by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 25, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) held its 49th annual awards ceremony, recognizing the nation’s finest athletes, coaches, and sports personalities for their exceptional achievements in 2024. The prestigious event highlighted the stars who continue to elevate Ghanaian sports on both local and international stages.
Black Satellites’ coach Desmond Ofei was crowned Coach of the Year, while the spotlight shone brightly on Abdul Aziz Issah, who clinched both the Male Footballer of the Year and Prospect of the Year awards for his stellar performances.
In women’s football, Mukarama Abdulai took home the Female Footballer of the Year award, a testament to her consistency and brilliance on the field. Ghana’s National Team of the Year award went to the Athletics Relay Team, whose teamwork brought glory to the nation.
Other winners included Edwin Gadayi as Athlete of the Year and Elizabeth Opoku from GRA Ladies, who was named Hockey Player of the Year. The boxing ring also had its hero, with Amadu Mohammed winning Boxer of the Year.
In aquatic sports, Abeiku Jackson emerged as the Swimmer of the Year, while Winifred Ntumi was recognized as Weightlifter of the Year. The Cyclist of the Year honor went to Emmanuel Sesi, and Kelvin Amuzu was awarded Taekwondo Athlete of the Year.
The evening also celebrated Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa as the Sports Personality of the Year for her all-around contribution to Ghanaian sports. In addition, Bright Kankam Boadu was acknowledged as the Sports Journalist of the Year.
In a moment of high prestige, Coach James Kwesi Appiah received the SWAG President’s Award for his enduring legacy in Ghanaian football. Meanwhile, Samartex FC earned the title of Club of the Year for their remarkable impact on the sport.
The SWAG Awards 2024 once again showcased the talent, hard work, and determination of individuals and teams dedicated to pushing Ghanaian sports forward.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 24, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Essien Praises Partey as the Superior Midfielder
In a rare display of humility and admiration, Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien has given high praise to compatriot Thomas Partey, declaring him the better midfielder when comparing their prime years.
Reflecting on their respective careers, Essien, renowned for his power, versatility, and dominance in midfield during his time at Chelsea, admitted, “Between myself and Thomas Partey in our primes, I don’t think I would pick myself. I would go for Partey. He is a fantastic midfielder, you know.”
The comment has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many lauding Essien’s humility while others argue that his statement might not be entirely factual given his illustrious career. Essien, however, seemed to focus more on appreciating Partey’s talent rather than diminishing his own legacy.
Thomas Partey, currently a key player for Arsenal and the Black Stars, has earned recognition for his composure, passing range, and ability to control games from midfield—a skill set that has clearly impressed even the great Michael Essien.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 24, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Black Stars Miss 2025 AFCON: Football Administrator Points to Leadership, Not Coach Otto Addo
For the first time in 20 years, Ghana’s Black Stars will miss out on the Africa Cup of Nations after a dismal campaign in the 2025 qualifiers. Despite the disappointment, renowned football administrator Jacob Abdul Salam Yakubu has refused to place the blame on head coach Otto Addo.
Ghana, a traditional powerhouse in African football, endured a disastrous qualification campaign, finishing bottom of Group F with three losses and three draws in six matches. The last time the Black Stars failed to qualify for Africa’s biggest tournament was in 2004, marking a rare low in the nation’s football history.
Speaking to Kumasi-based Kessben FM, Abdul Salam absolved Otto Addo of blame, instead pointing to systemic issues within Ghanaian football. “Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world, but even he cannot handle the Black Stars. Otto Addo has done nothing wrong. For our coach to celebrate an equalizing goal tells you how far our football has fallen,” he said.
Abdul Salam argued that the experienced players, including Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, and Mohammed Kudus, already possess the maturity required for top-level football. “Otto Addo cannot be blamed for the failure. The real problem lies with evil leadership in our football. Their actions have hurt the fraternity, and now, the consequences are clear,” he added.
The Black Stars’ failure has sparked nationwide discussions about the need for systemic reforms within the Ghana Football Association to revive the team’s fortunes.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 24, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Real Salt Lake Secures Ghanaian Talent in MLS Re-Entry Draft
Real Salt Lake has officially welcomed Ghanaian striker Forster Ajago to their 2025 roster, marking an exciting addition to their attacking options. The 23-year-old forward, who was picked during Stage One of the MLS Re-Entry Draft last month, joins from Nashville SC after an eventful season.
Ajago, signed through the 2025 MLS campaign with options for 2026 and 2027, expressed his enthusiasm for the move: “I’m very happy to make this move. Coming here is a beautiful opportunity for me. I’ve had a lot of teammates tell me how great this place is, how great the staff is. My idea is that it’s Utah; let’s make it home.”
The striker will join Real Salt Lake’s preseason camp starting in Santa Barbara, California, before preparing for the team’s February 19 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One clash against CS Herediano in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Ajago’s brief spell at Nashville SC included two goals in 15 appearances, highlighted by a memorable brace during his debut in a 4-0 victory against Moca FC in last year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup. Now, he looks to bring his skillset to Utah and help Real Salt Lake make a mark in 2025.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 24, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Newly appointed head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens, Nora Häuptle, has outlined her ambitious vision for the team, aiming to secure qualification for major international tournaments. The Swiss coach, unveiled at Lusaka’s Pamodzi Hotel, signed a three-year contract, succeeding Bruce Mwape.
Häuptle, formerly the head coach of Ghana’s Black Queens, is determined to take Zambia’s women’s football to new heights. Speaking at her unveiling, she emphasized her commitment to ensuring the Copper Queens consistently feature in global competitions.
“We want to qualify for the big tournaments, return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, and progress beyond the group stages,” Häuptle said. “To achieve this, we need proper development steps. Success doesn’t just happen; we must invest in preparatory games and focus on our youth teams, like the U17 World Cup.”
The 41-year-old coach praised the roadmap set by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for the team’s preparations ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this July. She revealed plans for a February home tournament to engage local fans, a possible tournament in April, and detailed preparations in May to ensure the team is ready for WAFCON.
With a monthly salary of $8,000, Häuptle expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, promising to give her best effort to elevate the Copper Queens.
