by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ghanaian midfielder Umar Bashiru has candidly reflected on the turbulent campaign his club, Commercial Bank Ethiopia Sports Association (CBE SA), is enduring in the Ethiopian Premier League this season.
CBE SA, the reigning champions, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, languishing in 16th place with just nine points from nine games. Their record of two wins, three draws, and four losses marks a sharp contrast to the dominance they displayed last season.
Bashiru, who joined the club from Ethiopian Insurance (Medhin) after their historic league title triumph, spoke to Pan-Africa Football about the team’s struggles.
“Our performance this season hasn’t been great. We are having trouble winning matches,” Bashiru admitted. Despite creating plenty of chances, their inability to convert them into goals has left the team in a precarious position.
The 28-year-old dismissed any hopes of retaining the league title, emphasizing survival as the team’s immediate focus. “Our priority now is to win games and build confidence,” he stated.
Having featured in four matches this season, Bashiru remains determined to contribute more and help his team climb out of the relegation zone. For now, his goal is to inspire a turnaround and revive the spark that made them champions just a season ago.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
A Champion’s Perspective on Excellence and Youth Development
Richard Kissi Boateng, the Ghanaian defender who once donned SuperSport United’s colors, has spoken highly of the South African football powerhouse, hailing it as one of the most exceptional clubs in the country. The former player, who contributed to the club’s MTN 8 Tournament victory in 2017, shared his admiration during an interview with Pan-Africa Football.
Reflecting on his time at SuperSport United, where he played between 2017 and 2019, Boateng emphasized the club’s remarkable legacy in the South African league. “SuperSport is one of the biggest teams in South Africa. Their record in the league is among the best,” he said.
He attributed the club’s success to its strategic planning and professionalism. “SuperSport has its season and its own plans on how to handle things in the league. It’s a team that knows what they are doing when they set their sights on winning the title.”
Highlighting its youth development focus, Boateng described the club as a platform for nurturing young talent, solidifying its role as a pillar of South African football. “It has been a platform for every youth in South Africa,” he remarked, adding that SuperSport’s organizational structure compares favorably to other giants like Mamelodi Sundowns.
Boateng’s glowing assessment comes from a wealth of experience. Beyond SuperSport, he has enjoyed a distinguished career, representing clubs such as Berekum Chelsea, Al Ittihad Tripoli, and DR Congo’s TP Mazembe.
As SuperSport United continues to build on its rich history, Boateng’s words offer a testament to its reputation as a club that champions both excellence and the future of African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra
Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, is on a mission to reshape the country’s sports narrative. Known for its passion for football, Ghana has long been celebrated for the exploits of the Black Stars. However, at a vibrant boxing event hosted by his son, Sharaf Mahama, over the weekend, Mahama shared a vision for a broader, more inclusive sports culture.
Addressing a packed Bukom Boxing Arena, Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s football legacy but called for a revival of other disciplines. He lamented the country’s struggles in football, including a 42-year drought without an Africa Cup of Nations trophy and a recent failure to qualify for the tournament after 21 consecutive appearances.
“It’s time for us to broaden our horizons,” Mahama declared. “We all love football, but it is not the only game. When we were young, we stayed up till dawn to watch Azuma Nelson fight in Australia. Those were golden moments, and we need to recreate that spirit here in Ghana—not just in boxing, but in all sports.”
Mahama pledged to transform the Bukom Boxing Arena into a world-class facility with fully equipped gyms to support athletes. He also emphasized the need to invest in multiple sports disciplines, drawing inspiration from nations that excel in the Olympics by diversifying their focus beyond football.
“We can achieve greatness in sports if we invest in the potential of all our athletes. This is about national pride, not just for football but for every sport,” he said.
As Mahama sets his sights on a sports revolution, his message is clear: Ghana’s future lies in nurturing all its talents, not just on the football pitch but across the entire sporting spectrum.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
In the bustling soccer landscape of the United States, the MLS has often faced criticism as a “retirement league,” a term used to describe leagues where aging stars go to wind down their careers. But LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil has a different perspective—and the stats to back it up.
At just 26 years old, Paintsil left Belgian side KRC Genk for a fresh challenge in Major League Soccer. In his debut season, the Ghanaian forward thrived, netting 14 goals to guide LA Galaxy to their record-breaking sixth league title. Speaking to Joy Sports, Paintsil passionately rejected the notion that the MLS is a league for aging stars.
“It’s not as easy as people think. People say it’s a retirement league, but trust me, a lot of Europeans can go there and flop in the first season,” Paintsil explained. “This is not a league to be taken for granted. It’s highly competitive and serious about making an impact globally.”
The arrival of football icons like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Olivier Giroud has boosted the league’s visibility and raised its standards. Paintsil believes their presence has helped elevate the MLS from a growing league to a legitimate soccer powerhouse.
“Playing in the MLS now is exciting. You’ve got legends like Messi, Giroud, and Reus, alongside rising talents. It’s a league that demands a lot, and it’s amazing to see how it’s shaping soccer in the U.S.,” he added.
Paintsil’s stellar first season has proven that the MLS is no longer a league to overlook. It’s a place where stars are born, not just where they retire.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Stars’ absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has sparked outrage and deep disappointment among Ghanaians, with former Ghana international Majeed Waris labeling the failure as a national embarrassment.
Speaking to JoySports, Waris shared his dismay over Ghana’s failure to qualify for the prestigious tournament—a first in two decades. He highlighted the emotional toll on the nation, emphasizing how crucial AFCON participation is to the country’s football identity.
“I would say it’s a shame to all of us,” Waris lamented. “I feel like something needs to be done. I think everyone is hurt. When you see the countries arriving for the tournament and the joy it brings, that’s when the country will feel it more.”
Ghana, once a powerhouse of African football, finished at the bottom of Group F with a dismal three points from six games. Their campaign ended with three losses and three draws, allowing Sudan and Angola to secure the coveted qualification spots.
Waris urged the authorities to take swift action to revive the Black Stars’ glory days, stressing that a united effort is needed to address the underlying issues within the team and administration.
The heartbreak is felt not just on the pitch but across Ghana, as fans come to terms with missing out on Africa’s biggest football stage.
