by Silas Boahene | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Hasaacas Ladies star Abdulai Mukarama expressed her excitement after being named the Home-Based Women’s Player of the Year at the Ghana Football Awards.
Mukarama triumphed over Ophelia Amponsah and Comfort Yeboah of Ampem Darkoa Ladies to win the award.
The star forward made a remarkable return to football after a two-year hiatus due to an injury that left her without a club for the past two seasons. However, the former FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot winner came back strongly to inspire Hasaacas Ladies to the Ghana Women’s League title. She also scored the winning goal as the Black Princesses clinched gold at the African Games in March this year.
“Home-Based Footballer of the Year after a two-year injury hiatus! Dedication and passion for the sport have paid off,” an excited Mukarama posted on social media.
Her impressive performances for Hasaacas Ladies have earned her a maiden Black Queens call-up as the team prepares for a friendly against Japan next week.
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by Silas Boahene | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Hasaacas Ladies and Black Princesses coach Yussif Basigi has expressed his delight after being named Women’s Coach of the Year at the Ghana Football Awards.
The Ghana U20 Women’s coach triumphed over Ampem Darkoa Ladies coach Nana Joe Darkwa and Black Queens coach Nora Hauptle to win the award.
Basigi had an outstanding season with Hasaacas Ladies, leading the team to league success by defeating Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the Women’s League final. He also guided the Black Princesses to qualify for the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup in Colombia.
“Honoured and grateful to the Almighty for winning the Women’s Team Coach of the Year at the Ghana Football Awards. Big thank you to my assistants at Hasaacas Ladies and Ghana Women’s National Team,” Basigi wrote on social media.
Basigi is now preparing his teams for upcoming competitions, with Hasaacas Ladies set for the WAFU Zone B Championship and the Black Princesses training for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
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by Silas Boahene | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Black Stars assistant coach George Boateng has been appointed as the first-team coach at English Championship side Coventry City.
The ex-Aston Villa and Middlesbrough midfielder returns to management following his dismissal as Ghana assistant coach in February after the Black Stars’ disappointing campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Boateng will join Rhys Carr as the newest addition to Coventry’s technical team, with both starting their roles immediately. Coventry will begin pre-season this week as preparations start for the upcoming season.
The former Netherlands star played for Coventry when he first arrived in England during the 1998/99 season, making 57 appearances and scoring seven goals for the club, including a memorable brace against Aston Villa.
“We are very pleased to welcome George and Rhys to Coventry City,” said manager Mark Robins. “They both impressed us during the extensive recruitment process for this important role, and each brings key skills to the football department.
“Their experience and knowledge will greatly aid our work to maximize the performance and preparation of our team, both in advance of and on matchdays. We are excited to begin working with them.”
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by Silas Boahene | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Italian club Fiorentina has officially confirmed the departure of Ghanaian midfielder Joseph Alfred Duncan following the expiration of his contract.
The 31-year-old ends his four-year tenure with the club, having joined in August 2020. Duncan and Fiorentina have mutually agreed to part ways, and the midfielder is now looking forward to securing a new club during the ongoing summer transfer window.
During his time at Fiorentina, Duncan made 126 appearances across various competitions, contributing six goals and playing a pivotal role in the team’s campaigns. In the recently concluded season, he scored two goals and provided five assists in 41 matches, showcasing his influence on the pitch.
Notably, Duncan played a significant role in Fiorentina’s journey to the finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they narrowly lost to Olympiacos.
Having spent the majority of his playing career in Italy, Duncan has had stints with Inter Milan’s youth team, Livorno, Sampdoria, Sassuolo, and Cagliari. His experience and versatility in midfield have made him a respected figure in Italian football.
Internationally, Duncan has earned 10 caps for the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars, since his debut in November 2012.
As Duncan embarks on the next chapter of his career, clubs across Europe will likely be monitoring his availability, recognizing his valuable experience and skillset in midfield.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has praised his teammate Abdul Fatawu Issahaku for his exceptional performance in the English Championship with Leicester City last season.
After a challenging period at Sporting CP, Issahaku found his form during a loan spell at Leicester City in the 2023/24 season, quickly establishing himself as a key player for the Foxes. The 20-year-old impressed fans and critics alike with a remarkable tally of seven goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Leicester’s promotion to the English Premier League.
Following his recognition as the Ghanaian Footballer of the Year, Kudus expressed his admiration for Issahaku’s achievements and their shared commitment to fostering unity within the national team.
“I want to thank Fatawu [Issahaku] for coming here to support me even though he was part of the nominees as well,” Kudus stated. “As part of the new generation, one of my aims is to increase the unity and love between us. In as much as we are competing for the award, it is a healthy competition. He has pushed a lot this season, and I’ve put in a lot, too. I’ve told him already, but in front of everyone, I want to tell him how proud I am of his journey, how far he has come this season, and what he has done with Leicester City.”
Kudus highlighted Issahaku’s accomplishments as a source of inspiration for their generation of players, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other’s success.
Both players are set to showcase their talents in the Premier League next season, continuing their impressive careers and representing Ghana on the global stage.
