Hard Luck Boys

Editor | Monday June 16, 2008 00:00

Credit should go to the boys for working hard and making the Ivorian international superstars look so ordinary. The days of being afraid of the likes of Emmanuel Eboue, Didier Zokora, Kolo Toure and the 'big stars' are over.

In 1992, the Ivorians demolished the Zebras 6-0 but to Saturday, we held them to a one-all draw. Credit should go to the boys for working so hard. Infact, this is one game that they could have won. They had control for the larger part of the game but had to concede that goal that the referee could better explain. The technical team and all involved should also be applauded for preparing the team. Well done all of you. You deserve a pat on the back. You can still do it in your own backyard.

This is not the end. The journey to qualify for 2010 South Africa and 2010 Angola continues over the weekend against the same Ivorians in their own backyard. Our preparations for this important game should have started yesterday. There is no time to rest when you have such a mammoth task ahead of you.

It was also good to see the supporters in their large numbers at the National Stadium. This is what the players need; your support and encouragement. We note that the supporters have been 'boycotting' the Zebras games because they were not doing well. The last two games are testimony that the boys are prepared to fight and die on the field. We encourage the supporters to come back in large numbers to rally behind the boys. Know that you are the 12th player and as such you play an important role in the game.

We would like to see some of you in Abidjan over the weekend. You must make it a tradition that you follow the team wherever it goes. There is no place that you cannot reach. There is nothing that will make the players happier than to see you on the stand routing for them