by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
On a bright April day in 2023, a 15-year-old Lamine Yamal stepped onto the pitch for Barcelona, marking the beginning of a journey that would captivate the football world. Fast forward to today, and the prodigious winger has already reached a remarkable milestone—100 professional appearances at just 17 years old.
With 83 games for Barcelona and 17 for Spain, Yamal has dazzled fans with his electrifying dribbles, sharp vision, and clinical finishing. In just over a year, he has accumulated an impressive 21 goals and 28 assists, proving himself as one of the most gifted young talents of his generation.
From La Masia to the grandest stages of world football, Yamal’s meteoric rise is nothing short of extraordinary. And with his career still in its infancy, the best is yet to come.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Once upon a time, in the heart of Accra, there lived a footballer whose feet spoke poetry on the pitch, and whose charm wrote stories off it. Asamoah was a man who had conquered defenders and, some would say, even more hearts.
For him, life wasn’t just about goals; it was about the thrill of the game—both on and off the field. His name echoed in stadiums, but also in whispers at high-end lounges and private gatherings. Some envied him, others admired him, but all agreed—he was enjoying life to the fullest.
One evening, as he sat in his penthouse overlooking the Atlantic, a friend asked, “Gyan, do you think all this—fast cars, luxury, and endless romance—will count in the end?”
With a sly smile, he leaned back and said, “My brother, life is to be lived. You can chase trophies or chase joy—either way, make sure you score.”
Moral of the story? Womanizing may not build legacies, but for some, it sure makes life more exciting.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 14, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
In 1995, George Weah etched his name in history as the first—and so far only—African to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or. It was more than just an individual award; it was a symbol of African excellence in world football. Decades later, the Liberian legend remains fiercely protective of his achievement, refusing to put a price on it, no matter the offer.
Rumors once swirled that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk had offered Weah a staggering $1 billion for his Ballon d’Or. But for Weah, no amount of money could equate to the blood, sweat, and dedication it took to win the award.
“My Ballon d’Or isn’t just my greatest achievement in football; it is Africa’s only Ballon d’Or,” Weah stated passionately. “Even if the richest man in the world offers me more than $1 billion, I’ll tell him no! I’ve told my children that, no matter what happens in life, they should never sell it—even if they go broke. Some things are worth more than silver and gold.”
To Weah, the trophy is more than a personal accolade—it is a beacon of hope and pride for Africa. He envisions generations upon generations looking at it, drawing inspiration from his journey from the streets of Monrovia to the pinnacle of world football. His legacy is a reminder that talent, hard work, and determination can break any barrier.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian coach Maxwell Konadu’s journey with South African side Black Leopards has come to an abrupt end, but the story behind his departure goes beyond just results on the pitch.
Having joined the Venda-based club in July 2024 with high expectations, Konadu arrived as a seasoned tactician, boasting experience with Ghana’s national teams under managers like Otto Addo, Milovan Rajevac, Chris Hughton, Kwesi Appiah, and Avram Grant. However, despite his impressive credentials, his time with Leopards was marred by a difficult run of form, ultimately leading to his exit.
Konadu opened up about the reasons behind his departure, citing fundamental disagreements with the club’s management.
“I have honestly enjoyed my time here in South Africa, having come with the ambition of gaining promotion with Leopards,” he told Kickoff. “We were in second place at one point, but then came the run of results without a win. That’s when discussions with management became tough—we simply didn’t see things the same way.”
While he maintains that there was no hostility between him and the club, the differences proved too great to overcome.
“The team isn’t in a bad position at all. If they win three in a row, they’ll be right back in contention,” Konadu added, showing no hard feelings despite his departure.
With Ghanaian football facing uncertainty following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Konadu’s exit from Leopards raises questions about his next move. Could a return to the national setup be on the horizon?
Having guided Nsoatreman FC to Ghana’s FA Cup triumph before moving to South Africa, the experienced coach remains a sought-after figure in West African football. Time will tell where his next challenge lies.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The pressure is mounting on the Black Stars as Ghana faces a defining moment in their football history. After the shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON—a first in two decades—former GFA Executive Council member Kweku Eyiah has sounded the alarm: missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be a disaster too heavy to bear.
Currently second in Group I with nine points, Ghana trails Comoros in the race for a World Cup ticket. With qualification hanging in the balance, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made significant changes to its technical team, bringing in German tactician Winfried Schäfer as a technical advisor. Despite these moves, Eyiah questions whether backroom adjustments alone will fix the team’s struggles.
“The real issue is, are these changes addressing the core problem?” Eyiah told Asempa FM. “Ultimately, it’s the head coach who makes the final decisions. If the issues lie there, altering the staff won’t change much.”
Ghana’s World Cup journey continues in March with crucial clashes against Chad and Madagascar. Alongside Schäfer, Desmond Ofei joins the technical team, while John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda remain in their roles. Kris Perquy has been brought in as a team psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will serve as the video analyst.
Eyiah remains hopeful but warns that the stakes are incredibly high. “Ghanaians are counting on this team to qualify, not just for football pride but for the opportunity to travel to the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The GFA cannot afford to let them down.”
With history on the line, the Black Stars must rise to the occasion—or risk facing the wrath of a nation hungry for redemption.
