by Silas Boahene | Jan 3, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghanaian national football team, led by coach Chris Hughton, is facing frustration and discontent due to substandard camping facilities just 11 days before the commencement of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. The decision to change the camping base from South Africa to the homeland has caused unrest within the team, with players expressing anger over the inadequate conditions of the training pitch and overall camp facilities.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 3, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
West Ham United manager David Moyes expressed disappointment over Mohammed Kudus’ absence in the match against Brighton. The Football Association reportedly prevented Kudus from playing for the Hammers due to his call-up for the Black Stars squad for AFCON 2023. Although Brighton’s Chris Hughton mentioned a knock as the reason for Kudus not reporting to camp early, Moyes believes the situation may have marked the last appearance for his African contingent before their departure for the tournament. Moyes highlighted the perceived unfairness, as other teams could field their African players.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 3, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International, Other Sports
Uganda is in mourning following the tragic murder of Benjamin Kiplagat, the revered 3,000-meter steeplechase champion. Kiplagat’s untimely demise in Eldoret, Kenya, has sent shockwaves through the athletic community.
Olympic and World Marathon Champion Stephen Kiprotich expressed sorrow, describing Kiplagat as a role model for many rising stars in Ugandan athletics, including Jacob Araptany, Peruth Chemutai, and Joshua Cheptegei. Kiprotich emphasized the need for athletes to prioritize their security in the wake of Kiplagat’s unfortunate fate.
Three-time world champion in the 10,000 meters, Joshua Cheptegei, lamented the loss, highlighting Kiplagat’s generosity and positive influence on emerging talents. Kiplagat’s supportive role during their training in Kenya left a lasting impression on Cheptegei, who remembers him as an example of success.
Commonwealth double gold medalist Moses Kipsiro emphasized the irreplaceable role Kiplagat played in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, praising his commitment to team spirit while representing Uganda on the global stage.
Stella Chesang, Uganda’s national record marathon holder, fondly recalled Kiplagat’s generosity, citing his contributions in providing training kits, shoes, tracksuits, and competition gear to fellow athletes.
Isaac Kiplagat, the 2014 World Mountain Champion, described Benjamin Kiplagat as an athletics patriot who loved running passionately. He shared Kiplagat’s motivational slogan, “If you don’t know what you want in running, running will forget you,” underscoring the inspirational impact he had on his peers.
Dominic Toucher, the President of Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), paid tribute to Kiplagat as a loyal middle and long-distance runner. Kiplagat’s illustrious career began in 2004, competing in the 10,000 meters, and he went on to leave an indelible mark on Ugandan athletics with numerous achievements and national records throughout his career. The athletic community mourns the loss of a true legend, remembering Kiplagat for his passion, dedication, and inspirational spirit.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 3, 2024 | Africa, International, Other Sports
Tennis South Africa and WIPHOLD Announce Two Prestigious Women’s ITF Tournaments in Tshwane with Equal Prize Money and Enhanced Opportunities”
In collaboration with title sponsor WIPHOLD and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Tennis South Africa (TSA) is gearing up to host consecutive W50 tournaments in the capital city early this year. The highly anticipated events, equivalent to ATP Challenger 50 for men, will take place at TuksTennis, University of Pretoria, from February 18 to March 2, 2024.
With substantial financial backing from WIPHOLD and the ITF, TSA is set to offer a combined prize pool of $80,000 (R1.48 million) across the two tournaments. This presents a significant platform for local female tennis talents to not only compete against international players but also earn substantial prize money and accrue valuable ranking points.
Ensuring gender equality in tennis, the ITF, with support from partners like WIPHOLD, has made considerable strides in promoting women’s tennis. This year marks a groundbreaking achievement, with the ratio of women’s ITF events to ATP Challenger men’s tournaments nearly achieving parity (185 women’s events compared to 195 ATP Challengers).
Louisa Mojela, co-founder and Executive Chairman of WIPHOLD, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering women in South Africa. She stated, “WIPHOLD is dedicated to the empowerment of women in South Africa, especially young women and girls who have been historically disenfranchised. We remain committed to and value our partnership with Tennis South Africa.”
TSA President Gavin Crookes expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, saying, “Our goals are very much aligned with WIPHOLD, who are committed to growing women’s tennis in South Africa. We are pleased to have such a fitting partner for these two W50 tournaments.”
Highlighting the strategic decision for two $40,000 events, Crookes noted, “We hosted $25,000 and $60,000 tournaments this year and have opted for two $40,000 events next season. This choice aims to benefit our local players in terms of the level of play, exposure, ranking points, and cash incentives. We are proud to continue fostering the growth of tennis for South African women by hosting these international tournaments.”
by Silas Boahene | Jan 3, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
“WBO Africa Featherweight Champion, John Laryea, Plans International Training Move”
In a recent report, it has been revealed that WBO Africa featherweight champion John Laryea is set to pursue training abroad in the upcoming period.
Under the guidance of coach Lawrence Carl Lokko from the Bronx Boxing Club in Accra, Laryea is considering training in prominent boxing hubs such as the United States, the UK, or South Africa. The decision to explore international training opportunities is attributed to the collective belief of Lokko and Laryea’s manager, Samuel Anim Addo. They anticipate that training outside of Ghana will contribute to Laryea’s overall development as a fighter, enhancing his skills and increasing the likelihood of securing a world title.
With a record of 12-0-1 and an impressive 10 knockouts, Laryea’s most recent victory came in October when he stopped Gabriel Odoi Laryea in the 12th round at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. His outstanding performance has positioned him as a strong contender for the Sports Writers Association of Ghana 2023 Award for Pro Boxer of the Year. As he contemplates this strategic move for his career, Laryea aims to further elevate his skills and make significant strides on the international boxing stage.
