Ghana: Rajevac reconciles with Muntari
- Posted on Thursday 18 February 2010 - 10:35Walter Wilson Nana, AfricaNews reporter in Buea, CameroonGhana coach Milovan Rajevac has resolved his recent rift with Ali Sulley Muntari as he plots the way forward ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Inter Milan midfielder Muntari was axed from last month's CAF Africa Cup of Nations squad due to disciplinary reasons. His absence was barely felt as the Black Stars, who were without several of their other star names as a result of injury, finished runners-up behind the Pharaohs Egypt.
However, a lack of experience in Angola was cited by Rajevac as one of the main reasons for the 1-0 loss in the final. The Serbian has explained that Muntari's axing may have come about through a miscommunication.
"I was in Milan for two days and I called and sent him messages but he was not responding," Rajevac told FIFA.com. "He didn't get back to me and the decision to leave him out was taken. I spoke to the other players; Michael Essien and Gyan Asamoah, who missed the Angola friendly game and asked them if they wanted to play in the Nations Cup and they all said yes,” he explained.
"That was all I wanted to discuss with Muntari. Maybe there was a miscommunication. After that he called to apologize and we have sorted everything out. He is an option that we have and that's good for the team."
Rajevac also admitted he was especially interested in the discussion with Muntari to see whether the 25-year-old could help to convince Inter Milan team-mate Mario Balotelli to represent the West African country at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa come June 2010. Balotelli was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents, but has declined several call-ups by the Black Stars, outlining instead his intentions to play for Italy, who he has already represented at U-21 level.
Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Germany, Serbia and Australia, the coach pointed out that it will be important to have their best players available.
Rajevac added: "We would need all players for the World Cup. For such a competition, you need players with experience and we can find that in John Mensah, John Paintsil, Richard Kingston, Michael Essien and Ali Sulley Muntari. There are others too. They are very important players for the World Cup but it depends on them. I also require players who are willing to give in their best for Ghana."
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