by Silas Boahene | Mar 2, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Despite the Black Queens’ elimination from the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers, their resilient performance has garnered praise from Zambian fans. In a thrilling 3-3 draw against Zambia in Ndola during the second leg of the third-round qualifiers, Ghana showcased commendable determination.
While Ghana’s journey in the qualifiers may have concluded, Zambian supporters have found a silver lining in the impressive management of Ghana’s coach, Nora Hauptle. Her strategic approach, evident in the closely contested matches over the past week, has left a positive impression on the Zambian fans.
Expressing their admiration for Hauptle’s coaching prowess, Zambian fans are now calling on the Football Association to swiftly consider appointing the Swiss trainer as the new coach for the Copper Queens. Despite the late strike by Barbra Banda that secured Zambia’s qualification, Hauptle’s impact on the Black Queens’ performance has not gone unnoticed among the Zambian football community.
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by Silas Boahene | Mar 2, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
Former Ghana Captain, Asamoah Gyan, has expressed his lack of concern over public criticism following his appointment to serve on Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia’s 2024 campaign team.
Earlier this month, Gyan was named as part of the Manifesto Committee for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer in the upcoming 2024 elections. He is set to lead the “Youth and Sports” manifesto sub-committee, actively communicating the sports aspect of Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto upon completion.
Despite mixed reactions from Ghanaians and some criticism directed at the former Ghana international, Gyan remains unfazed by public opinion on his affiliation with the New Patriotic Party.
Addressing the criticism at the inauguration of the NPP’s Campaign Team for the 2024 general elections at Alisa Hotel, Gyan stated, “They have their own opinions. I have been there [before]. I have been to stadia, been booed in front of 80,000 people, I am used to it.”
Confident in his capabilities and experience, Gyan emphasized his willingness to contribute and share his 20 years of experience with the new generation. He acknowledged that criticism is part of the process and expressed determination to prove his worth through the committee’s work.
The committee’s primary task is to conduct a thorough review of the party’s previous manifestos from the 2016 and 2020 elections.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 2, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletes and officials from participating nations have initiated their arrival in Ghana ahead of the upcoming 13th African Games scheduled to commence in Accra this weekend.
On Wednesday, delegations from Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco landed in Ghana, bringing their initial contingent of athletes and officials, predominantly consisting of badminton players.
The badminton competition is slated to commence on March 3, a full five days before the grand opening ceremony on March 8.
In addition to the North African teams, it has been verified that numerous other delegations, primarily comprising their badminton athletes, reached the country in the later hours of Wednesday.
As the Games’ Village is yet to open to the athletes, all of the arriving teams have been accommodated in hotels.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 2, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Rigobert Song, the current head coach of the Cameroon national football team, has officially announced his departure from the position. The confirmation came from Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot).
Having served as the captain of the Indomitable Lions in the past, Song led the national team for nearly two years. However, following Cameroon’s exit in the round of 16 against Nigeria during the recent Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in CĂ´te d’Ivoire, it became evident that changes were necessary.
While acknowledging Song’s significant contributions to the team, Samuel Eto’o revealed that the executive committee of Fecafoot had decided not to renew Song’s contract. The decision was further reinforced by a letter from the Ministry of Sports dated February 28, which stated the non-renewal of Song’s contract. Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi emphasized the impracticality of the state, as the provider of Song’s remuneration, continuing his role as both manager and head coach of the Indomitable Lions.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 28, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, International, Other Sports, Soccer
The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) 2024, held in Dubai on February 27, showcased the power of Black excellence in sports and fashion through two insightful panel discussions. Speakers emphasized the profound impact of these industries on communities worldwide and underscored the importance of inclusion and diversity.
During the sports panel moderated by Alycia Powell, Founder of Champions for Impact, discussions focused on the role of Black athletes in driving societal change and fostering global unity. Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, highlighted the transformative potential of sports, emphasizing its capacity to convey ideas for world-changing initiatives. Examples like Luol Deng’s basketball federation in Africa were cited, showcasing how sports can create jobs, infrastructure, and entertainment opportunities.
In the fashion panel moderated by Mayowa Adegoke, International Journalist and Speaker, speakers explored the significance of representation and entrepreneurship in the fashion industry. Jefferson Osey, Co-founder and CEO of Daily Paper, emphasized the connection between clothing and identity, stressing the importance of creating platforms for Black voices and leaving a legacy for future generations.
Thando Magumise, Founder of Ntombi Couture Dubai, delved into the business aspect of fashion, urging entrepreneurs to take their ventures seriously and protect their intellectual property from the outset. Magumise also highlighted the role of fashion in identity and heritage, advocating for the establishment of Black-owned businesses to address issues of diversity and wealth distribution.
Both panel discussions celebrated the substantial contributions of Black individuals in sports and fashion, portraying them not just as athletes and designers but also as catalysts for positive change within their communities and beyond.
