The headline sponsors of the senior national team, Gold Fields Ghana has extended best wishes to the Black Stars in the year 2009.

In its New Year message to the team and Ghanaians in general, Gold Fields expressed hope and optimism that the Black Stars will repeat the feats of 2005 by securing tickets to both the South Africa 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations to be staged in Angola.

Ghana faces three crack African sides-Mali, Benin and Sudan-in its attempt to qualify for a second successive World Cup. Gold Fields through its release re-iterated the company’s unflinching support to the team through the second phase of the joint qualifying campaign which starts in March 2009.

The mining giant’s new Managing Director Peter Turner said: "Gold Fields is obviously very excited about the prospects of the team in this new year. By October 2009 when the campaign ends we are very sure in our belief that Ghana will be top of the pile and heading towards South Africa in 2010."

Gold Fields Corporate Affairs Director, Dr Tony Aubynn added that the partnership between the Black Stars and Gold Fields has been very beneficial to both parties.

"The team has achieved success due to the financial stability that we provide and for us as a company also, our joy comes from the pride and satisfaction Ghanaians have rediscovered in the Black Stars."

Gold Fields Ghana sponsors the Black Stars to the tune of $3.7million which is due to end in 2011.

In 2005, Gold Fields announced a then record $3million sponsorship for the Black Stars which catapulted Ghana to a first ever World Cup appearance in Germany. The partnership was renewed in 2008.