by Silas Boahene | Feb 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a commendable gesture, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has provided footballs and financial assistance to Ali Jarrah for his goalkeepers’ academy initiative in Accra. Ali Jarrah, a former Ghanaian goalkeeper who faced adversity after being paralyzed in September 1993, established the academy with the aim of giving back to society by training aspiring goalkeepers.
General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq) expressed the association’s support, stating, “This is our modest contribution to you, and we believe it will encourage you to achieve even more. Recognizing the considerable effort you’ve invested in establishing this academy, offering a token of support is a positive step forward.”
Jarrah, renowned for his time with Accra Hearts of Oak and the Black Starlets, is widely acknowledged as one of Ghana’s finest goalkeepers in the history of the sport.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a notable move, former Medeama SC captain Joseph Tetteh-Zutah, previously serving as an administrator for the club, brings his wealth of experience to the Technical Directorate. Having held positions such as Administrative Manager and acting Chief Executive Officer for Medeama SC, as well as currently serving as the Vice President of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Tetteh-Zutah is well-versed in football administration.
His new role will focus on overseeing the efficient operation of the GFA Elite football academies, aiming to identify, train, and develop the most promising talents in the country. The GFA Elite football academy project has already commenced in Winkogo, Upper East region, with plans for two additional academies in the Ashanti region and the Greater Accra region to cater to other football zones.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Esme Mends, former midfielder for Real Sportive and Accra Hearts of Oak, has been appointed as the Club Licensing Manager and administrative assistant to the National Teams Department. After a successful 12-year career, including a Ghana Premier League victory in 2009 with Hearts of Oak, Mends transitions into a new role, succeeding Julius Ben Emunah. Emunah, in turn, moves to head the Competitions Department.
Mends, who played for Real Sportive in Tema before joining Accra Hearts of Oak in 2008, showcased his talent in both domestic and international leagues, with stints in Oman and South Africa. Having retired from professional football in 2016, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sports Coaching at the University of Education in Winneba
by Silas Boahene | Feb 20, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
In a stunning display of speed, Letsile Tebogo, the 20-year-old sprinter from Botswana, has set a new world record in the 300m at the Simbine Curro Classic Shoot-Out in Pretoria, South Africa. Clocking an impressive time of 30.69, Tebogo shaved more than a tenth off the previous record held by South African star Wayde van Niekerk since 2017.
Tebogo, who already demonstrated his medal potential by securing 100m silver and 200m bronze at the World Athletics Championships, continues to make waves in the sprinting world. His remarkable performance in the 300m race positions him as a formidable contender for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
Surging ahead of his competitors and crossing the finish line well over a second ahead of Gardeo Isaacs, Tebogo’s achievement marks a significant milestone in South African athletics.
In a gracious acknowledgment of Wayde van Niekerk, Tebogo expressed their positive relationship, referring to van Niekerk as a brother and emphasizing the camaraderie between them. Tebogo thanked van Niekerk for his encouragement and support, stating, “Thank you for always pushing me and telling me not to belittle myself. Thank you so much, mate.”
As Tebogo basks in the glory of his record-breaking run, the sprinter looks ahead to Paris 2024, where he is poised to make his Olympic debut. With his exceptional speed and dedication, Tebogo is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of athletics, capturing attention and setting the stage for an exciting Olympic journey.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 20, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
Ghana’s prominent 200m runner, Joseph Paul Amoah, has officially announced his participation in the upcoming 2023 African Games scheduled to take place in Accra from March 8 to 23, 2024.
Amoah, the 2022 Commonwealth Games 200m bronze medallist and former record holder in the event for Ghana, is considered one of the nation’s strong contenders for a medal in the track events at the African Games.
Renowned for anchoring Ghana to a gold medal in the men’s 4x100m relays at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, the 27-year-old athlete last competed for Ghana at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Unfortunately, a toe injury during the 200m race interrupted his performance, keeping him sidelined for the remainder of the year. Currently, he is diligently working towards regaining full fitness.
Amoah’s presence in the lineup will undoubtedly bring a boost to Team Ghana, and expectations are high for his performance in both individual and relay events. As one of the key figures, he is anticipated to anchor the men’s relay team, aiming to defend their title from the African Games five years ago.
