by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 5, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As Kobbie Mainoo continues to shine for both Manchester United and the England national team, the young midfielder is looking to secure a new contract that matches his growing influence. Reports suggest Mainoo is pushing for a wage increase to £180,000 per week, plus bonuses, a figure he believes fairly represents his status as an England regular and brings him closer to the earnings of his teammates.
Having established himself as a key figure under Erik ten Hag, Mainoo’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and negotiations are expected to reflect his rapid rise in both club and international football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
At the heart of Ghanaian football’s transformation, a significant milestone was reached on March 4, 2025, as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) hosted the first-ever FIFA Club Professionalisation and Management Programme for Ghana Premier League clubs. Held at the prestigious Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the two-day workshop brought together top club executives to shape the future of club governance and management.
General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq., in his opening remarks, underscored the programme’s critical role in enhancing the professional structure of Ghanaian clubs. He urged participants to fully engage with the sessions, highlighting how the initiative would equip clubs with the tools to improve governance, strengthen management structures, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Leading the sessions was Pedro Manuel Correia Miranda, a renowned FIFA Experience Instructor and Consultant, supported by a high-profile FIFA delegation. The team included Solomon Mudege, Head of FIFA Development Programmes – Africa, Marcos Picallo Aguilar, FIFA Senior Professional Football Manager, and Silmara Sousa, MA Regional Coordinator for FIFA Development Programmes. Their expertise provided club executives with invaluable insights into modern football management.
This initiative aligns with FIFA’s broader vision of professionalising club football across the globe. By creating a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and skill-building, the programme empowers Ghana Premier League clubs to meet the evolving demands of modern football.
As the workshop continues through March 5, 2025, participating clubs are set to gain not just theoretical knowledge but also practical strategies to elevate Ghanaian football to new heights. This marks a crucial step in ensuring the league’s long-term growth, strengthening its clubs, and positioning Ghana as a powerhouse in African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
FC Barcelona has officially pulled out of the race to sign Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, leaving the Arsenal star with an uncertain future as his contract nears its end.
Partey, 31, joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 but now finds himself on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans. With his contract set to expire, Arsenal has reportedly decided against offering him an extension, prompting interest from top European and Middle Eastern clubs.
Initially, Barcelona was among the clubs considering a move for the experienced midfielder. However, recent developments suggest the La Liga leaders have shifted their focus. With young midfield talents like Gavi and Pedri thriving, the Catalan club is now prioritizing a left-winger instead of reinforcing the midfield.
Despite Barcelona’s withdrawal, Partey remains on the radar of several top clubs, including PSG, Juventus, and teams in the Saudi Pro League. His performances in the final months of the 2024/25 season will be crucial in determining his next move.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Star Rises at Fritz-Walter-Stadion
FC Kaiserslautern fans were treated to a night of brilliance as Ragnar Ache delivered a stunning brace to inspire a commanding 3-0 victory over Jahn Regensburg in Bundesliga 2 action.
The match began as a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock in the first half. But just two minutes into the second half, Ache rose above the defense to head home a pinpoint cross from Florian Kleinhansl, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. That goal ignited Kaiserslautern’s momentum, and just four minutes later, Marlon Ritter coolly slotted home a well-placed pass from Maximilian Bauer to double the lead.
The night, however, belonged to Ache. In the 70th minute, the German-Ghanaian forward put the game beyond doubt with a thunderous strike from outside the box, latching onto a pass from Daniel Hanslik before rifling the ball into the bottom left corner. With 12 league goals to his name, Ache left the pitch to a standing ovation in the 77th minute, cementing his status as Kaiserslautern’s talisman.
The victory levels Kaiserslautern’s head-to-head record against Regensburg and sets them up for a crucial clash against Elversberg on March 7. With Ache in red-hot form, the Red Devils will be looking to build on this dominant display.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Once upon a time, in the heart of Lomé, young footballers watched in awe as Emmanuel Adebayor, their nation’s legend, dazzled on the field. He carried Togo’s hopes, braving long, grueling journeys across Africa, chasing a dream that often felt just out of reach.
Years later, another young talent, Bradley Barcola, stood at a crossroads. Born in France but with Togolese roots, he had the option to represent his ancestral homeland or the country where he was raised. Adebayor, reflecting on his own journey, understood Barcola’s choice.
“He’s joining a team that has already lifted the World Cup,” Adebayor mused. “Could he win an AFCON with Togo? Not now. Could he qualify for the World Cup with Togo? I don’t think so.”
Adebayor knew the reality. The allure of playing for France wasn’t just about prestige—it was about opportunity, financial security, and a smoother path in professional football. With France, Barcola would enjoy the comfort of direct flights, lucrative sponsorships, and a higher level of visibility.
“For us, just getting to Zambia meant detours through Mozambique and Libya,” Adebayor recalled. “By the time we arrived, we were already exhausted.”
There was no bitterness in his voice—only understanding. Barcola had made a pragmatic choice, one that many dual-national players face. And while Togo might have lost a talented son to France, the hope remained that one day, the conditions would change—making such decisions less about survival and more about passion.
