Cafonline.com: What are the critical points that really came to mind at the CAF Symposium on the Orange Africa Cup of Nations?
Rajevac: “A lot of issues came up. It was positive because we discussed the tournament extensively. It was really beneficial”.

Cafonline.com: Any lessons from the presentation by Egypt coach Hassan Shehata during the symposium?
Rajevac: “I made some good conclusions from the presentation by Coach Hassan Shehata. Egypt showed quality which emanated from an experienced squad and playing together for a long time”.

Cafonline.com: What went wrong in the final and general assessment of your team?
Rajevac: “We were in a specific situation because of injuries to some key players. Fortunately, I had been with the local Black Stars for one year and even reached the final of the maiden African Nations Championship (CHAN) held in Cote d’Ivoire in March 2009. The CHAN served a good form of experience and also the FIFA U-20 Championship held in Egypt brought some players to the fore, and it really contributed to our performance in Angola.
With respect to the final game, my team (Black Stars) played to my tactics and I had some belief the game will head for extra time. However, my players wanted to win so badly and began attacking in their bid to score. Due to that, they left some gaps and Egypt made the best of their experience by capitalizing on that”.

Cafonline.com: How would you blend the local players, young players and their foreign counterparts with the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup fast approaching?
Rajevac: “Definitely, some of the local players and young players proved their worth at the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, and they will be competing for spots in the team with the senior players. However, it largely depends on the situation of some injured key players, and I am convinced the team for the World Cup will be combination of youth and experience”.

Cafonline.com: What do you make of your chances at the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup?
Rajevac: “We are in a strong group with Australia, Germany and Serbia; and all the matches will be tough. The opening match is against Serbia and as a Serb, I know much about them. Australia has a strong team and Germany are the favourites in the group. For us our target is to advance from the group stage and will move on from there”.

Cafonline.com: What of the other African participants?
Rajevac: “All African teams have some quality and I’m optimistic about their chances. At last, the World Cup will take place on African soil and it will serve a positive advantage to the African teams. Unfortunately, Egypt will not be at the World Cup, but I think all the other teams will give a good account of themselves because they have gathered some experience over the years”.