Kwadwo Asamoah leaves the Loftus Versfeld Stadium after practice yesterday

It is time for all the pundits to step aside and for the Black Stars to get down to doing what they have traveled to South Africa for. For those who have had questions about them and their preparations, it is the day to be proven wrong. And for those who have backed them to the hilt, they can be vindicated. It is time to put any fear aside and draw inspiration from their hosts and from the collective support of an entire continent. Today, the Black Stars step on the field for real. 

Forget humiliation to the Netherlands and the ridicule and doubt that followed. Forget victory over Latvia.It is Ghana vs Serbia at 4 pm South African time live. And it matters. It matters for the three points at stake, for the chance to start off well and for the opportunity for players to show why the coach has faith in them. So, exit Van Persie and enter Nikola Zigic. Wesley Sneijder, give way to Dejan Stankovic. We switch focus from friendlies and declare a football war. Any friendships and allegiances must be put on hold for 90 minutes. Even coach Milovan Rajevac who is coaching against his country understands that. 

Today, Ghana gets behind the 11 men on the field whose hearts will be pounding for the 90 minutes and possibly more as the entire nation cheers and groans. A continent will hold its breath and wish you well  as you represent them. Do not be cowed by the weight of expectation. Rather, let the drums in the crowd make for a familiar environment, the vuvuzelas a home away from home and may the loudly sung songs give you the courage and encouragement to win.

Go Black Stars!