by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Ibrahim Zubairu is determined to help Partizan Belgrade reclaim their former glory and end the dominance of rivals Red Star Belgrade after signing a four-year contract with the Black and Whites. The 20-year-old former King Faisal star joined FK Partizan from Jedinstvo Ub, having moved to Serbia in 2022.
Zubairu has made a significant impact in the league, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in 36 matches. Despite Partizan’s struggle to win the league in recent years due to Red Star’s seven-year winning streak, Zubairu is optimistic about changing the club’s fortunes.
“It’s a dream come true for me, and I can’t find the words to describe it. Partizan is the best club in the country, and I’m thrilled to wear the Black and White jersey and play in front of these amazing fans,” Zubairu expressed after finalizing his move.
“I always work hard as a team player wherever I play. I came here to work hard and help the team win trophies. I want my performance on the pitch to speak for me, not my words and promises.
“I have been following Partizan since I came to Serbia. I watched their matches and love the atmosphere at their games. Like every young player, I dream of playing in the Champions League, and you can achieve that by winning the Championship,” he added.
Zubairu will join the team for pre-season training in Russia in the coming weeks.
by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Tom Vernon, founder of the Right to Dream Academy, has drawn comparisons between Kamaldeen Sulemana and top talents like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.
Vernon suggests that while Vinicius Jr. and Doku have surged ahead in their careers, Sulemana possesses a comparable skill set.
Last season, the 22-year-old Ghanaian winger faced challenges with recurring injuries, limiting him to 25 league appearances, of which he started only ten. Despite these setbacks, he contributed three assists for Southampton as they secured promotion back to the Premier League, though he did not score.
Previously, Sulemana was widely regarded as one of the most promising talents during his stints at Nordsjaelland and Rennes. Despite recent setbacks, Vernon remains optimistic about Sulemana’s future, emphasizing that true talent and potential endure beyond temporary obstacles.
“I believe, as they say, form is temporary, but class is permanent,” Vernon shared with Joy Sports. “Comparing Kamal to players like Jeremy Doku and Vinicius Jr., you see players in the same category, even though they may have progressed a bit further at certain stages of their development. With modern sports science, most footballers continue playing well into their late thirties.”
Vernon’s remarks underscore his confidence in Sulemana’s enduring abilities and his potential to achieve success similar to his peers, despite recent injury setbacks. As Sulemana looks ahead, he aims to overcome these challenges and fulfill the promise he demonstrated earlier in his career.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Mathew Anim Cudjoe is determined to earn his debut for the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, by the end of this year.
Cudjoe holds a U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title from 2021, where he played alongside teammates who have since moved up to the senior squad. He maintains close ties with his former U-20 colleagues, emphasizing the significance of that experience.
While fellow U-20 champion Fatawu Issahaku has already made an impression with the Black Stars, scoring in a World Cup qualifier, Cudjoe eagerly awaits his opportunity.
Representing Ghana has been a lifelong ambition, and he believes that hard work and good form will earn him a call-up this year.
“My dream is to play for the Black Stars. When I was at Asante Kotoko, I always expressed my desire to represent the national team. I believe it’s just a matter of time,” he stated.
“I have confidence in my abilities, and I am certain that the opportunity will come. It’s all about dedication, the coach’s decision, and maintaining good form. I believe this year people will see me in the national team. And when they do, they will see the Messi in me,” he added optimistically.
Currently, competition for the winger position in the Black Stars is fierce, with a mix of youthful talent and experience.
Nevertheless, the former Dundee United player remains confident in his ability to overcome this challenge.
“I primarily play as a winger, but I am versatile and can also operate as a number 10. When I have the ball, my instinct is to drive forward and create opportunities. I don’t feel pressured, and I believe that all I need is one opportunity, perhaps in a friendly match.”
Cudjoe recently decided not to extend his contract with Dundee and is currently a free agent.
by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dreams FC star Abdul Aziz Issah has been highlighted as one of the standout young players in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Issah’s exceptional talent has earned recognition from CAF, featuring prominently in their magazine for his impressive debut in the competition.
His stellar performance includes scoring four goals and providing two assists, crucial contributions that helped Dreams FC advance to the semi-finals.
Issah’s achievements place him in esteemed company alongside other young talents such as Super United’s Shandre Campbell, Lassine Kouma from Stade Malien, Abdoulaye Kanou of USM Alger, and Rivers United’s Alex Young Oyowah.
In addition to his club success, Issah played a pivotal role in the Black Satellites’ gold medal victory at the African Games in Accra earlier this year.
His outstanding performances have solidified his status as one of Ghana’s most promising prospects.
The 18-year-old playmaker’s impressive displays have attracted interest from several top European clubs.
Reports suggest that Premier League sides Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have shown interest in signing him. Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon have also expressed admiration for his skillset and potential.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dreams FC captain Abdul Jalilu has completed a transfer to Mukura Victory Sports FC in the Rwandan Premier League for the upcoming season, as confirmed by Sportblog247.com.
The 24-year-old defender arrived in Rwanda on Friday and is set to undergo a medical examination on Saturday to finalize the move. Pending medical clearance, Jalilu will sign a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Jalilu showcased his skills with Dreams FC during their debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign last season, featuring in 11 matches. His performance was pivotal as Dreams reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual champions Zamalek SC.
In addition to his continental achievements, Jalilu played a significant role in the Ghana Premier League, appearing in 27 matches and providing one assist. He was instrumental in Dreams FC’s success, helping them secure the Ghana FA Cup during the 2022-23 season with a victory over King Faisal Babes in the final.
Abdul Jalilu now joins fellow Ghanaian players Richmond Nii Lamptey and Dauda Yussif Seidu in making the move from the Ghanaian top-flight to the Rwandan Premier League.
