by Silas Boahene | Jan 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Frazer Robertson, with a notable history at the Right to Dream Academy, has cherished two significant mementos in his home – match-worn Nordsjaelland strips from his coaching days in Ghana. One strip belongs to the accomplished West Ham player, Mohammed Kudus, while the other represents the newest addition to Rangers, Mohamed Diomande. These tokens serve as reminders of the exceptional talents Robertson has had the privilege to work with, placing Kudus and Diomande in an elite category.
Yet, the transition from excelling in the relatively modest setting of Nordsjaelland, where crowds average just over 5000, to donning the revered light blue of Rangers before a much larger and demanding audience poses a unique challenge. Adding to the pressure is Diomande’s arrival with a substantial £4.5 million price tag. Robertson, however, unequivocally believes that Diomande, much like Kudus thriving in the Premier League with West Ham, possesses all the qualities needed to make a significant impact at Ibrox.
Both Diomande and Kudus graduated from Right to Dream Academy to the Danish club Nordsjaelland, owned by the academy in the past six years. In an interview with Record Sport, Robertson highlighted Diomande’s off-pitch demeanor, describing him as someone who will bring a quiet charm to Ibrox, while on the field, he is anticipated to display a fiercely competitive and talented character.
Reflecting on Diomande’s early days in Ghana, Robertson shared his memories of the midfielder being part of a special group, including Kudus and Ibrahim Sadiq, spanning the age bands of 2000 and 2001. Despite being among the younger members, Diomande consistently held his own in the squad. Robertson recalled being alerted to Diomande’s potential even before meeting him in person.
During their first encounter, Diomande, despite feeling unwell, exhibited a quiet, reserved, and humble demeanor while observing the training session from the sidelines. Robertson noted the Ivorian’s immediate impact upon returning to training, showcasing intense dedication and exceptional technical ability.
Robertson emphasized Diomande’s readiness for the physical demands of Scottish football, highlighting his enjoyment of the aggressive side of the game. According to Robertson, Diomande is not only a technically adept and creatively gifted footballer but also possesses a natural football intelligence, displaying a comprehensive skill set that spans both offensive and defensive aspects of the game.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
An Accra Circuit Court has ruled that former Black Stars player Prince Tagoe must pay GH₵10 for every dollar in an ongoing auto fraud case. Tagoe has already reimbursed $21,000 (equivalent to GH₵210,000), but a remaining balance of $19,000 remains.
During the court proceedings, Tagoe asserted his intention to repay the money based on the 2021 dollar rate, a proposal contested by Prosecution led by Detective Chief Inspector Agartha Abena Asantewa. The prosecution argued that the funds provided to Tagoe by the complainant were in dollars, and they have pegged the exchange rate at GH₵10, not reflecting the current forex market rate.
Prince Tagoe stands accused of defrauding Black Stars Assistant Coach George Boateng of $40,000, supposedly for importing a Lexus sports utility vehicle. Tagoe, charged with defrauding by false pretenses, has denied the allegations but has made partial payments totaling GH¢20,000, GH¢70,000, and GH¢71,000.
The court granted Tagoe bail in the amount of GH¢100,000 with three sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant, and allowed one surety to be justified with landed property. The complainant, George Antwi Boateng, a former player and coach, reported the case.
Detective Chief Inspector Agartha Abena Asantewaa detailed how Tagoe, once under Boateng’s management in Germany, agreed to import a vehicle for Boateng at the cost of $40,000. The money was deposited into Tagoe’s account in January 2021, but he failed to deliver the promised vehicle, claiming financial constraints.
The court adjourned the matter to February 21, 2024.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Neil Armstrong Mortagbe, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hearts of Oak, has expressed his discontent with coach Chris Hughton’s decision not to include Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey in any of the Black Stars’ games during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Lamptey, who earned a spot in the squad for the 34th edition of AFCON due to his outstanding performances in the Ghana Premier League, was consistently left out of the matchday squads, despite making the final roster.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, Mortagbe voiced his disappointment in Hughton’s treatment of local players, with a specific focus on Lamptey’s exclusion. He emphasized, “The fact that a player plays locally does not mean he cannot play for the Black Stars. We have all seen what Richmond Lamptey has done for Asante Kotoko, and I struggled to understand why he was never used, even when Majeed Ashimeru was injured. There were times when Richmond Lamptey was not even on the bench.”
Ghana’s exit from the tournament, securing only two points with a defeat against Cape Verde and draws with Egypt and Mozambique, has brought attention to concerns about the utilization of local talents in representing the national team. Mortagbe’s critique sheds light on the need for a more inclusive approach to showcase the skills of deserving players, irrespective of their playing locale.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Asante Kotoko’s dynamic midfielder, Richmond Lamptey, has reportedly become a target for Libyan side Al Ta’awon. Lamptey, a former Inter Allies standout, has captured the interest of multiple clubs owing to his stellar performances in the current campaign.
His impressive displays earned him a spot in the Black Stars’ 27-man squad for the AFCON 2023 tournament held in Ivory Coast, highlighting the midfielder’s growing prominence on the national stage.
Playing a pivotal role in Asante Kotoko’s resurgence this season, Lamptey has been instrumental in the club’s current third-place standing in the Ghana Premier League. The midfielder’s scintillating form has not gone unnoticed, and the potential transfer to Al Ta’awon is contingent on negotiations between the player and the two clubs.
As preparations kick off for the second half of the season, Lamptey is expected to rejoin his Kotoko teammates this week. Notably, the Ghana Premier League has already witnessed a player moving to the Libyan league, with Lamptey’s Black Stars compatriot, Jonathan Sowah, making a switch to Al Nasr in January.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
In a significant development, the Ghana Athletics Association has undergone a major transformation, rebranding itself as Ghana Athletic, with key modifications implemented during its latest congress in Kumasi. The leadership of the organization cited the need to align with global standards, particularly in line with World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field sports.
The unanimous approval of amendments to the constitution marked a pivotal moment for Ghana Athletic, aligning its identity with World Athletics, which underwent a name change from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 2019.
During the congress, the body also welcomed three new members, Ghana Masters, International Technical Officials Ghana, and Mountain Trial Runs Ghana, reflecting a broadening scope of engagement within the athletic community.
As part of a constitutional review, six new regions—Savannah, Oti, Western North, North East, Ahafo, Bono, and Bono East—were admitted to the organization, indicating a commitment to inclusivity and regional representation.
Additionally, a 7-member communication bureau was unveiled to oversee the communication affairs of the organization. The appointed members include Bawa Fuseini, Charles Osei Asibey, Phillipina Frimpong, Baba Apidogo, Samuel Agbokitse, Emmanuel Appiah Kubi, and Daniel Janamah.
These changes signify a comprehensive effort by Ghana Athletic to modernize its structure, embrace inclusivity, and align itself with international standards, marking a new era for the organization.
