Put the part-time training followed at which they were called Nelspruit their “home musician the instructed in everything from first from home” and wants his best striker in aid to their precise roles. team to maximize the support Ghana, and a By the time the opening game base they have built during huge inspiration between South Africa and Cape their stay in the province of to the team. Verde was played, every volunteer Mpumalanga. One of the had been thoroughly instructed Burkina Faso held a training players in the and taken through numerous dress camp at Igwenyama lodge a Burkina Faso team rehearsals. top drawer sports complex in expected to be Throughout the tournament, the Nelspruit prior to the tourna- busy is Kone. Today: Orange Africa Cup of Nations white army has worked with near ment. Kone showed military precision to ensure that Burkina Faso had a few he was up to the Semi-final, 9.30pm SS4 Burkina Faso v Ghana the fans leave South Africa with an more reasons to celebrate job, though, when abiding memory. semi-final qualification, keeping Togo’s team On Friday, two days before the defender Bakary Kone had captain and striker final, they will receive commemora- a new child days before the Emmanuel Adebayor Burkina Faso’s Wilfried Sanou (right) and Togo defender Mamah Gaffar vie for ball be- tive prizes and will be treated to a extra time victory over Togo in check during the mega bash. They deserve it! and according to coach Put quarter-finals. fore the former’s quarter-final win. The team will face Asamoah Gyan’s (inset) Ghana.