A 24 man-Black Stars squad left for their World Cup training base in France ahead of the biggest mundial in South Africa. The team was led by skipper Stephen Tornado Appiah and included John Paintsil. Six members of the squad will later join the team in France to make up the 30 man provisional squad for two international friendlies. The Stars will play Holland's first team on June 1 in Rotterdam and four days later will engage Latvia in London. 15 of the players were guests to president John Mills on Saturday during which he expressed optimism the team will lift the trophy for the first time. He also promised to be present during the Stars’ first Group D match against Serbia. Source: Joy Sports/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana