Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings has called on the national soccer team, the Black Stars, to endeavour to perform self-examination and self criticism after their matches so they can perform better in subsequent games. President Rawlings said failure to undergo self-examination might lead to a repeat of mistakes. The former President, however, praised the Black Stars for their performances at the World Cup and said he was confident of victory over Congo this weekend. Flt Lt Rawlings was speaking during a courtesy call on the Black Stars during training at the Daniel Arab Moi Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday. The Black Stars were camped in Nairobi ahead of their CAN 2012 qualifier against the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville this weekend. President Rawlings, who is in Kenya working on his role as AU High Representative for Somalia, said he was disappointed that some petty mistakes in penalty taking affected Ghana’s quest to qualify for the semi-final of the last World Cup. President Rawlings said the recent performance of the Black Stars had earned Ghana huge respect. “Your game was a combination of physical fitness plus smartness. You did not only make Ghana and Africa proud but you made the world feel good. What made it so sweet was that you were playing as well as any of the best footballing nations. Through things like this we earn the respect of the world,” President Rawlings said. The former President said many racial prejudices had changed because of the quality of football the Black Stars had exhibited. He also counseled the players to plan for the future and complimented those who have been contributing to social projects within their local communities. Ghana’s Ambassador to Kenya, Kingsley Karimu and Council of State member and former Chief of Defence Staff, General Arnold Quainoo accompanied President Rawlings. Black Stars management team members, Fred Pappoe and Coach Sam Arday, welcomed him. See our gallery for more photos Myjoyonline.com/Ghana