by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 6, 2026 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana internationals Laryea Kingston and John Paintsil have been named among the first set of coaches selected for the CAF Licence A Coaching Course, recently announced by the Ghana Football School.
Kingston, who is currently in charge of youth football development in Uganda, and Paintsil, an assistant coach of the Black Stars, will be part of the programme—the first CAF Licence A course to be organised in Ghana in almost a decade, with the last edition held before 2018.
The two ex-Black Stars players headline a diverse group of experienced and upcoming coaches who will undergo advanced technical and tactical training under the CAF Licence A pathway. The course will be delivered in line with standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The CAF Licence A qualification is a critical requirement for coaches aspiring to work at the top level of club and national team football across Africa, and is widely regarded as a major milestone in professional coaching development.
Other coaches selected for the initial batch include Emmanuel Mensah, Abega Wilson, Dora Zutah, Winfred Dormom, Godwin Attram, Sadique Abubakar, Seth Osei, Enoch Daitey, Isaac Amarh, Sandra Boakye, Welbeck Oppong, Mohammed Hamza Obeng, Henry Wellington, Bernice Adutwumwaa, Anita Wiredu, Hamza Mohammed, Yakubu Mohammed, and Joseph Agyemang Jr.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 6, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Belgian-Ghanaian winger Francis Amuzu produced a game-changing performance off the bench as Gremio secured a dramatic 5–3 victory over Botafogo in an entertaining encounter in Porto Alegre.
Gremio went into the break trailing 2–1, but the introduction of Amuzu in first-half stoppage time shifted the momentum. Moments after the restart, the winger made an immediate impact, providing a clever assist for Carlos Vinicius to draw Gremio level at 2–2.
Although Botafogo briefly regained the lead through a penalty, Gremio responded in style, with Amuzu once again at the heart of the turnaround. The 25-year-old burst down the flank and delivered a precise pass for Tetê to score Gremio’s fourth goal, during a dominant spell in which Vinicius completed his hat-trick and the hosts surged from a losing position into control of the match. Edenilson later added a fifth to put the result beyond doubt before Botafogo scored a late consolation.
Amuzu’s performance highlighted his growing influence, with the winger now recording two assists in two league appearances in the 2025/26 Serie A season.
Gremio will aim to carry this attacking momentum into their next fixture when they host Novo Hamburgo in the Gaucho Playoff on Saturday, February 7.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 6, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana international Jonas Adjetey has made an encouraging start to life at VfL Wolfsburg, earning praise from head coach Daniel Bauer for his attitude and quick adaptation in his first training sessions at the club.
The 22-year-old central defender, who joined Wolfsburg from FC Basel in a deal worth around €10 million and signed a contract until 2030, has already caught the eye with his openness and willingness to learn.
“Jonas has presented himself very well in training,” Bauer said, explaining that both Adjetey and fellow new signing Jeanuël Belocian quickly took on board the tactical instructions discussed in meetings and translated them effectively on the training pitch.
Wolfsburg currently face challenges in central defence, with Jenson Seelt sidelined through injury and Moritz Jenz suspended, limiting Bauer’s options at the back. While Konstantinos Koulierakis and Denis Vavro remain the preferred partnership for now, Adjetey is viewed as the main alternative and could soon challenge for a place in the starting XI.
Despite the positive signs, Bauer urged patience, noting that central defence is a “sensitive position” that relies heavily on communication and understanding. He added that integrating a centre-back is often more demanding than bedding in a full-back.
A final decision on Adjetey’s involvement is expected after the team’s final training session.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 6, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup group opponents, Panama, have scheduled two international friendly matches against South Africa as part of their preparations for the global showpiece.
The fixtures will be played in South Africa between March 27 and 31, 2026, the South African Football Association has confirmed. The games are expected to help Panama fine-tune their squad while gaining valuable experience against African opposition.
Currently ranked 33rd in the FIFA World Rankings, Panama are using the friendlies to sharpen their edge ahead of their Group L opener against Ghana’s Black Stars on June 17 at BMO Field.
Under head coach Thomas Christiansen, Los Canaleros have been active in their preparations. Last month, they hosted Bolivia and Mexico in international friendlies as part of their build-up to the tournament.
After their clash with Ghana, Panama will take on Croatia on June 23 at BMO Field before concluding their group campaign against England at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 6, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana Black Stars defender John Boye has embarked on a new chapter of his life after retiring from professional football, turning his attention to photography as a fresh creative pursuit.
Renowned during his playing days for his leadership and defensive solidity, Boye is now channeling that same focus and discipline into capturing moments through the camera lens. Since stepping away from competitive football, he has devoted considerable time to honing his photography skills, exploring visual storytelling as a form of personal expression beyond the pitch.
News of Boye’s new passion has been warmly received by fans, many of whom have praised his smooth transition from football into a creative field. Supporters of Ghana football have applauded his willingness to reinvent himself, noting that photography offers him a platform to tell stories and share perspectives different from those seen during his playing career.
Observers say Boye’s move reflects a growing trend among retired athletes seeking meaningful and fulfilling paths after sport. Photography, in particular, combines creativity, observation and storytelling, allowing former players to stay connected with the public while discovering new talents.
Boye’s journey also underscores the importance of planning for life after football. By embracing photography, he provides an example to younger players on the value of nurturing interests beyond the game and finding purpose outside professional sport.
As he continues to develop his craft, fans and former teammates alike are eager to see the images and stories John Boye will bring to life, proving that his impact can extend well beyond the football field.
