Home Blog Page 140

Former Legon Cities midfielder Andrews Ntim Manu completes move to Asante Kotoko

Former Legon Cities midfielder, Andrews Ntim Manu, has officially joined Asante Kotoko in preparation for the upcoming season.

Having successfully passed his mandatory medical test, the WAFA graduate has signed a contract with the Porcupines, securing his association with the club until 2026.

As a free agent following his departure from Legon Cities in the recently concluded season, the 22-year-old player is highly regarded within the local scene for his promising potential.

Marking Prosper Narteh Ogum’s second signing as the coach orchestrates the team for his second term at the club, Manu’s addition to the squad is significant.

With previous experience working under Ogum during his time at the Sogakope-based club, Manu transitioned to Asante Kotoko in the 2021/22 season.

In the last season, Andrews Ntim Manu featured in 11 matches for Legon Cities.

Currently partaking in the pre-season preparations in Beposo, the defensive midfielder is actively gearing up for the upcoming new season.

McDan Seniors clinch maiden Health Champions Cup tournament in Ghana

0

McDan Seniors Football Academy were crowned winners of the inaugural Health Champions Cup held in Ghana by Green Sports Africa in collaboration with MasterCard Foundation.

The Health Champions Cup tournament seeks to offer opportunities to young and upcoming footballers who aim at taking their career to the professional level.

McDan Seniors came from behind to overcome their third division rivals, Esjade Academy, in the final of the tournament, which started with 34 teams from across the Great Accra Region at the McDan La Town in Accra on Sunday.

As champions of the maiden edition of the seven-by-seven tournament, McDan Seniors earned a prize of US$600, a trophy, a set of jerseys, and gold medals at the end of the enthralling final.

Esjade Academy, who finished as runners-up, received US$200, a set of jerseys, and silver medals, with the third placed team taking up the bronze medals.

Head trainer of McDan Seniors, David Kabu Adjovu, heaped praises on the organizers of the tourney and urged them to continue empowering the development of young footballers.

“I am excited by side won the competition, but I think it is victory for all participants of this great initiative by Green Sports Africa and MasterCard Foundation,” he said.

“If you get to know the inner feelings of these young talents, you will be amazed. You saw their commitment and zeal on the field.

“This is something they will continue to remember as they grow to be top professional footballers. I want to see more of these kinds of tournaments.

“Green Sports Africa and MasterCard Foundation are welcomed again next year.” He concluded.

Players and coaches also took advantage to undertake health training on personal hygiene, disease prevention, mental well-being, and reproductive health, which took place last Friday.

Bank of America stadium in Charlotte to host Mexico vs Ghana friendly on October 14

The Ghana Football Association, Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF), and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) have jointly announced that the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte has been chosen as the host venue for the MexTour International friendly match on October 14.

The match will feature the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup champions Mexico against the formidable African team, Ghana.

Tickets for this exciting encounter in Charlotte will be available for purchase starting this Friday, August 11, at 10 a.m. ET, through the website www.SomosLocales.com. Fans are encouraged to pre-register on the website to gain early access to limited ticket inventory for all MexTour matches.

The upcoming Ghana match in Charlotte is a pivotal part of the four-match MexTour fall series, which includes:

History of Mexico vs. Ghana

Total matches: 3 Record: Mexico 3 wins, Ghana 0 losses, 0 draws Total goals scored: Mexico 4, Ghana 1 Last match: June 28, 2017 – Houston, Texas – Mexico 1 vs. Ghana 0

Bank of America Stadium, renowned as the home venue of MLS’ Charlotte FC and NFL’s Carolina Panthers, is a frequent host for MexTour matches and prestigious tournaments like the Concacaf Gold Cup. Mexico’s previous appearance in Charlotte was on October 27, 2021, where they faced Ecuador and experienced a 3-2 defeat.

This match serves as a crucial preparation opportunity for both Ghana and Mexico as they gear up for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to commence in November. Additionally, it offers a chance to connect with their passionate fan bases across North America.

For media representatives, information regarding accreditation for the match is not yet available, but a notification will be sent out once the accreditation process is open.

Furthermore, after the Charlotte fixture, Ghana is scheduled to take on the United States of America at GEODIS Park in Nashville on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

OFFICIAL: Asante Kotoko unveil young defender Yahaya Dawuni


Asante Kotoko have announced the acquisition of the robust defender, Yahaya Dawuni from lower-tier side, Susubribi SC.

Following a successful medical examination this afternoon, the accomplished defender has committed to a three-year contract with Asante Kotoko.

This addition stands as a significant boost for Asante Kotoko, who are diligently bolstering their squad for the upcoming 2023/24 league season.

Yahaya Dawuni, most recently associated with Susubiribi Sporting Club, has now become the inaugural signing under the leadership of coach Prosper Narteh Ogum at Asante Kotoko.

In parallel reports, it is rumored that Asante Kotoko has also secured agreements with Michael Dwamena, formerly of WAFA SC, as well as the dynamic duo from Berekum Chelsea, Henry Ansu and Kalo Quattara. These signings are pending official announcements.

Midfield prodigy Michael Kyei Dwamena is reportedly set to ink a three-year contract with Asante Kotoko, alongside the talented striker Kalo Quattara and the enterprising defender Henry Ansu.

The freshly acquired players are anticipated to join the Asante Kotoko squad as they prepare for the upcoming preseason training.

Hearts of Oak set to appoint Tunisian manager Nabil Maaloul as head coach

In the wake of David Ocloo’s departure, Hearts of Oak is gearing up to appoint Tunisian strategist Nabil Maaloul as their latest head coach.

Sources reveal that the decision is rooted in the recommendation of the club’s technical director, Rene Hiddink.

Nabil Maaloul, celebrated for his role in guiding ES De Tunis to a treble victory in 2011, is anticipated to assume the role. The accomplished figure, who both played for and managed ES De Tunis, is expected to formalize a substantial long-term contract with the esteemed Ghanaian club, which boasts a record of MTN FA Cup victories. The management and board of Hearts of Oak view Maaloul as an ideal fit for their ongoing project.

With over 60 years of age, Nabil Maaloul has amassed considerable experience throughout his coaching journey on the African continent. Notably, he secured triumphs in the Tunisia League, Tunisia Cup, and the CAF Champions League in 2011 while at the helm of ES De Tunis. In addition to these achievements, Maaloul steered Kuwait SC to victory in the Kuwait premier league and Kuwait Emir Cup during the 2021/22 season. He also claimed victory in the Qatar Cup in 2014 with EL Jaish.

Nabil Maaloul is anticipated to arrive in Ghana by the end of the week to finalize contractual formalities. Subsequently, he will assume leadership of the team from Rene Hiddink, continuing their preseason preparations.

2023 GFA Presidential race: Ten RFA’s pick nomination forms for Kurt Okraku

0

The 2023 GFA Presidential elections could be a mere formality for incumbent Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku after all the ten Regional Football Associations picked nomination forms on his behalf declaring their undiluted support for him in next month’s elections.

The signal from the ten RFA’s indicates a resounding endorsement for the WAFU Zone B president as he seeks a second term in office as Ghana FA President.

As the football organisation prepares for a key Elective Congress next month, Okraku, who was elected as GFA President in 2019, is nearing the conclusion of his four-year term. Opinions about his leadership have been divided.

Despite the fact that there have been disagreements among the delegates, it is clear that the majority supports Okraku staying in his position.

Notably, his campaign has received tremendous support from the 10 RFA chairmen, who have publicly declared their support for him.

Okraku might compete against a former vice president of the Ghana Football Association who came in second place in the hotly disputed 2019 presidential election at the Elective Congress, which is set for September 27.

Okraku’s support from the RFA chairmen significantly strengthens his candidature for a second term in office as the campaign and preparations for the Elective Congress progress.

Notable accomplishments have been made while Okraku served as the head of the GFA, underscoring his influential tenure. These accomplishments include major turning points for Ghana’s national football teams.

Ghana’s triumph in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 was one of the notable achievements during Okraku’s tenure as FA manager.

The senior national team, the Black Stars, made a great accomplishment during Okraku’s administration. He played a critical part in guiding the team back to the international stage after a disappointing absence from the World Cup in 2018.

©FMIG

WAFA withdraws from Division One League: Club to focus on youth development in Volta Region

West African Football Academy Sporting Club (WAFA SC) has formally communicated to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) regarding its decision to withdraw from the Access Bank Division One League.

The club has cited a shift in policy direction as one of the reasons for this move, emphasizing its renewed focus on nurturing young football talents through the academy system in the Volta Region of Ghana.

In accordance with Article 78 of the GFA Statutes, the GFA’s Executive Council will soon undertake the process of identifying a replacement for WAFA in the Access Bank Division One League, Zone 2, in line with established precedents.

All stakeholders and clubs within Division One League Zone 2 are advised to acknowledge WAFA SC’s withdrawal and its implications.

“Sack all undisciplined players from Asante Kotoko” – Otumfo urges Prosper Ogum

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the owner of Asante Kotoko, has issued a resolute directive to coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, urging him to adopt a strong stance against any signs of indiscipline among players as the new season draws near.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized that Ogum, formerly with WAFA, should establish a culture of discipline within the team, and he underscored that severe misconduct from any player should result in their swift removal from the squad.

During a meeting at his Manhyia palace, the revered leader expressed his views on the matter, asserting that no exceptions should be made for indiscipline, regardless of the individual’s stature, even if management intervenes.

“Indiscipline must lead to expulsion, regardless of the player’s skill on the field. If you’re a talented player and you’re disciplined, it ultimately benefits you,” he conveyed.

His Majesty implored the players to display selflessness and wholehearted commitment to the Club as they embark on their pre-season preparations and continue into the upcoming season.

“Play with your heart for the Club, and it will be to your advantage. Don’t fixate on money. If money is your sole motivation for being in the Club, you should leave… Demonstrate your loyalty to the club despite challenges.”

Asante Kotoko, who secured a fourth-place finish in the preceding season’s GPL campaign, is striving to enhance their performance in the forthcoming season under the guidance of head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, following his return to the role.

The team’s pre-season activities are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Beposo in the Ashanti Region.

Their new season will kick off in September at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where they will welcome newly promoted side Hearts of Lions.

Otumfuo explains why he settled on Prosper Ogum as Kotoko head coach

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has revealed that his selection of Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum as the ideal head coach for Asante Kotoko Sporting Club was the result of thorough deliberation and consultations.

He shared that he engaged in discussions with four distinct individuals to arrive at his decision, a process that culminated in the announcement late last month from the Manhyia Palace.

Among those he sought counsel from were coach Kwesi Appiah, a current member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Club, and Team Manager Ohene Brenya. While the other two individuals weren’t named, one was indicated to be based in Accra.

Throughout these consultations, a consensus emerged, with only one name being put forward – that of Dr. Prosper Ogum.

Subsequently, Otumfuo affirmed his choice, extending a commanding invitation to Ogum.

“Following discussions with former players, leaders of the supporters’ group, and various recommendations, Kwasi Appiah’s endorsement, a prominent figure in Accra, team manager Ohene Brenya, and another individual all vouched for his capabilities (Ogum). As a result, I instructed them to reach out to him,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II revealed.

“When he arrived, I informed him that he had been identified as the one to lead my club. I made it clear that I didn’t require a formal response, but rather, he should prepare to take charge and shape the team. He graciously accepted the responsibility and agreed to join,” the club owner explained.

Furthermore, Otumfuo underscored his charge to the IMC, urging them to afford the coach the necessary autonomy to assemble his preferred cadre of players and technical staff, empowering them to fulfill their mandate.

He also exhorted Coach Ogum to instill in the players and technical team the understanding that the outcome of the game is contingent upon their collective endeavor, while assuring them of unwavering support from the fans.

Notably, Coach Ogum, who previously steered the Club to victory in the 2021/2022 premier league season, was officially unveiled on this day by the Club.