by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Black Satellites of Ghana have arrived in France for a three-week European tour as part of their preparations for the WAFU Zone B U20 championship.
The gold-winning team from the African Games will participate in friendlies in France and Belgium under the guidance of coach Desmond Offei, who is preparing his squad for the upcoming tournament.
Coach Offei traveled with 22 players to Paris and will play a series of friendlies in France before moving on to Belgium. The team will face Belgian side KV Mechelen on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at K. Rumstse SK, Doelhaagstraat, 70, Tourcoing, Nord. They will then play against the Royal Antwerp U23 team on Sunday, July 19, 2024, at Oude Bosuilbaan 54a, 2100, Antwerp.
The Ghanaian team will hold regular training sessions at Rue de l’Union 70, Tourcoing, Stadium, Nord.
Coach Desmond Offei will use the three-week training period to fine-tune the team in preparation for the 2024 WAFU B U20 tournament. This marks the first time the Black Satellites have regrouped since their gold-winning achievement at the 2023 All-Africa Games.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Asante Kotoko striker Steven Mukwala has arrived in Tanzania to finalize his move to Simba SC, following the expiration of his contract with the Ghanaian club.
The 24-year-old Ugandan forward has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Simba SC, one of Tanzania’s premier football clubs.
Mukwala, known for his prolific scoring in the Ghana Premier League, is set to receive a substantial sign-on fee of $130,000 and a monthly salary of $9,000. His arrival in Tanzania on Friday marks the final step in sealing his transfer to Simba SC.
The striker bid an emotional farewell to Kotoko, with the club announcing his departure on Monday. Mukwala joined Kotoko in 2022 from Ugandan side URA FC and quickly became a key player for the Porcupine Warriors, scoring over 25 goals in 65 league appearances.
In his debut season with Kotoko, Mukwala scored 11 goals, making an immediate impact. He further improved his performance in the recently concluded season, netting 14 goals, including a memorable brace against Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash.
Mukwala’s move to Simba SC is seen as a significant step in his career, capitalizing on his reputation as a prolific goal scorer in the Ghana Premier League. Simba SC will be hoping that Mukwala’s goal-scoring prowess will help them achieve their ambitions in both domestic and continental competitions.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Reports from Tanzania indicate that Young Africans (Yanga) are interested in signing former Medeama SC striker Jonathan Sowah.
The prolific forward, who recently terminated his contract with Libyan side Al Nasr, has become a top target for the Tanzanian giants.
Sowah joined Al Nasr five months ago and quickly made an impact, scoring five goals. Despite his successful run, he agreed to terminate his contract, making him a free agent and attracting interest from several clubs.
Before his move to Libya, Sowah played a crucial role in Medeama SC’s Ghana Premier League triumph two seasons ago. Although he scored only 12 goals, his contributions were vital to the Tarkwa-based side’s success, particularly during their CAF Champions League campaign. His stellar performances also earned him a place in the Black Stars squad last year, with high hopes for him on the international stage.
With Yanga keen on strengthening their squad, Sowah’s potential move to Southern Africa is gaining momentum. The Tanzanian club is looking to add firepower to their attacking lineup, and Sowah’s proven track record makes him an attractive prospect.
As Yanga fans eagerly await confirmation, Sowah’s potential signing could significantly boost the club ahead of the new season. The move would also mark a new chapter in the striker’s career, providing an opportunity to showcase his talent in the Tanzanian Premier League.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Athletic Bilbao coach Javier Clemente has expressed skepticism about the transfer rumors surrounding Spanish-Ghanaian winger Nico Williams and a potential move to Barcelona.
Speaking on ElDesmarque’s Twitch channel, Clemente acknowledged the winger’s talent and the interest from big clubs like Barcelona. He praised Nico’s skill and speed, describing him as “one of the best wingers in Spain.”
“The big clubs, even though they sometimes make bad signings and pay a lot of money, recognize that Nico Williams is one of the best wingers in Spain — a young boy with great skill and speed,” Clemente said.
However, Clemente believes a strong bond between Nico and his brother, Inaki Williams, who also plays for Athletic Bilbao, could be a major obstacle to the transfer. He suggested that their close relationship could make Nico hesitant to leave.
“Nico is very identified with Athletic, and although I don’t know him personally, I do know his brother Inaki. I see that they are both very united, and I don’t think they will separate so easily,” Clemente explained.
Nico, whose senior brother Inaki Williams plays for Ghana, has been at Athletic Bilbao since he was 17 and made his first team debut in 2021. His current contract runs until June 2027 and includes a 58 million euro release clause.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 28, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Rwandan giants APR FC have officially announced the signing of former Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Nii Lamptey ahead of the upcoming season, as confirmed by Sportblog247.com.
The 27-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the Kigali-based club and is expected to earn over USD 5,000 per month.
Lamptey parted ways with Kotoko after his contract expired, following a three-year stint. He played a pivotal role in Kotoko’s Premier League victory during his debut season, making 17 league appearances and providing five assists in the recently concluded season.
The Ghanaian midfielder has also represented the Black Stars in international competitions, including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in CĂ´te d’Ivoire.
APR is set to benefit from Lamptey’s experience and skill set, and this move offers him a new challenge and opportunity to advance his career.
Lamptey’s signing is a significant boost for APR, and he is expected to play a crucial role in their upcoming campaign. His versatility and vision on the pitch will undoubtedly be an asset to the team as they strive for success in continental competitions.
In addition to his salary, Lamptey will receive a car, an apartment, and flight tickets to Ghana and back to Rwanda each season.
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