by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Buses for Excellence or a Political Move?
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has presented Hyundai buses to the top three clubs from Zones One, Two, and Three of last season’s Division One League. This initiative, aimed at supporting the clubs’ logistics, has sparked conversations about the association’s leadership and its president, Kurt Okraku.
Initially, reports suggested the buses would come from GFA’s partner, O.A. Travels and Tours. However, the association delivered Hyundai buses instead, raising eyebrows about the change in arrangement. Despite this, the gesture has been widely acknowledged as a positive step toward easing transportation challenges for the clubs.
As the GFA moves closer to elections, this initiative has fueled debates over whether Kurt Okraku deserves another term. While some applaud his efforts to support grassroots football, others question the transparency and consistency of such projects.
The Bigger Question
With mixed reactions from fans and stakeholders, the buses symbolize more than just logistical support—they represent the broader challenges of trust, accountability, and vision in Ghanaian football management.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Clash That Changed Everything
Ghanaian football fans were stunned when news broke of Daniel Amartey’s decision to step away from the Black Stars. While the official reasons were initially unclear, a recent exposé by renowned sports journalist Collins Atta Poku has shed light on a series of troubling events that may have forced the defender to walk away.
Speaking on Sompa TV/FM, Atta Poku unveiled allegations of financial mismanagement within the Ghana Football Association (GFA), implicating its president, Kurt Okraku. The story begins with preparations for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. During a team meeting, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo personally announced a financial incentive of $3,000 for each player.
However, the promised amount never fully reached the players. Instead, Okraku allegedly distributed only $2,800 per player, citing the need to allocate the remaining $200 to the technical team. This unexplained deduction did not sit well with Amartey, who reportedly confronted Okraku, demanding transparency.
Matters worsened with the controversial dismissal of then-Black Stars coach Otto Addo. As one of the team captains, Amartey was invited to discussions about the sacking but refused to attend, reportedly disillusioned with how the GFA was handling team affairs. His frustration, coupled with what he perceived as systemic indifference to players’ concerns, led him to make the difficult decision to leave the national team.
Fans Call for Reform
Atta Poku’s revelations have sparked heated debates across Ghana, with fans and stakeholders questioning the integrity of the GFA. Many argue that such alleged financial discrepancies and lack of transparency undermine trust between the players and the association.
Amartey’s exit has not only highlighted systemic flaws but has also reignited calls for reforms within the GFA to ensure accountability, fairness, and a harmonious relationship with players. For a team as storied as the Black Stars, these issues strike at the heart of their pursuit of glory on the continental and global stages.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Vinícius Júnior, the electrifying Brazilian forward, recently uncovered a new chapter in his personal history—a DNA test has confirmed his ancestral ties to Cameroon. This revelation comes as part of an initiative by the Brazil national team to trace the ancestral roots of their players, highlighting the deep and diverse cultural heritage that has shaped their squad.
The campaign aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of backgrounds within the team, fostering a greater connection between the players and the global diaspora that contributed to their lineage. For Vini Jr., this discovery serves as a poignant reminder of football’s power to unite people across continents.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
In an extraordinary display of resilience, South Sudan’s national football team embarked on a daunting journey to South Africa for their AFCON qualifier. Strapped for resources, the team traveled with only 15 players, a far cry from the usual 23-man squad. The decision, driven by the crippling cost of flight tickets, underscores the financial struggles faced by the world’s poorest nation in terms of GDP per capita.
South Sudan, also ranked as the third most fragile country globally, carries the weight of adversity both on and off the pitch. Yet, their determination to compete in Africa’s premier football tournament speaks volumes about their unyielding spirit. Their journey is a poignant reminder that passion and perseverance often thrive where resources are scarce.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley is experiencing a dream come true as he prepares to represent South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, in front of his family and friends at the Cape Town Stadium. The 22-year-old centre-back, who hails from Belhar in Cape Town, has had a remarkable year, joining Chiefs from Cape Town Spurs in July and quickly making a name for himself at the club.
Now, with Bafana already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Dortley is relishing the chance to play in his hometown when the team faces South Sudan in their final Afcon qualifier on Tuesday.
“For me, it feels good to be back home, playing in front of my family,” Dortley shared. “It’s been a dream to represent the national team in front of them, though I always thought it would be with the Under-23s. To be playing for Bafana in Cape Town, where it all started for me, is an incredible feeling.”
The young defender sees his call-up to the senior national team as a reward for his relentless work ethic, and he is determined to maintain the consistency that has earned him his spot. “This is the result of hard work paying off,” he said. “I just want to keep doing what I’ve been doing to stay in the team.”
Dortley credits much of his rapid development to the guidance of both his club coach, Nasreddine Nabi, and Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos. “The style of play that Nabi instills at Chiefs is what suits me best, and coach Broos’ approach is very similar, which made it easy for me to adapt to the national team,” Dortley explained.
As he heads into the match against South Sudan, the young defender is excited about playing in front of his supporters and is eager to continue making strides in his football career.
