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Politics in player selections affecting Black Stars, not NPP or NDC – Waris

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Image credit: via ashesgyamera.com

Ghana striker, Abdul Majeed Waris has rejected claims by teammate Mubarak Wakaso that partisan politics between National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) is the cause of Black Stars trophy drought.

Wakaso blamed Ghana’s long run poor performances in major competitions to the actual of the two biggest politics parties in Ghana.

READ ALSO: https://footy.ghpush.com/blame-npp-and-ndc-for-black-stars-trophy-drought-mubarak-wakaso/

But the 28-year-old, who now plays for French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg believes that politics by coaches in player selections has caused of the Black Stars poor output.

“I saw Wakaso [Mubarak] making a comment that party politics between NPP and NDC is affecting the Black Stars and I feel that is not affecting the performance of the players because [party] politics does play football,” Wakaso told YAC Media’s Saddick Àdams during an Instagram interview on Wednesday.

“I think at the national team level, the politics rather affect the selection of players. Like myself, they will call you from Europe when you’re performing and always drop you like a scapegoat for players who do not even play half a season and I’m not going to talk about myself alone.

“The selections towards [qualifiers or tournaments] are not based on your performance. It’s only based on politics in the team and I think it is something that affects us at tournaments because that’s the biggest stage that everyone wants to be part and that’s also when the politics get in a lot,” he added.

It will be recalled that Waris was conspicuously missing from Ghana’s final squad named by former coach Kwasi Appiah that represented the country at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Egypt.

That move was the third consecutive time he was left out ahead of competition.

Ben Nti jabs Sometymer Otuo Acheampong to defend claims

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Ben Nti revives feud with Sometymer Otuo Acheampong to defend claimsImage credit via Ghanasoccernet

Former Asante Kotoko administrative manager, Ben Nti  has strongly replied veteran journalist Otuo Acheampong Boadaa to defend his claims that the Oyerepa FM General Manager orchestrated the downfall of Dr. KK Sarpong administration.

Otuo Acheampong expectedly denied Nti’s assertion. He noted that he hand no hand in KK Sarpong decision to resign from the club.

But Ben Nti in his response titled: ‘Sometimer Otuo Acheampong’s Delusion of Grandeur !’, the soft-spoken administrator described the experienced journalist as a fan of Hearts of Oak who was interested in ‘destabilizing’ Kotoko.

READ ALSO:https://footy.ghpush.com/sometymer-otuo-acheampong-fires-back-at-k-k-sarpong-spokesman-ben-nti-for-accusing-him-wrongly/

Below is the full text of Ben Nti’s reply to his ‘foe  Sometymer Otuo Acheampong.

1.Ever since I made my first media appearance in 2020 on Saturday at Hello FM I have listened to, and read, Mr Sometimer Otuo Acheampong’s desperate attempt to rescue a bit of his dwindling public image. He’s been all over the media space fruitlessly defending himself before Kotoko supporters suggesting, albeit unsuccessfully, that he has the interest of Kotoko at heart probably more than myself.

For a well known Hearts of Oak supporter Sometimer cannot claim to ‘love Kotoko more’ than I Ben Nti. Unless Mr Otuo Acheampong is suggesting that he has denounced his well known Hearts of Oak affiliation from his Legon days.

He only seems to find his ‘love Kotoko’ when he is engaged in incessant insults and criticism of Kotoko Managements whenever they do not ‘play ball’ with him. He sees everything wrong with each Kotoko administration so long us he does not personally benefit financially. I am wondering which of the following two issues motivates him the most to attack or not to attack every Kotoko administration

Personal financial gain?

A dream to see Kotoko destabilized influenced by his Hearts of Oak affiliations

I am also extremely surprised at how hard Mr Otuo Acheampong took the few words I uttered on the short radio interview. For someone who has made it his lifetime professional focus to insult various sporting personalities in the name of practicing journalism, generating one self-serving rumor or another in attempt to tarnish the hard won reputation of accomplished individuals, I least expected to get under his skin with the few facts I threw out on the said program. For his information the way he felt during and after my interview is exactly how people with higher personal accomplishments and intellect than Sometimer feel whenever he hides behind the rhetoric of pleasing Kotoko fans and, makes them the object of his insults and unwarranted criticisms. Just like he did to previous Kotoko administrations. Just like he is doing to Kwame Kyei. He who feels it knows it.

Now, before I proceed let me clarify that my interventions on that radio show had nothing to do with any beef that the Dr Sarpong administration allegedly had with Mr Otuo Acheampong. He has an exaggerated opinion of his importance. My only worry is that the current spate of attacks on the person of the Chairman of Kotoko orchestrated through specific media houses was becoming one too many and did not bode well for the stability of Kotoko. If Sometimer’s name came up it is only because he has such history. If Dr Sarpong’s name came up it is because he was one such person who came under similar ill-advised media campaigns. Several other Kotoko administrations can attest to this. The cycle had began and Kotoko supporters needed to sit up before some misguided elements destroyed Kotoko again. At least, not some known Hearts sympathizer hiding behind journalism and bent on destroying Kotoko if he is not directly benefiting. At least now I am also an ordinary supporter whose interest remains important to Sometimer. At least that’s what he claims. I can also sit in my corner and throw stones.

Now let me attempt to address some of the issues Mr Otuo Acheampong raises in his piece titled ‘Ben Nti’s Faux Pas’. I will deal with the points he lists as ‘My Take’ and deal with them accordingly:

I am surprised at the weak logic Sometimer pursues in paragraph 1 by suggesting that because Dr Sarpong voluntarily resigned as Kotoko Executive Chairman his resignation could not be attributed to activities of the media. For a man who had spent his lifetime building a reputation based on integrity, the ill-advised orchestrated lies and insults that were being spewed out on platforms created by the likes of Sometimer, getting away from the job ended up protecting his reputation. A lot more should have resigned to protect their image. At least my brother Kwame Baah-Nuakoh had done it long before Dr Sarpong did. You know the common thing linking the two? Reputation and Integrity!

I don’t need to mention more than one media person who has been engaged in this clandestine pirate journalism to destabilize Kotoko. I knew one called Sometimer Otuo Acheampong. And that’s why he is the one I referred to.

III. Sometimer asks why it has taken me 4 to 5 years to call on Kotoko supporters to be wary of people like him who are always ready to create confusion in Kotoko by calling for the sack of one Kotoko regime or the other. The answer is simple. It has taken Sometimer and the likes 4 to 5 years to start destabilizing another Kotoko administration. I did not hear him criticize the Management of Opoku Nti when supporters cried out that they were under performing. You know why? Sometimer was the de facto CEO of Kotoko ( or Advisor to the CEO). This is something he cannot dispute. Maybe he can show us a tape of his criticism of Opoku Nti’s administration when supporters were crying out. Was he benefitting from Kotoko then so he did not think the supporters’s cry was worth his attention then? Consistency as a journalist is key my friend.

In paragraph 4 my friend Sometimer comes back to what he is good at. Rumor-mongering. That I Ben Nti has been promised a route back into Kotoko Management. For the records I resigned from Kotoko. I am fully occupied at my workplace. I am a full time Kotoko Supporter now, just as I was long before Dr Sarpong joined Kotoko as Executive Chairman. I don’t need to be in Kotoko Management to be relevant to Kotoko. Secondly your suggestion that Dr Sarpong is looking for a way back into Kotoko Management is a cheap shot which is below even your low standards. You can do better. To even go on to suggest that you may be a stumbling block to him if he wanted to come back to Kotoko speaks so much about your exaggerated opinion of your own importance in Kotoko affairs. Delusion of grandeur! Please check up the meaning.

My reputation as far as Kotoko matters are concerned are intact. Am waiting for you to point out one misconduct on my part during the two times as served in Kotoko Management. You can check from the appointing authorities on my reputation relating to Kotoko. Water-tight!

It is instructive to note your long association with Kotoko in the guise of an advisor. I presume that supports my assertion that probably during the Opoku NTI administration you may have been more than an advisor. I will leave the record of your involvement in player transfers during that period and the youth team of Kotoko’s travel to Switzerland for another epistle. Those are facts that will suggest to every well meaning Kotoko supporter that your association with Kotoko is smooth only if you are benefitting financially. Like I said that will be for another day.

VII. Sometimer claims that I attempted to parade him against the rank and file of Kotoko supporters and it failed. Just leave the judgment of failure or success to the supporters. That is even if you believe that was my motive.

Now my little advise. Dropping your academic qualifications in a public argument does not sound very complimentary. If having academic qualifications translates automatically to knowledge then you would have had no business criticizing some of the people you vehemently demeaned on your platforms. Most of them are better qualified than you. So if I cannot advise you on administration because your have a degree in Public Administration then I am wondering what kind of advice you gave to the long list of Kotoko Chairmen you claim came to you seeking advice. There are not too many that you were better qualified than.

Let me conclude that Kotoko supporters should see some of these journalist for who they truly are: opportunists who criticize Kotoko Managers who do not play ball but conveniently keep quiet when they benefit.

I am waiting for Sometimer Otuo Acheampong’s response because I have time on my hands. Now I am a full time supporter. I also have the interest of Kotoko at heart. And my target is to stop mercenary media men from destroying Kotoko. Thank you

Kotoko to sign new three-year deal with Fidelity Bank

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The General Manager of Asante Kotoko, Nana Kwasi Gyembibi Coker has confirmed that the club has sent proposals to its financial institution partners, Fidelity Bank for a contract renewal.

According to Nana Gyembibi, both patties have reached an advance stage for a possible deal.

“The MTN contract is renewed but with Fidelity Bank, the contract expired which we wrote back to them expressing interest for a possible contract renewal,” Cooker told the media after a meeting with the club’s NCC.

“We have met them and discussed about it and looking forward to them accepting our proposal,” he revealed.

Asante Kotoko are expecting to finalize a likely three-year-deal with the banking institution in the coming weeks.

Kotoko sole Shareholder Otumfuo Osei II sets ad-hoc Committee to investigate judgement debt brouhaha

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Asante Kotoko owner and Life Patron Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances leading to judgement debt against the club.

The Porcupine Warriors have been fined a whooping $240,000 by FIFA for breaches in their contract with former Esperance striker Emmanuel Clottey.

READ ALSO:https://footy.ghpush.com/kotoko-ordered-by-fifa-to-pay-180000-in-tussle-with-esperance-over-emmanuel-clottey-transfer/

Accusations and counter-accusations have dominated in the media between past and present management members of the club.

READ ALSO: https://footy.ghpush.com/kotoko-to-pay-fifa-fine-before-deadline/

However, the club’s owner Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has set up a committee to investigate the matter and other troubling issues confronting the club.

“Investigate all the circumstances surrounding Asante Kotoko Sporting Club transactions with Tunisian Club Esperance which resulted in the FIFA ruling and the subsequent transfer of another Asante Kotoko player to the club.”

“To investigate the failure of Asante Kotoko SC to meet its regulatory obligations to the Premier League licence.”

They have four weeks to submit its report to the King of the Ashanti kingdom.

The tenure of the club’s Executive chairman Kwame Kyei has come to an end, Manhyia Palace has reported.

Arsenal ready to add Alexandre Lacazette, cash for Thomas Partey

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Image credit via graphiconline

Arsenal are believed to be ready to trigger Thomas Partey’s buy-out clause of £50 million pounds

Ghanaian midfielder, Thomas Partey, could join English Premier League side, Arsenal, in the summer 2020 transfer window

Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, is looking for a ball winner to stabilise his midfield for next season and has identified the Atletico Madrid star as a perfect player who can fit the bill.

Initially, the Gunners were ready to meet Partey’s buy-out clause of £50 million pounds but with talks between the player and Atletico over contract extension already ongoing, the Gunners are ready to improve their bid for him.

Alexandre Lacazette could be part of a deal to get Thomas Partey

According to British publication,The Sun, Arsenal are looking forward to offer French striker Alexandre Lacazette as part of the deal to bring the 26-year-old Ghanaian to Emirates in the forthcoming transfer window.

Partey has been in fine form for the Rojiblancos in all competitions this season, making 35 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

Aside from Arsenal, Inter Milan, AS Roma and Manchester United are all said to be interested in the player whose current deal expires in June 30, 2023.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been the engine of Atletico Madrid since breaking into the first team in 2015 after initial loan deals with UD Almeria and Real Mallorca.

Author: Edmund Okai Gyimah

Kotoko players ready to take only 10% pay-cut – Report

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Asante Kotoko players are ready to take a 10% pay-cut rather than the 40% slash proposed by the management of the club.

The General Manager of the Reds Nana Gyambibi Coker told Kumasi FM that the playing body has accepted to slash their monthly income by 40%.

But sources revealed later that there was no discussions between the players and management.

Asante Kotoko captain, Felix Annan

According to reports monitored on Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM, the hierarchy of the Porcupines Warriors engaged the leadership of the playing body Tuesday, at a meeting held at the secretariat to discuss pay-cut.

The report indicated that, management tabled a 50% pay-cut, but was later reduced to 30%

But the players are resisting calls to accept sweeping pay cuts of 30%.

Snippets of information gathered indicate that the players’ quarters are suggesting 10%.

This meeting had General manager Nana Gyembibi coker , Team manager Ohene Brenya ,Felix Anan and Emmanuel Gyamfi.

Photo credit via Kickgh

Ex-Black Stars player eyes Kotoko move

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Erstwhile Black Stars defender Lee Addy has revealed his readiness to sign for Kumasi Asante Kotoko should he be contacted

The former Berekum Chelsea centre back featured for the Bibiries between 2008 and 2010, where he was very impressive.

“I went to South Africa for a while but I’m back home looking for a different place (club) to go, am a free agent, if any club comes I will go”, Addy told ghanasportspage.com.

“I am 100% ready to go and help them if only they approach me. I was trying to contact some of the local teams, so if by God’s grace I’m to play, they themselves will approach me, if the time comes for me to play too I will, so if they (Kotoko) approach me they are always welcome, I will come”, Addy revealed.

Addy played for the Black Stars between 2009 and 2012, and now boasts of 30 caps for Ghana.

Image credit via ghanasportspage

Zinedine Zidane’s son chooses to represent Algeria

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Luca Zidane, the son of French legend and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, has reportedly decided to represent Algeria should he earn a call-up from the defending African Champions.

Current Les Verts goalkeepers Raïs M’Bolhi and Azzedine Doukha are both ageing, having mann the posts for long, and Head Coach Djamel Belmadi has set sight on the son of Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane for the national team as replacement.

At age 21, Luca Zidane can also play for France and Spain at the international level, he is interested  in representing Algeria.

Head Coach Djamel Belmadi is reported to have informed Algerian FA to complete Luca Zidane’s paperwork and all that he will require to be available for the National Team.

Luca Zidane is currently on loan at Racing Santander of La Liga from Real Madrid where he has played a total of 29 games and kept six clean sheets before the deadly Coronavirus crisis brought the league to a halt.


The young shot stopper has represented France at the Youth Level from U16 to U20 level, making a total of 30 appearances but hasn’t played for the French senior side which makes it possible for him to switch to Algeria.

Luca Zidane is looking at meeting with Algeria’s head coach Djamel Belmadi one-on-one when it’s convenient to do so and hopefully find an agreement.

Source: africanfootballhq.com

Photo credit via africanfootballhq

Felix Annan’s agent confirms talking to South Africa clubs

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Felix Annan’s agent Philemon Baiden has confirmed talking to few clubs in the South Africa top-flight league for a possible move.

Annan – who is the captain of the Porcupine Warriors – has lost his number one slot to Kwame Baah.

Last week, there were grapevine information which linked the former Wafa goalkeeper to Maritzburg United.

But President of the South African side Farouk Kadodia debunked in an interview with Ashh FM.

But Annan may land in the South African Premier Soccer League after Baiden contract talks with some clubs.

”We have spoken to a few clubs in SA and when we get a good offer and more playing time we would like for the player to move on,” Baiden told Soccer Laduma.

”His contract with Kotoko expires in two years, but there is a mutual understanding in the contract.”

In December 2019, Annan signed a new three-year contract extension with Kotoko.

The new deal will keep him until 2022.

Image credit:: via Ghanaweb

VIDEO: Watch highlights of Hearts Of Oak new signing Eric Dizan

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Accra Hearts Of Oak announced the capture of Ivorian winger Eric Dizan on Monday afternoon.

The skillful winger joined the Phobians on a three-year deal after passing medicals and having fruitful negotiations.

READ ALSO:https://footy.ghpush.com/hearts-of-oak-sign-ivorian-winger-eric-dizan/

Dizan, 26, has had stints with Ivorian club, Stade d’Abijan Ivoire Académie Abidjan and RC Bettié.

Highlights Of Eric Dizan

video credit via Kickgh