John Paintsil is hoping his birthday celebration gives the team a renewed spirit for Saturday’s group D clash against Australia.

The Black Stars defender today was given a great treat by players and hotel staff at the Sun City in Rustenburg as he turned 29.

He happily welcomed the birthday cake, a Sun City Vuvuzela, beer jug and some souvenirs from the hotel staff but wished he had escaped the food fight from his mates.

“I am happy with the birthday presentation by the hotel. I had a big cake, a Vuvuzela, card, a beer jug and some shirts from the hotel.

“That has made my day special. I hope to carry this special day into the next game on Saturday and I hope it shall be well,” he told www.ghanafa.org.

Painstil was splashed with drinks, fruits and the birthday cake by colleagues as they gathered around the dinning room for the Black Stars.

The player is now banking on the unity witnessed during his birthday celebration to carry them on and follow in the lead of Richard Kingson who capped his birthday on Saturday with a wonderful performance as Ghana went on to beat Serbia 1-0.

““It’s always special. Last four years was the same in Germany and it’s the same time here in South Africa again. I hope this spirit will lead us on to go out and get victory and improve our chances into the next round.”

“I want to follow in the lead of Richard Kingson. Kingson had a great birthday celebration and I am happy with the celebration today.”