by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Emmanuel Adebayor has shared a revealing account of his sudden departure from Arsenal, shedding light on how Arsène Wenger showed him the door. The Togolese striker, who had been a key figure for the Gunners, returned from holiday expecting to resume training—only to be met with unexpected news.
“I had a meeting with the boss, and he told me, ‘I don’t need you anymore,’” Adebayor recalled in an interview with Optus Sport. “I was shocked. I thought, ‘Wow, what am I going to do now?’”
Following Wenger’s decision, Adebayor was reportedly barred from the training ground, signaling the end of his Arsenal journey. The abrupt nature of his exit left him scrambling for options before ultimately moving on to Manchester City.
His revelations offer fresh insight into the ruthless nature of football management and how quickly a player’s fortunes can change.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Once a key figure in Ghana’s midfield, Edwin Gyimah is on the verge of reigniting his career in South Africa as he trains with Magesi FC in hopes of securing a contract.
After months without a club, 33-year-old Gyimah has surfaced at Magesi FC following his abrupt exit from Sekhukhune United at the end of last season. The former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United midfielder has built a solid reputation in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) over the years, having played for multiple clubs, including Bidvest Wits, Mpumalanga Black Aces, and Black Leopards.
A source close to the club confirmed his presence, stating, “Yes, Edwin Gyimah has arrived at Magesi. He joined the team on Tuesday while they were preparing for their Nedbank Cup match against SuperSport United. He will train with the team, and there’s a possibility of him signing a deal.”
Gyimah, who also had a stint in Sweden with Helsingborgs IF, was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. Now, he hopes to reignite his career in familiar South African territory, potentially adding experience and depth to Magesi FC’s squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
As discussions on improving football governance in Ghana continue, Sports and Recreation Minister-designate Kofi Adams has issued a firm reminder to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) about maintaining proper administrative channels.
Adams, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem, insists that the GFA must engage the Sports Ministry through the National Sports Authority (NSA) rather than bypassing it. He believes this structure ensures oversight, accountability, and a well-regulated football administration.
“The GFA should never jump the NSA to deal directly with the Sports Ministry. There must be proper checks and balances,” Adams stressed in a recent interview.
Reflecting on Ghana’s football governance history, Adams recalled how, before Kwesi Nyantakyi’s tenure as GFA President, the government had a more direct role in football affairs. He pointed out that this period saw significant success, including Ghana’s historic 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification.
“Before Kwesi Nyantakyi [became GFA President], the government had a hand in running our football. But football was thriving then, and we even qualified for the World Cup [in Germany 2006], so the government felt the need to give them some more freedom,” he noted.
With his official appointment pending parliamentary approval, Adams’ stance suggests that his leadership could bring a renewed focus on governance, ensuring that the GFA operates within the proper administrative framework for the good of Ghanaian football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
As the Ghana Football Association (GFA) moves forward with its latest technical restructuring, one appointment has sparked debate—German coach Winfried Schäfer’s new role as Director of Football and Technical Adviser to Black Stars head coach Otto Addo.
For Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister-designate for Sports and Recreation, this decision raises important questions. Speaking on Accra-based Sporty FM, Adams made it clear that if a Ghanaian coach with similar expertise were available at a lower cost, then the GFA should have prioritized local talent.
“If what Winfried Schäfer is providing can be found here and would cost us less, then we would have to review the list of the technical team of the Black Stars,” he stated, hinting at a possible reassessment of the appointment once he officially assumes office.
The 75-year-old Schäfer, known for his experience across African football, including a stint with Cameroon, joins Ghana’s setup amidst concerns over redundancy, given the presence of an existing Technical Director.
With Adams awaiting parliamentary approval, his stance suggests potential changes in how Ghana balances local and foreign expertise in managing the national team. As discussions heat up, the future of Ghana’s technical team remains a topic of keen interest.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In the summer of 2008, Sulley Muntari’s career was at a crossroads. Fresh off an impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, he was making waves at Portsmouth under Harry Redknapp. But he had no idea that one phone call would change everything.
One afternoon in training, Muntari delivered a series of pinpoint crosses, prompting Redknapp to chuckle and say, “That’s why a top club like Inter wants you.” Those words proved prophetic. Later that day, his phone rang. It was José Mourinho.
“You want to play for me?” the Portuguese tactician asked.
Without hesitation, Muntari responded, “Yes.”
“Good. I’ll see you in Milan tomorrow.”
And just like that, his path was set. The next day, he was in Italy, signing for Inter Milan. Under Mourinho’s guidance, Muntari became a key figure in a dominant Nerazzurri side, winning the Serie A in his debut season. The pinnacle came in 2010 when he helped Inter achieve an unprecedented treble—Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League.
A single call, a single decision, and history was made.
