by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
FC Nordsjaelland has secured the signing of Ghanaian youngster Issaka ‘Baba’ Seidu from the renowned Right to Dream Academy. The left-back has penned a deal to join the Wild Tigers’ first team for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Seidu is set to integrate into the squad when pre-season activities resume on June 24, as FC Nordsjaelland gears up for the forthcoming campaign in Denmark.
Fondly referred to as Baba, Seidu joins Araphat Mohammed, Caleb Yirenkyi, Levy Nene, and Stephen Acquah as fellow graduates from the Right to Dream Academy making their mark with the Farum-based club.
Expressing his delight, Seidu stated, “I am truly thrilled and honored to have signed with FC Nordsjaelland. There was no doubt in my mind that FCN was the perfect club for me, renowned for providing young players with excellent opportunities for growth both on and off the field.”
He continued, “Witnessing how young talents have thrived at FC Nordsjaelland and elevated their game inspired my decision. I eagerly anticipate the chance to contribute to the Superliga team and to showcase my abilities in front of the fans. I pledge to give my all for the team, aiming to make the supporters proud.”
The Right to Dream Academy has a rich history of nurturing top talents, with notable alumni including West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Brighton’s Simon Adingra.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian goalkeeper Joseph Anang will leave West Ham United at the end of his contract in June 2024. The Ghana-born England youth international is departing after seven years with the East London club, where he won the UEFA Europa Conference League with the Hammers.
Despite showing promise, Anang faced stiff competition from first-choice goalkeepers Alphonse Areola of France and Lukasz Fabianski, mainly serving as the third-choice goalkeeper throughout the campaign. He was included in the matchday squad 30 times in the recently concluded season but did not make any appearances for the club.
During his tenure, the 23-year-old spent time on loan at EFL clubs Stevenage and Derby County, and he also featured prominently for Irish side St Patrick’s Athletic in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds in 2022.
Anang is expected to secure a new club ahead of the 2024/25 season. The Ghanaian-English shot-stopper remains eligible to play for the Black Stars.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
English-born Ghanaian forward Omari Forson has been offered a new contract by FA Cup winners Manchester United as the summer transfer window approaches. Forson’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the month, and there is speculation in England that he is considering leaving the club.
Forson has yet to decide whether to sign the new contract, as he seeks assurances over game time following a limited role last season. “Discussions remain open with Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton over potential new contracts while Omari Forson has formally been offered a new deal,” stated Manchester United on their official website.
Despite making only seven senior appearances for the club last season, Forson has been in impressive form for the youth team, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists for the U23s. He also netted nine goals and delivered nine assists during his time with the U18s.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed deep gratitude to the French Embassy for its crucial role in establishing the Coaching Exchange Program between the GFA and the France Football Federation (FFF).
His appreciation was conveyed during a visit by the French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou, and his delegation to the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence, where the program is currently being held.
In his speech, Okraku highlighted the French Embassy’s instrumental role in facilitating the partnership with the FFF. He emphasized that this collaboration has made the Coaching Exchange Program possible, providing an invaluable opportunity for knowledge transfer and skills development.
“We are deeply grateful to the French Embassy for their unwavering support and commitment to this initiative,” remarked Okraku. “Through the French Embassy in Accra and the France Football Federation, we have this unique platform to share and exchange knowledge.”
“This partnership with the France Football Federation is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the quality of football coaching in Ghana,” he added. “When this opportunity came up, we didn’t hesitate. We seized it to create opportunities for our coaches, players, and officials to learn.”
The Coaching Exchange Program has brought two experienced coaches from France: International Training Expert Lafargue Jean-Claude and Ludovic Debru, representing the Technical Director of the FFF, along with Desmond Ofei, Director of Coach Education for the GFA, to train 23 female national team and club coaches.
This initiative is part of the GFA’s broader strategy to build the capacity of local coaches, ensuring they are equipped with the latest coaching techniques and methodologies.
“Our determination to develop the capacities of our coaches is unwavering. We recognize that the success of our teams depends heavily on the expertise and skills of our coaches. Therefore, we are committed to providing them with the best possible training and development opportunities,” stated Okraku.
French Ambassador Jules Armand Aniambossou reiterated his support for the program, expressing his belief in its positive outcomes. He commended the GFA for its proactive approach to improving football coaching standards and pledged continued collaboration between the two nations.
The Coaching Exchange Program is expected to significantly impact the participants, equipping them with advanced coaching skills and innovative strategies, thus contributing to the growth and success of women’s football in Ghana.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Uncategorized
A FIFA Male Young Talent Course, designed to enhance the skills of young referees from Member Associations, is set to begin on June 5, 2024, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. Thirty-five referees from the Ghana Football Association’s “Catch Them Young” project have been selected to participate in this vital capacity-building program organized by FIFA.
The course will run from June 5 to June 10, 2024.
The selected referees and assistant referees have gained experience officiating matches in the KGL Inter-regional Championship and the Division One League Super Cup.
FIFA has appointed Carlos Henriques as the Technical Instructor and Mohamed Houssein as the Fitness Instructor to lead the course. They will be supported by a team of five Ghanaian technical instructors and three fitness instructors.
Alex Kotey, Head of the Referees Department at the GFA, is overseeing the coordination of the course. This program aims to elevate the skills of young referees and improve the standard of refereeing in Ghana.
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