by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Swedish Club Signs International Forward on a Two-Year Deal
Pitea Dam, a top-flight Swedish club, has secured the signature of Ghanaian forward Sharon Esinam Sampson on a two-year contract. The move comes after a stellar season with Mallbacken in 2024, where Sharon demonstrated her talent over 26 games, netting four goals and earning admiration for her dynamic playing style.
Sharon’s journey to Pitea is a story of resilience and determination. Her career spans an impressive portfolio of clubs and countries, including Greek powerhouse PAOK, where she competed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and a stint in the United States that sharpened her competitive edge. She has also made her mark at Swedish clubs Hammarby IF and Telge United, cementing her reputation as a versatile and dependable player.
On the international stage, Sharon has donned Ghana’s colors, notably representing the Black Princesses at the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Her experience and skill set bring both depth and energy to Pitea’s squad.
Speaking about her move, Sharon expressed her excitement:
“I’m very happy to come to Pitea. It’s exciting to be part of a club where the future looks bright. I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone.”
Pitea’s management shares her enthusiasm, recognizing Sharon as a key addition to their future ambitions. Her arrival is expected to bolster the team’s attack, bringing international expertise and a fresh perspective to the field.
As Sharon steps into this new chapter of her career, Pitea Dam’s fans eagerly await her debut, confident she will leave a significant mark in Swedish football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dutch side FC Volendam have announced the departure of Ghanaian striker Elvis Manu, effective February 1, 2025. The decision comes after an underwhelming spell at the club, which saw the experienced forward struggle to make an impact.
Manu, who joined Volendam in October 2024 on a short-term deal until the end of the season, will now become a free agent during the ongoing transfer window. Despite having a contract that was set to expire in June 2025, the club opted to terminate the agreement early.
In an official statement, FC Volendam explained, “Elvis Manu (31) and the club will part ways as of February 1. This gives the attacker the opportunity to look for a new challenge in this transfer period. Manu had a contract until next summer, with the possibility to leave on a free transfer during this window.”
Manu made his debut on October 4 against Vitesse and featured in seven matches, scoring one goal—a decisive 3-2 winner against FC Den Bosch. However, his overall performances fell short of expectations in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.
“FC Volendam thanks Elvis for his commitment to the club and wishes him success in the rest of his career,” the statement concluded.
The 31-year-old forward has had an extensive career, representing clubs such as Excelsior, SC Cambuur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Huddersfield Town, Go Ahead Eagles, Genclerbirligi, Akhisar Belediyespor, Beijing Renhe, PFK Ludogorets, Wisla Krakow, Botev Plovdiv, FC Universitatea Cluj-Napoca, and FC Groningen.
Manu is now set to explore new opportunities as he seeks the next chapter in his football journey.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has debunked claims that Nora Hauptle’s decision to leave her role as head coach of the Black Queens was due to a lack of friendly matches.
Hauptle, who was appointed in 2023 on a two-year deal, chose not to renew her contract with the GFA. Following her departure, speculation arose, suggesting that insufficient match preparation for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco influenced her decision.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Asante Twum refuted these claims, stating, “Nora Hauptle’s exit has nothing to do with a lack of friendly games. When she took over, she outlined her vision to elevate the team. Based on her plans, we played against Benin and Japan, and there was even an opportunity to face France. However, due to logistical challenges after the Japan game, we had to skip that match.”
He further explained that the only gap in friendly matches occurred in November, citing financial constraints. “We sought assistance from the Sports Ministry, and while they initially assured us of support, they later informed us it wasn’t feasible. Despite this, the lack of a November friendly is not the reason for her departure. Nora simply decided not to extend her contract,” Asante Twum emphasized.
Hauptle has since been appointed as the head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens, signing a three-year deal.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
In a groundbreaking announcement, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has unveiled a significant boost in prize money for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), elevating the winner’s reward to an impressive $3.5 million.
The tournament, set to take place across Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, aims to spotlight Africa-based football talents and foster their development. Dr. Motsepe emphasized CHAN’s crucial role in nurturing young players and enhancing the global competitiveness of African football.
“This competition is integral to our vision of investing in African football,” said Motsepe. “We aim to make African football more appealing to fans, broadcasters, sponsors, and stakeholders worldwide.”
This bold move reflects CAF’s broader strategy to elevate African football’s profile and build a solid foundation for future growth, ensuring its global impact resonates far and wide.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian Defender Signs with Fourth-Tier Portuguese Club
Ghanaian defender and former youth international Philimon Baffour has completed a move to Portuguese fourth-tier side O Elvas SAD during the January transfer window. The 23-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him with the club until the end of the season.
Baffour, a former player for Dreams FC in the Ghana Premier League, made the switch to O Elvas after parting ways with Alcains, another lower-division Portuguese club. Excited about his new challenge, Baffour took to Instagram to share his enthusiasm: “New Chapter, new home, happy to be part of O Elvas family. Let’s go. THANK YOU JESUS.”
Baffour’s journey in Portugal began when he joined Rio Ave from Dreams FC, where he featured for the U23 side but struggled to break into the senior team. A CAF U20 AFCON winner with Ghana and a former member of the Black Satellites, Baffour has also received call-ups to the Ghana senior national team.
Confirming his signing, O Elvas SAD highlighted his international pedigree, stating, “The right-back is a young international for his country, winner of the CAF U20 and has already been called up to the main selection, we hear from CD Alcains!!”
Baffour has already made his debut for O Elvas, featuring in their match against Arronches on Monday evening.
