by Silas Boahene | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku credits his success at Leicester City to former coach Enzo Maresca, who recently joined Chelsea.
After a challenging stint with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Issahaku joined Leicester on loan before the start of last season and excelled. The 20-year-old impressed with six goals and 13 assists in the Championship, playing a key role in Leicester’s return to the Premier League.
In a recent interview, Fatawu expressed his gratitude to Maresca for the confidence and direction he received during the season.
“I think it is the confidence he gave me and how he guided me during the league,” Fatawu said on Joy Prime, explaining the impact of Maresca’s coaching.
“When I got the opportunity, I gained more confidence. That was why it was easier to perform as I did. It was just something that I was not surprised about.”
Fatawu will no longer work directly with Maresca at Leicester, as Steve Cooper has taken over as coach.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana captain John Mensah has found a new passion since retiring from football seven years ago. Mensah, who was instrumental in Ghana’s journey to the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals, now dedicates himself to spreading the word of God.
“I’m just keeping myself in the church all the time, so I’m always visiting the church because I’m not on the field anymore. That’s how I’m keeping myself cool,” John said at the Ghana Football Awards ceremony.
“My church is Resurrection Power, New Generation Church. I worship there, but my focus is on Almighty God, worshiping Him and advising my people. I also engage in evangelism to help others know God better.”
Mensah, a former defender for Sunderland, played 86 times for Ghana’s national team, scoring three goals during his international career. The 41-year-old was part of the Ghana squad that secured qualification for their first-ever World Cup in 2006.
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by Silas Boahene | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has expressed his ambition to foster unity among the new generation of Ghanaian players.
The West Ham United star has been frequently seen bonding with several junior members of the Black Stars squad, many of whom are fellow graduates of the Right to Dream academy.
Among Kudus’ close associates are Kamaldeen Sulemana, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, and Ibrahim Osman. Kudus has built strong camaraderie with these players, both during national team camps and informal gatherings after the season.
Following his recognition as Footballer of the Year at the 2024 Ghana Football Awards last Saturday, Kudus shared his sentiments and thanked those who contributed to his successful debut season at West Ham.
“As part of the new generation, one of my aims is to increase the love and unity between us. This season, Fatawu has pushed me a lot, and I have pushed him a lot too,” Kudus said.
He also expressed his gratitude for the support he received, saying, “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to come here and experience this amazing award. I want to use this opportunity to give thanks to everyone who put in the effort to ensure this nice event happened today.”
Kudus’ commitment to unity and mutual support among Ghanaian players highlights his leadership both on and off the pitch, aiming to strengthen the bonds within the national team for future successes.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku attended Vision FC’s End of Season Awards, praising the club’s President Michael Osekre and Coach Hamza Obeng Mohammed for their roles in securing promotion to the Premier League. Okraku highlighted their determination and teamwork, emphasizing the club’s historic achievement and offering advice to the coaching staff amidst celebrations. The event also honored key figures and players, underscoring Vision FC’s promising future in Ghanaian football.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 1, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Mohammed Fuseini has completed a move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG) for a reported fee of €2 million. The 22-year-old caught the attention of scouts during his loan spell at Randers last season.
Fuseini underwent medical examinations on Monday and signed a three-year contract with an option for an additional year. RUSG, reigning Belgian Cup champions, secured his services amidst interest from Swansea City, FC Utrecht, Stade Rennais, and Como.
A product of the Right to Dream Academy, Fuseini previously played for Austrian club Sturm Graz, where he contributed to their Austrian Cup triumph in 2022/23. Opting for RUSG’s promising environment, known for nurturing young talents, Fuseini joins a club with a track record of developing players like Simon Adingra and Denis Undav, who subsequently moved to Brighton and Hove Albion under the club’s majority shareholder, Tony Bloom.
RUSG, narrowly missing the Belgian league title last season, now aims to qualify for the Champions League, with qualifiers set to commence in the upcoming season.
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