by Silas Boahene | Jun 14, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Tom Vernon, founder of the Right to Dream Academy, recently disclosed a daring decision from 2015: securing a ÂŁ10 million loan from a friend in London to purchase FC Nordsjaelland.
FC Nordsjaelland, renowned for nurturing talents like Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ernest Nuamah, has been pivotal in enabling Ghanaian players to transition directly from the Akosombo-based academy to prominent European clubs.
In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports at the Right to Dream school, Vernon reflected on the considerable risk involved in acquiring Nordsjaelland.
“I borrowed ÂŁ10 million from a friend in London. It was a huge risk. We decided to take action rather than remain stagnant. We believe our kids have immense potential. We were frustrated seeing challenges we couldn’t overcome,” Vernon explained.
He recounted the pivotal moment that spurred the decision to buy the club, recalling a board meeting where Kofi Anku, a board member, challenged him to find a solution.
“He said, ‘Go and do it.’ I knew a guy who always said, ‘If you ever want to make a real player or anything, just call me.’ His name is Bob Finch,” Vernon recalled.
Describing their strategic approach, Vernon shared, “Joe Mulberry and I analyzed all the markets extensively. We found Denmark unique for several reasons, a territory overlooked by others. So, we decided to take this significant step.”
After presenting their proposal to Finch, Vernon and Mulberry expected lengthy negotiations, but Finch promptly agreed to provide the entire amount they needed.
The acquisition of Nordsjaelland not only provided a launchpad for talented academy graduates to gain exposure in a competitive European league but also marked a milestone in the academy’s mission to empower young players.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Hearts of Oak Chief Executive Officer Harry Zakour has voiced concerns over the current board’s lack of football expertise.
In March 2024, Hearts of Oak introduced 10 new board members, all highly regarded professionals, to oversee the club’s operations.
However, their impact has been limited as the team struggles this season. Despite appointing Ivorian coach Aboubakar Ouattara, the 2021 champions find themselves in a precarious position, needing a win in their final match to avoid relegation.
Currently, Hearts of Oak sit in 15th place with 42 points and face Bechem United in a crucial final game.
Zakour, who guided Hearts to numerous titles, including the 2000 CAF Champions League, expressed his frustrations on Asempa FM.
“Where the club is headed now, they have never been in the top four of the league,” Zakour said.
“We are not against anyone running the club. Togbe is doing his best, giving it his all. However, he needs competent people to work with. Looking at the board, they lack understanding of football.”
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana forward Augustine Arhinful has joined the campaign to improve the Baba Yara and Accra Sports Stadiums for international games.
The Black Stars players expressed their dissatisfaction with the Baba Yara pitch before their game against the Central African Republic. Thomas Partey, who captained the Black Stars in the matches against Mali and the Wild Beasts, raised concerns following a visit from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Earlier this week, a Bulgaria-based forward also disclosed that the playing surfaces affect performance.
Arhinful, who played for the Black Stars in the late 1990s and early 2000s, insists it is important to get at least the two national stadiums in good shape, especially the grass.
“I believe it’s a right call. At least we have Kumasi Sports Stadium Baba Yara—we have Accra Sports Stadium. If we are capable of changing the entire grass on these pitches and then have proper maintenance people on the pitch, I think we will always be smiling,” he told Citi Sports.
4o
by Silas Boahene | Jun 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana coach Otto Addo has disclosed that he wants his players to have the freedom to express themselves on the pitch.
The former Dortmund midfielder has had a bright start in his second stint in charge of the Black Stars, achieving back-to-back victories in the World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars defeated Mali 2-1 in Bamako before overcoming the Central African Republic in a thrilling seven-goal match in Kumasi.
According to Addo, his philosophy incorporates flexibility and aims for players to understand their options on the field.
“Once you get the ball in your position, then you can be creative. I want them to know which options they have. Once again, this ball in this same situation, they have option ABCDEFGH but also there is option I, where they can do whatever they want, including dribbling or shooting,” he told 3 Sports.
“So for me, it’s very, very important they know which options they have, and also they know their own capabilities,” he added.
4o
by Silas Boahene | Jun 14, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Antoine Semenyo has jetted off to Malta to begin his vacation after a long season with Bournemouth and the Black Stars.
The Bournemouth striker had a solid first full season in the Premier League, netting eight goals and providing two assists, becoming the second-highest goal contributor for the Cherries.
He also represented Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year before rejoining the squad for the World Cup qualifiers over the last two weeks.
Having spent most of the past 12 months playing football, Semenyo joined his brother and friends in Gozo, Malta for a well-deserved break.
The striker shared photos from his vacation, showing activities like jet skiing and visiting famous landmarks in the European country.
Semenyo is expected to rest for the next few months before rejoining his teammates at Bournemouth for pre-season.
4o
