by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has provided an encouraging update on Jordan Ayew’s fitness ahead of their Premier League showdown against Chelsea this weekend.
The Ghanaian forward suffered an injury during the Black Stars’ 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Ayew’s spectacular free-kick in that match was overshadowed by his subsequent absence from Ghana’s following game against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
After returning to Leicester for medical evaluation, Ayew’s condition appears less serious than initially feared. Speaking in a press conference, Cooper expressed optimism about the forward’s availability for the crucial encounter with Chelsea.
“It’s not a serious injury, contrary to some reports. The hope is he may be available for the weekend, but we’re a little inconclusive on that for the moment,” Cooper stated.
Ayew, who joined Leicester City from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window, has made a strong start to life at the King Power Stadium. With two goals in ten Premier League appearances, the experienced attacker has proven to be an integral part of Cooper’s squad.
Fans will be hoping Ayew’s recovery progresses in time to see him in action on Saturday, as Leicester looks to secure valuable points against Chelsea.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 21, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the wake of the Black Stars’ inability to secure a spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the dissolution of the team’s Management Committee. The decision, made on November 20, 2024, comes as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s senior men’s national team.
The GFA expressed regret over the team’s underperformance, acknowledging the disappointment of fans across the country. In its statement, the association extended its gratitude to the outgoing committee members for their service while emphasizing the need for new strategies to restore the Black Stars’ competitive edge on the continental stage.
This decisive move marks the beginning of a series of reforms planned by the GFA to address systemic issues and ensure the Black Stars can regain their position as a powerhouse in African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 21, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken a bold step to address the Black Stars’ recent failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In a heartfelt statement issued on November 20, 2024, the GFA apologized to the nation for the disappointment and pledged to chart a new path for Ghanaian football.
Acknowledging the pain and frustration felt by fans, the GFA expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Ghanaians throughout the qualifiers. The association recognized the need for immediate reforms and announced a series of decisive actions to restore the pride of the national team.
As part of these reforms, the GFA dissolved the Management Committee of the Black Stars, thanking its members for their service. Additionally, Head Coach Otto Addo has been called to present his technical report and evaluate the team’s performance on November 27, 2024.
In a historic move, the GFA has also announced a Ghana Football Retreat, scheduled for November 28, 2024, at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence. The retreat will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including sports journalists, former players, coaches, traditional rulers, medics, marketers, and even spiritual leaders. Government bodies such as the Ministries of Sports, Finance, and Education, alongside key authorities like the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Tourism Authority, will also participate.
The aim of this retreat is to crowdsource innovative ideas, insights, and strategies to build a roadmap for the revival of the Black Stars and other national teams. This collaborative effort underscores the GFA’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency as they strive to rebuild the nation’s football legacy.
The GFA ended its statement with a pledge to make amends and a call for continued support from Ghanaians, assuring the public of their dedication to restoring the Black Stars to their former glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Soccer
As the Fifa break takes center stage and several teams remain inactive due to their absence from the Carling Knockout, many players have used this time wisely to recover from injuries. With the resumption of league action on November 26, several high-profile stars are expected to return to full fitness, ready to make an impact on the pitch. Let’s look at some of the top players who are likely to be back in action:
Tapelo Xoki (Orlando Pirates) – Recovering from Knee Injury
The 29-year-old centre-back has been sidelined since May after suffering a significant knee injury. However, after being cleared for full training and focusing on agility drills, Xoki has started working his way back into the team. Although he has not appeared in an official match this season, the break has given him ample time to build his fitness, and he is likely to be ready for competitive action once the league resumes.
Bradley Grobler (SuperSport United) – Groin Injury
SuperSport United’s all-time leading scorer, Bradley Grobler, has been out of action since August after a serious groin injury. The 36-year-old striker, however, has been training with his team and was on the verge of making the matchday squad prior to the Fifa break. Grobler’s recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to return to the pitch soon, bolstering SuperSport’s attacking options.
Mduduzi Mdantsane (Kaizer Chiefs) – Broken Jaw
Mduduzi Mdantsane has had a challenging start to the season after a car accident left him with broken jaws in June. Although he missed Chiefs’ pre-season camp and had to undergo a lengthy recovery, Mdantsane was seen playing in the Home of Legends Cup final, even scoring the decisive penalty to help Chiefs win the friendly tournament. With this crucial game under his belt, Mdantsane is poised to make his official season debut after the Fifa break.
Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates) – Knee Injury
Pirates midfielder Goodman Mosele has had a frustrating season, having not featured in a single match after sustaining a knee injury during pre-season. After missing the club’s pre-season camp in Spain, Mosele has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation. His recovery has progressed with jogging and weight training, putting him in a strong position to make his return in the coming weeks.
As league football resumes, these key players are expected to add depth and strength to their respective teams, and their recoveries during the Fifa break will be crucial for their club’s success in the months ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Soccer
TS Galaxy’s new signing, Keagan Dolly, is eager to get back on the field after several months without a club, following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs. The 31-year-old midfielder, who had been without a team since June, spoke of his excitement to join the Rockets and the warm reception he received from fans on social media. Dolly expressed gratitude towards TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi for offering him a chance to return to football and is committed to helping the club get back to winning ways.
Dolly, who had considered joining SuperSport United before they opted for Vincent Pule, is excited to work with a squad filled with young talent. He aims to contribute both on and off the field, helping to mentor younger players and score goals to lift the team’s performance. The midfielder emphasized that his primary goal is to enjoy playing football again, while also making his supporters and Sukazi proud of the decision to bring him into the fold.
Chairman Sukazi echoed Dolly’s sentiments, praising the player’s leadership and experience, which he believes will be invaluable to TS Galaxy’s efforts to regain form and success. Dolly’s arrival is seen as a much-needed boost to the youthful squad as they work towards a brighter future.
