by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the dates for the fourth edition of the KGL Inter-Regional U17 Colts Championship. The tournament will take place from July 25 to August 8 at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.
The top U17 boys’ teams from each of the 16 regions will gather in Pampram, following the conclusion of the ongoing Elite U15 Girls Championship at the same venue.
This youth championship, initiated by the GFA, aims to discover and develop young talent across the regions. The tournament has a history of producing notable players for the Ghana Premier League, including Accra Lions’ Blessing Asuman Darkwa.
Previous winners of the tournament include Mal FC, who won the inaugural edition, Great Corinthians, who triumphed in 2022, and the Ashanti Regional U-17 team, who clinched the title last year in a thrilling penalty shootout against Bono Ahafo Region in Kumasi.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Ghana, International, Soccer
The Black Queens of Ghana have returned home following their international friendly against Japan in Tokyo last Saturday.
Led by coach Nora Hauptle, the team, along with the technical staff and players, arrived in Accra on Monday.
After leaving their base in Kanazawa, Japan, on Sunday, they traveled through Narita International Airport. Key players such as Grace Asantewaa, Linda Eshun, and Princess Marfo had already departed for Mexico, Iceland, and Honolulu, USA, respectively, to rejoin their clubs.
The Black Queens are undergoing a rebuilding process after missing out on several continental competitions and have qualified for the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled for July 2025.
The friendly against Japan served as a valuable test, providing the technical team with insights into the squad’s current level and areas needing improvement.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) remains dedicated to investing in the development and depth of the team, aligning with their Women’s Football Strategy to prepare for future challenges.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Joseph Amoako has signed a three-year contract with FC Samtredia in Georgia’s top-flight league, with an option for an additional year.
The 21-year-old shared his gratitude on social media following a challenging period in his career.
Amoako’s move follows a difficult experience with Swedish club Helsingborgs IF, where he faced rape charges and imprisonment before being exonerated.
On Instagram, Amoako reflected on his struggles: “These past years have been a great test, but I’m forever grateful to God, my agent, my advisor, my parents, and some very important people who supported me during difficult times. Now, God has done it again, and we will celebrate this win together.”
Expressing his excitement for the future, Amoako wrote: “I’m forever grateful and humbled to have a great team behind me. It’s time to refresh, rethink, and restart. Let’s make history.”
Before his ordeal in Sweden, Amoako was on loan at Helsingborgs from Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko. He made nine appearances for the Swedish club before their relegation from the Allsvenskan last season.
FC Samtredia sees significant potential in Amoako, who is expected to play a key role in the upcoming season.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghanaian football star Rev. Osei Kofi has shared his journey from a womanizing lifestyle during his football career to becoming a devoted pastor.
Kofi, a key player in Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations victories in 1963 and 1965, explained that footballers in his era had more freedom and were not treated as professionals, which led to a more indulgent lifestyle.
His exceptional talent attracted many women, and he admitted to enjoying that lifestyle, with women even visiting him at home. However, his life took a significant turn after he embraced Christianity and dedicated himself to pastoral work.
“The Bible says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. I became a pastor through football. The fear of God has kept me strong at 84,” the Asante Kotoko legend told Joy News.
Reflecting on his past, Kofi said, “In those days, we were amateurs. Women were attracted to my talent. If I didn’t go out, they would come to me. I am telling you the truth.”
Known as the “wizard dribbler” for his mesmerizing skills, Osei Kofi was a joint top scorer in the 1965 Africa Cup of Nations and the third-highest scorer in 1968. He has since built a loving family with twelve children and continues to inspire many through his pastoral work.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian captain Andre Ayew has emphasized that his commitment to the Black Stars is driven by patriotism rather than financial gain.
Speaking at a University of Ghana lecture, Ayew reflected on his career and the significance of representing Ghana on the international stage.
“The national team is vital to my life and my family’s life,” Ayew stressed. He compared his path to those who found success through traditional education, highlighting the unique journey of a footballer.
“Our lives revolve around the game and this country. When I wear this jersey, it’s all about sacrifices,” the former Marseille star stated.
Ayew, a 34-year-old free agent following his stint with Le Havre, expressed the immense honor and pride he feels when donning Ghana’s jersey.
“I don’t earn my living from wearing the national team colors,” Ayew declared. “I wear these national colors with pride and honor.”
Despite not being included in the recent call-up, Ayew’s dedication to the national team remains unwavering. His commitment is underscored by his record-breaking 120 appearances and 24 goals for Ghana.
