by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Otto Addo, the head coach of the Black Stars, has affirmed his dedication to closely monitoring the Ghana Premier League and assisting in talent identification.
The 43-year-old made this commitment following the announcement of his 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month, with Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare being the sole local player selected.
Addressing the press at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters on Wednesday, Addo stressed his intention to immerse himself in the topflight league, now that he is a full-time coach for the Black Stars.
He emphasized his plan to attend matches in various stadiums personally to scout for talent.
“I will be closely following the Ghana Premier League, attending matches live rather than relying on videos,” he stated.
“I am committed to offering assistance wherever possible. When a player is talented, it doesn’t matter where they come from or where they play. If I identify a talented player, I will not hesitate to include them in the squad,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars will kick off their training camp today at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in preparation for their upcoming matches against Mali at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on June 6, followed by a home fixture against Central African Republic on June 10 at the Baba Yara Stadium.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Karim Zito, head coach of Dreams FC, has expressed disappointment towards Black Stars coach Otto Addo for neglecting Ghana Premier League talents in his selection for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
During an event at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters, Addo unveiled his squad for the forthcoming clashes against Mali and the Central African Republic next month.
Among the 26 players named, only Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare represented the local league.
Zito, a seasoned coach, voiced his discontent with Addo’s decision, highlighting Dreams FC’s impressive performance in their debut appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup and expecting their players to be recognized.
“I’m extremely disappointed. I question whether performance was the basis for player selection because if it was, then our local league players deserve greater acknowledgment,” Zito expressed in an interview with Kessben FM.
He further stressed the significance of acknowledging talent within the Ghanaian league and criticized the perception of local football being inferior.
“The choices made by the coaches appear to validate concerns raised by some sports journalists about the condition of our league. By including only one player, and a goalkeeper at that, from the Ghana Premier League, it’s disheartening,” Zito added.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars are set to begin their training camp today at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, preparing for their fixture against Mali at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on June 6, followed by a home match against the Central African Republic on June 10 at the Baba Yara Stadium.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
Four members of the governing board of the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) were sentenced to 21 days in jail each for contempt of court on Thursday, May 30.
The High Court (General Jurisdiction 2), presided over by Justice Forson Agyapong Baah, handed down the custodial sentences after rejecting requests for non-custodial sentences for the offenders.
The conviction stems from a case titled “The Republic vs James Nunoo Mensah and others ex-parte, Herbert Mensah.”
The four individuals were incarcerated to uphold the dignity and authority of the court, as stated by the judge.
Among those sentenced are Abdul Aziz Issah, President of the Greater Accra Rugby Association and board member; James Nunoo Mensah, former Vice President of Ghana Rugby; Michael Ako Wilson, another board member; and Bismark Amponsah, General Secretary of the GRFU.
The complainant, Herbert Mensah, represented by his lawyer Dominic Brenya of Sam Okudzeto & Associates, filed a contempt case against eight defendants, including the four who were imprisoned, after they disregarded an interlocutory injunction order from the High Court. This order restrained them from conducting meetings, elections, or making defamatory publications in the name of GRFU.
While three other defendants, who are employees of the Ghana Olympic Committee, were acquitted and discharged, the case against the 8th defendant was discontinued.
The incarcerated individuals are among members of the Ghana Rugby community who recently organized an elective congress in December 2023 to appoint new board members.
In 2021, these four individuals were also part of a group that held a special general meeting (SGM) where they claimed to have dismissed Herbert Mensah, the former President of Ghana Rugby, and purported to act as the new board members.
Consequently, Herbert Mensah initiated legal proceedings at the High Court General Jurisdiction 2 in 2021, seeking to invalidate their declarations. This main case is still pending in court.
The judge, in his verdict, highlighted that the defendants’ organization of meetings, elections, and issuance of public notices despite the court’s injunction constituted a deliberate disregard for the court’s authority.
“The law of contempt exists because of individuals like you,” declared the judge, emphasizing, “You employed tactics that undermined the authority of this honorable court and the administration of justice, despite being aware that your actions contravened the injunction against you.” The judge cautioned the public against disregarding court orders.
by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Fatawu Dauda, the goalkeepers’ trainer for the Black Stars, emphasizes that there’s no room for experimenting with new players, hence the inclusion of the seasoned Fredrick Asare in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Despite not featuring in the friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in Morocco, the Asante Kotoko goalkeeper retained his spot in the Black Stars squad.
Asare’s comeback in the Super Clash against Hearts of Oak, following his absence in the match against Berekum Chelsea, provided a significant boost for the Porcupine Warriors as they secured victory over their arch-rivals.
Dauda explains that while he has been keeping an eye on several goalkeepers, Asare’s experience makes him the right choice to complement Lawrence Ati Zigi and Jojo Wollacot for the qualifiers.
“I have about five or six local goalkeepers on my radar… but ultimately, it’s about making decisions… During our 10-day stint in Morocco preparing for those matches, we focused heavily on tactics, giving the coach [Otto Addo] a comprehensive understanding of the players,” he stated.
“Considering these are crucial qualifying games, it’s not the time to experiment with new players. The only suitable occasion for trials is typically during friendly matches. Perhaps, in the future, during such friendlies, we can provide opportunities for other goalkeepers,” Dauda continued.
“I’ve been closely monitoring both local and foreign goalkeepers, gathering data on them for future considerations. Rest assured, we have a pool of goalkeepers capable of representing the national team.”
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
Marc Brys has been reinstated as the coach of Cameroon after Samuel Eto’o, the president of the country’s football federation (Fecafoot), issued an apology for a recent dispute that led to Brys being replaced just two days prior.
Fecafoot had appointed Martin Ndtoungou as interim coach of the Indomitable Lions on Tuesday night following a heated exchange between Eto’o and Brys during their initial meeting earlier that day.
Brys was initially appointed by Cameroon’s sports ministry in April, which prompted Fecafoot to express its “great astonishment” at the decision, claiming it was made unilaterally.
During a press conference on Thursday, Eto’o confirmed that the 62-year-old Brys would retain his position, with 2026 World Cup qualifiers looming in early June.
“I apologize because during our initial, unfortunate encounter, emotions were running high,” stated former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea striker Eto’o. “The Cameroonian people are more important than us, and it is for them that we must work.”
Videos circulating on social media depicted a heated conversation between Eto’o and Brys at Fecafoot’s offices in Yaounde, culminating in Brys promptly leaving.
Eto’o, aged 43, has held the presidency of Fecafoot since December 2021 and was also seen engaged in a dispute with an official from the sports ministry.
Fecafoot cited “disrespectful comments” from Brys and “an outright refusal to collaborate” among the reasons for his replacement. However, it now appears that Brys will be responsible for selecting the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde and Angola on 8th and 11th June respectively.
Eto’o concluded, “Your mission is not an easy one despite your qualities and experience, but you should know that you will have our support.”
Brys is now poised to lead Cameroon in his first international matches amidst the ongoing power struggle between Cameroon’s sports ministry and Fecafoot.
The Central Africans currently lead qualifying Group D with four points from two games, with the group winners securing a spot at the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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