by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
Zambian forward Barbara Banda has secured a notable transfer to the National Women’s Soccer League’s Orlando Pride from Chinese Super League team Shanghai Shengli, with the deal setting a remarkable $740,000 transfer fee, according to sources cited by ESPN. This transaction now stands as the second-highest transfer fee in world soccer history, trailing only Banda’s compatriot Racheal Kundananji, who recently set the global record with her move to NWSL expansion team Bay FC.
Banda’s contract with Orlando Pride spans four years and is valued at approximately $2.1 million, inclusive of bonuses, making her one of the highest-paid players in the NWSL. Shanghai Shengli, her former team, will retain a sell-on clause, ensuring a percentage of the fee if Banda, 23, is transferred to another club in the future.
The influx of African talent into the NWSL is evident, with Banda joining a growing contingent of players from the continent, including her Zambian teammate Kundananji. Notably, Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala also recently made headlines with her transfer to Bay FC from FC Barcelona.
The women’s soccer transfer market is experiencing substantial growth, as highlighted by FIFA’s announcement that the January 2023 transfer window set a new record with $2.1 million in fees paid, representing a remarkable 165% increase from the previous year. While many global transfer windows are closed until summer, the NWSL’s primary transfer window remains open until April 16. Orlando Pride’s acquisition of Banda, similar to Kundananji’s transfer to Bay FC, includes an additional salary-cap hit, reflecting spending beyond the NWSL’s $500,000 net transfer threshold.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Professor Peter Twumasi, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has been dismissed from his role, and Dodzie Numekevor has been appointed as the acting director until a permanent replacement is named.
The appointment of Mr. Numekevor, signed by Secretary to the President Nana Bediatuo Asante on February 26, 2024, allows him 14 days to accept the interim position. Reports surfaced approximately two weeks ago suggesting that Prof Twumasi was on the verge of being dismissed, and he had been summoned to the Jubilee House for questioning on various matters. Despite his plea for leniency, it seems he was unsuccessful in retaining his position, as the decision to relieve him of his duties was communicated to the board about two weeks ago.
Prof Twumasi took on the role of Director General on December 10, 2018, succeeding Robert Sarfo Mensah, who resigned amid allegations related to the ‘number 12’ exposĂ© by Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Tiger Eye PI.
Additionally, there have been transfers of regional NSA heads—Salamatu Alhassan (Northern Region), Alexander Tiiku (Central Region), Emmanuel Appiah (Ashanti Region), and Daniel Sarpei (Volta Region)—to the head office in Accra.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Ghana’s Olympic Aspirations Diminish as Samuel Takyi Faces Defeat in Italy
Ghana’s Samuel Takyi experienced a setback in the Men’s Light Welterweight Division, succumbing to Japan’s Shion Nishiyama at the Olympic Qualifying bout in Busto Arsizio, Italy. The disappointing day began with Anatu Mohammed’s defeat in the Women’s Lightweight Division against Romanian Lorendana Marin, followed by Alfred Kotey’s loss to Milos Bartl of the Czech Republic in the Men’s Light Middleweight Division.
These defeats, coupled with earlier eliminations of UK-born Ghanaian boxers Mark Kodjovi Ahondjo and Jonathan Tetteh, have resulted in five out of seven Ghanaian boxers exiting the competition. Despite these setbacks, there is a glimmer of optimism, as the team will have another opportunity to secure Olympic slots at the upcoming qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled for May.
Amidst the challenges, Theophilus Kpakpo Allottey remains Ghana’s remaining hope in Italy. Following a unanimous points victory against Taiwan’s Tu Po-Wei, Allottey is poised to face Bhutan’s Tashi Wangdi in the round of 16 on Wednesday. In the Women’s category, Janet Acquah is set to compete in the Flyweight Division on Friday, adding another dimension to Ghana’s pursuit of Olympic success.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Kaya Forson and Zaira Forson will not be participating in the upcoming 13th African Games due to their school examination schedule in France. The Forson sisters, known for their contributions as major long-distance swimmers for Ghana, have prioritized their education, leading to their absence from the continental event.
The Ghanaian swimming team will be affected by the absence of these consistent and dedicated athletes, but the focus on education remains a paramount consideration for the sisters.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 6, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has unveiled plans to transform the newly constructed Borteyman Sports Complex into a University of Sports for Development after the conclusion of the 2023 African Games. Addressing concerns about the maintenance of the facility, Minister Ussif outlined a comprehensive strategy to ensure the enduring upkeep and utility of the Borteyman Sports Complex for the Ghanaian populace.
The transformation will involve integrating recreational amenities into the venue, including hostel facilities, football pitches, a cafeteria, and a medical center. These enhancements aim to attract both local and international sports federations to utilize Ghana as a training base, solidifying the nation’s position as a sports hub in the West African sub-region.
The 2023 African Games, featuring eight disciplines serving as qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, commenced on March 3rd, with the opening ceremony scheduled for March 8th. In addition to traditional sports, the event will showcase demonstration games such as pickleball, speedball, and e-sports.
