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Prince Tagoe calls for massive shake-up in Hearts of Oak playing body

Former Hearts of Oak striker, Prince Tagoe, has strongly criticized the current playing squad of the club, stating that many of them are not deserving of wearing the Rainbow colors and should be released at the end of the season.

Tagoe’s comments come in the aftermath of Hearts of Oak’s humiliating 1-5 home defeat to Medeama SC in match-week 31 of the Ghana Premier League. The loss has resulted in the team dropping to the eighth position on the league table with 44 points.

During an interview on Angel TV, the impassioned 36-year-old expressed his disappointment with the current Hearts players, whom he described as lazy, and called for a significant overhaul of the squad at the end of the 2022/23 season.

“There should be a massive shake-up in the Hearts of Oak playing squad at the end of the season because there are many players who are not deserving of wearing the Rainbow jersey,” Tagoe remarked.

He further explained, “I know why I am saying this. The leadership of Hearts of Oak pays the players well. The players at Hearts of Oak receive substantial salaries every month, yet they are just lazy. Some should be offloaded, while others should be loaned out to other clubs.”

Prince Tagoe had a brief stint with Hearts of Oak, during which he won the league and the CAF Confederations Cup. He also emerged as the top scorer of the Ghana Premier League in the same season, netting 18 goals.

Arsenal star Thomas Partey emerge as transfer target for two Italian clubs

There is growing speculation that Thomas Partey, the Arsenal midfielder, could be on the verge of a move to Italy during the summer transfer window, as several Serie A clubs have expressed strong interest in signing him.

Although the 29-year-old has been a key player for Arsenal this season, his form has dipped in recent matches, highlighting the need for the club to strengthen their squad.

Arsenal’s primary target for the upcoming transfer window is believed to be Declan Rice from West Ham. The Gunners are eager to secure the services of the talented English midfielder, and West Ham may be open to selling him to a Champions League club if they receive an offer exceeding £100 million.

In addition to Rice, Arsenal also have their eyes on Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

Manager Mikel Arteta has also been linked with a potential move for Ilkay Gundogan, an experienced midfielder from Manchester City. Gundogan’s contract with City expires this summer, presenting an opportunity for Arsenal to acquire his services.

However, it is worth noting that Gundogan may choose to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium, and there is also interest from Barcelona in signing him.

As the transfer window approaches, Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain. The allure of a move to Italy and the Serie A could be appealing to the Ghanaian midfielder, with several clubs vying for his signature.

Arsenal will need to carefully evaluate their options and make strategic decisions to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Partey currently has two years left on his contract with Arsenal, having joined the club on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

Ex-Hearts of Oak star Yaw Preko confesses unwavering love for Asante Kotoko


Former Ghana Premier League star Yaw Preko has openly declared his allegiance to Asante Kotoko, despite having played for their arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the past.

Preko, who had a successful stint as a striker for Hearts of Oak in the early 1990s before moving on to play for various clubs abroad, revealed his preference for Kotoko in an interview with ETV Ghana.

He explained that his family has always been ardent supporters of Asante Kotoko, and growing up in a household with such strong affiliations, he naturally became a devoted fan himself. Preko even admitted that he would abstain from eating whenever Kotoko suffered a defeat, as the disappointment was deeply felt.

“While playing for Hearts of Oak, whenever they defeated Kotoko, it was a painful feeling for me, and I would even starve myself as a result,” Preko disclosed.

Having made a name for himself as a prominent coach in Ghana, with previous managerial spells at Medeama SC and Great Olympics, Preko has recently joined Division Two side Shooting Stars.

His current focus is on nurturing and developing young talents for the future, contributing to the growth of Ghanaian football.

Black Satellites line up friendly match against WAFA

The Black Satellites will take on Division One League side West African Football Academy (WAFA) in a friendly match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

The National U-20 male side are currently in camp preparing for the WAFU U-20 Boys Championship which will be staged in Abidjan from July 7-21, 2023.

The team is expected to engage in some international friendly matches as part of their preparations for the upcoming Championship. The friendly game will kick off at 3pm.

Lothar Matthäus reveals he was approached by GFA to coach Ghana

German football legend Lothar Matthäus has revealed that he was approached by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to coach the Black Stars in 2005 or 2006.

Although discussions were held, Matthäus ultimately did not secure the position.

Speaking to 3Sports, Matthäus stated, “Ghana approached me for the coaching role around 2005, 2006. We were in touch but for some reason, it did not work in the last steps of discussions. Maybe there was a lot of candidates on their list and maybe I was one of the candidates.”

Despite missing out on the coaching opportunity, Matthäus has maintained a strong connection with Ghana. He made headlines on Tuesday by becoming the new co-owner of Accra Lions, a Ghana Premier League club.

Alongside Ghanaian footballer Frank Acheampong and agent Oliver Konig, the trio brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and global recognition to the club, promising an exciting new era for Accra Lions.

Lothar Matheus expressed his delight while inspiring the players to do more.

“I like to spend all my time in football. I want to give back to the community.

“I want to help with my experience. We know the football a bit longer than you so you can always come to me or anyone else in the team,” he said.

“You’re very professional. You’re all very talented from what I saw in training. The facilities were very good and I want to make sure we improve it even more.

“Beating Aduana Stars after a rough patch in form is the kind of mentality I like. That’s why I’m here.”

Among the dignitaries present at the event which was held in Accra was the president of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Okraku who commended the club and wished them good luck.

“We can see a vision unfolding. The partners Oliver König and Lothar Matthäus are winners so the club will become winners. Essentially, Ghana football will become a winner,” Okraku remarked.

“Accra Lions have an identity. They play the kind of football I want to watch. They have the right level of investment in every aspect of the club.”

“The good environment we have created in Ghana football has enabled and encouraged people to invest in Ghana football.”

Source: 3news

I once went to watch a Hearts of Oak match and couldn’t name the players – Randy Abbey

A member of the Ghana Football Association Executive Committee, Randy Abbey, has recalled an incident where he went to watch a Hearts of Oak match and was not able to identify the players due to the mass player exodus in the league.

Speaking in a recent interview, Randy Abbey noted that fans no longer throng stadiums to watch matches because the league lacks stars who can drive fans to stadiums to watch matches.

Recalling an incident where he went to watch his former club, Hearts of Oak in action at the Accra Sports Stadium, Randy Abbey stated that he had to rely on some fans to name some of the players on the pitch.

According to him, he had never heard of such players before.

“I went to the stadium two or three years ago to watch Hearts of Oak’s match and I couldn’t identify the players. I was seating at the Presidential VIP and had to ask people the names of some of the players. I have never heard of some the players before,” the owner of Hearts of Lions stated.

He noted that back in the day when the GPL was exciting it was easy for anyone to name the starting line-up of either Hearts of Oak or Asante Kotoko.

“Gone are the days you can sit at home and name the first eleven of a particular team maybe you would make only two mistakes due to players who are injured,” he stated.

©Ghanaweb

German legend Lothar Matthäus joins Accra Lions as co-owner

Former Germany international and 1991 FIFA World Player of the Year Lothar Matthäus has purchased a stake in Ghana Premier League team Accra Lions in a significant development for Ghanaian football.

The announcement comes after Accra Lions hinted on Monday that a World Cup legend would become a part-owner of the team. Matthäus, a World Cup winner, has joined forces with renowned football agent Oliver Konig, Ghanaian winger Frank Acheampong, and the club.

Matthäus, a revered figure in world football, enjoyed a storied career that saw him lift numerous trophies and accolades.

As the recipient of the prestigious World Player of the Year award in 1991, his inclusion in the ownership group signifies a major milestone for Accra Lions and highlights the growing interest and investment in African football.

Alongside Frank Acheampong and Oliver Konig, the trio brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and global recognition to the club, promising an exciting new era for Accra Lions.

Lothar Matheus expressed his delight while inspiring the players to do more.

“I like to spend all my time in football. I want to give back to the community.

“I want to help with my experience. We know the football a bit longer than you so you can always come to me or anyone else in the team,” he said.

“You’re very professional. You’re all very talented from what I saw in training. The facilities were very good and I want to make sure we improve it even more.

“Beating Aduana Stars after a rough patch in form is the kind of mentality I like. That’s why I’m here.”

Among the dignitaries present at the event which was held in Accra was the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kurt Okraku who commended the club and wished them good luck.

“We can see a vision unfolding. The partners Oliver König and Lothar Matthäus are winners so the club will become winners. Essentially, Ghana football will become a winner,” Okraku remarked.

“Accra Lions have an identity. They play the kind of football I want to watch. They have the right level of investment in every aspect of the club.”

“The good environment we have created in Ghana football has enabled and encouraged people to invest in Ghana football.”

Source: 3news

Asante Kotoko announce departure of Video Analyst/Physical Trainer Nazim Mohammed Boudjadi

Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko have parted ways with their Video Analyst/Physical Trainer Nazim Mohammed Boudjadi, the club announced on Monday.

Before joining the club in Ghana, he sought permission of the club’s Management to go see his sick mother in Saudi Arabia.

However considering how critical the first game of the season against Kadiogo was, Kotoko impressed on him to go after the second leg which he agreed but never went. 

In the last few days, Nazim is said to have informed management of Kotoko about the deteriorating health of his mother and wish to be with her in Qatar where she is undergoing another treatment. 

The hierarchy of Kotoko have since obliged his request and he departed Ghana on 22/05/2023. 

He is however not expected to return considering the club has only three matches to the end of the season and his contract is until the end of the season. 

Kotoko in its statement wished him well in his future endeavours and his mother a speedy recovery.

“For sure” – Kotoko coach Gazale confident club can defend GPL title after Kotoku Royals win

Abdulai Gazale, the interim head coach of Asante Kotoko, expressed strong belief that his team can still clinch the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League title.

Speaking with great optimism after guiding his team to a 3-1 victory over Kotoku Royals in the league on Monday afternoon, Gazale conveyed his confidence in their title aspirations.

Following their win, Asante Kotoko have risen to fourth place in the Ghana Premier League standings, now trailing the league leaders by just six points.

During his post-match interview, coach Abdulai Gazale outlined their strategy of aiming to win all three remaining matches in the league, hoping that the teams above them will drop points.

“For sure we are in contention for the league title. If we are able to pick the remaining nine points and any of the teams at the top drop points we can still win the league,” the gaffer said.

Next up for Asante Kotoko is a Week 32 clash against Karela United in the Ghana Premier League, where they will continue their pursuit of the coveted title.

Ibrahim Tanko invites twenty-two Black Meteors players for camping; check the list

Coach Ibrahim Tanko has called up twenty-two Black Meteors to begin camping on Tuesday, May 23, at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence at Prampram ahead of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in June.

The players who are drawn from clubs in the betPawa Premier League and some lower tier clubs in Ghana are to report at 3pm on Tuesday.

The Black Meteors are paired with host Morocco, Guinea and Congo in Group A of the competition that serves as qualifiers for the next Olympics in Paris, France.

The U-23 AFCON is scheduled to begin on June 24 in Morocco, with the final match set to take place on July 8.

The Black Meteors will be looking to secure their place at the Olympic Games in Paris, with only the top three teams at the U-23 AFCON guaranteed a spot at the event.

Find the invited players in the attached file:

GFA