MyGhanaDaily

Tag: Football

  • Aptitudes for sports development: Dickson Kyere-Duah shows the way

    Aptitudes for sports development: Dickson Kyere-Duah shows the way

    Discussions on the appointment of a Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation have taken the media space with sports analysts, pundits and presenters anticipating a young nominee, well experienced and sports-oriented person to occupy the position.

    As the President John Dramani Mahama’s government takes shape with the selection of substantive Ministers, and Deputy Ministers of State, speculations are high in the media space as to who becomes the Deputy Sports Minister.

    With the appointment of Mr. Kofi Adams as the substantive Minister of Sports and Recreation, one name that keeps running through the sports fraternity and discourses in the media space is Mr. Dickson Kyere-Duah, the Member of Parliament for Berekum West constituency in the Bono Region.

    His profile

    Popularly known in the sports fraternity as ‘Stugard,’ Mr. Kyere-Duah is a distinguished Sports Administrator with over 28 years of experience and meritorious service in Sports Management and Administration.

    He played an instrumental role in the Elections 2020 and 2024 political campaigns of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and served meticulously as a Spokesperson on Sports in both elections.

    Currently, Mr. Kyere-Duah is the President of Eagle Soccer Academy, a Berekum West-based Division Two club dedicated to unearthing and nurturing young football talents in Berekum West and beyond.

    He previously worked as the Director of Administration and Communication for B.A. United F/C before becoming CEO and later a Board member of the club.

    Mr. Kyere-Duah was once the Vice-Chairman of the Brong Ahafo Regional Football Association. Before his election to Parliament, he was the Secretary to the Sports Committee of Sunyani Technical University. He obtained a certificate in Basic Football Administration in 2003.

    Senior sports Journalist

    With 25 years of experience in broadcast and print media, Mr. Kyere-Duah has extensive working experience in Ghana and abroad, including BBC in the UK, Deutsche Welle TV and the Wurzburg Newspaper, in Germany.

    He has covered many sporting events globally including World Cups, Olympic Games and Boxing events in the USA. He once worked at Hot FM in Accra, Fox FM in Kumasi, Space FM in Sunyani, Sky FM, and Radio Windy Bay in Winneba.

    Mr. Kyere-Duah is the Vice Chair of the Brong Ahafo Regional Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), and a secretary for the Armwrestling Federation, the then Brong-Ahafo Chapter.

    Astute Communicator

    The Berekum West MP is an Accredited Member of the Institute of Public Relations Ghana, with over 20 years of high-level consummate communication and public relations skills.

    Notable positions he has held include; Head of Public Relations at Sunyani Technical University; NDC National Communications Team member and the NDC Spokesperson on Sports for the 2020 and 2024 National Campaigns.

    He is a very analytical, assertive, detail-oriented, and persuasive communicator with a proven record of accomplishment in both the Public and Private sectors.

    Way forward

    Interestingly, the popularity and personal appeal of Mr. Kyere-Duah cut across all political divides.

    As a brand specialist, he has branded and marketed the NDC in Berekum West in a manner that has attracted a huge support base from within and outside the party and as a popular senior journalist and an astute football administrator, he has a lot of following outside the party, which contributed to a massive win for NDC in the NPP-dominated area in the Election 2024.

    Mr. Kyere-Duah’s appointment as a Deputy Sports Minister will not only galvanize the base of the party but will attract a lot of new members to join and his experienced and massive respect in the media industry will be key in building and sustaining strong media relations for the ministry too.

    Considering his excellent human relationship and media friendliness, taking over the position as a Deputy Minister will be a powerful weapon for government communication in sports and beyond if appointed to assist the substantive minister.

    In fact, as an MP for from the Bono Region, his appointment as a Deputy Sports Minister will not only satisfy some level of regional balance but will also energize the party base in the sports-crazy regions of Bono, Ahafo and Bono East. These football regions alone have five premier Clubs, 10 Division one clubs and more than hundred Division Two Clubs.

    Source: GNA

  • 2025 Club World Cup: FIFA announces Official Match Ball

    2025 Club World Cup: FIFA announces Official Match Ball

    Football’s governing body, FIFA has announced the Official Match Ball (OMB) for the upcoming 2025 Club World Cup to be staged in the United States of America (USA).

    The OMB which was presented by FIFA’s long-standing partner adidas was truly eye-catching fashion which features an iconic design and cutting-edge technology. The connected ball would also enable faster and more accurate officiating decision at generation-defining tournament. According to the Official FIFA Website, “the ball’s design pays homage to the host nation incorporating bold graphics and emblems that celebrate and reflect the country’s heritage”.”

    “Set against a pearlescent background, the match ball showcases striking jagged-edged block patterns and deconstructed stars and stripes in red, white and blue in a nod to the nation’s flag.” “The OMB is engineered to provide greater in-game accuracy thanks to PRECISIONSHELL – a 20-piece panel shape with strategically placed debossed grooves on the ball’s outer shell.”

    “Another performance benefit is to be found under the surface in the form of CTR-CORE technology, which is designed to enhance accuracy and consistency in flight and helps to retain maximum shape and air retention with a view to supporting fast, precise play.”

    It said the integrated connected ball technology sends inertial measurement unit data to the video-assistant-referee system at a rate of 500 times per second in real time.

    It said, “when combined with player position data and the application of artificial intelligence, the technology helps video match officials to make faster offside decisions and can also aid them in identifying each individual touch of the ball, resulting in reduced delays in resolving specific incidents, e.g. possible handball offences.”

    It said adidas was set to provide uniforms for match officials, volunteers and FIFA staff across the tournament, with the garments reflecting the sports manufacturer’s commitment to quality and sustainability, offering high-performance apparel for those at the heart of the event.

    It said, “fans can find the full low-down on FIFA’s new flagship club tournament, including details of the qualified teams, groups, competition format, stadiums and tickets, as well as the match schedule, at FIFA.com”. The 2025 Club World Cup begins on Saturday, June 2025, in Miami, USA.

    Source: GNA

  • Armed Forces Senior High Technical School wins Zone four inter-schools athletics games

    Armed Forces Senior High Technical School wins Zone four inter-schools athletics games

    The Armed Forces Senior High Technical School (AFSHTS) in Kumasi has won the Zone Four Inter-schools Athletic Competition for Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Ashanti Region.

    They obtained a total of 150 to beat Kumasi Senior High School, which secured 69 points, Tweneboa Kodua Senior High School at Kumawu with 68 points, Tepa Senior High School with 62 points, and the Antoa Senior High School, which had 60 points.

    The Athletic Competition organized by the Schools and Colleges Sports Federation at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi is being participated by about 20 senior high schools in the Ashanti region. Among the sporting activities being contested are track and field events such as distance running, relay races, jumping and throwing events.

    The schools which would be placed first to fifth positions in the competition would have the chance to compete in the super-zonal athletic competition slated for February 20 to 21, 2025. Mr. Ebenezer Amega, Head of Sports Department of AFSHTS, congratulated the athletic team for their hard work and second victory in the zonal athletic competition.

    He said the strategies and training schedules adopted by the coaches in training the team contributed to the victory by the school. Mr. Amega noted that the school underperformed in the field events such as the shot put, discus, javelin, pole vault and the others due to the unavailability of training equipment.

    “Our high jump athlete who won, trained just once at the stadium because we don’t have the landing foam and the high jump uplift,” he said. He said the school needed some field event equipment to train to beat the performing schools during the super-zonal athletic competition.

    Mr. Amega appealed to old students and sports lovers to consider supporting the team by providing the equipment needed to train the team to win in future competitions.

    GNA

  • Experienced German tactician is the new Technical Advisor of the Black Stars

    Experienced German tactician is the new Technical Advisor of the Black Stars

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced major changes in the technical direction of the Black Stars, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.

    Leading the pack of new technical team members is experienced German tactician Winfred Anton Shaefer, with over 40 years of experience and an AFCON trophy with Cameroon in 2002. He would act as the Technical Advisor to Coach Otto Addo to build a winsome team.  In addition, he would also play the role of Director of Football for the Football Association.

    Coach Schafer assumes the role having excelled in a managerial career spanning a little over 40 years working with a number of national teams (Cameroon, Thailand and Jamaica) as well as European clubs including Borussia Monchengladbach, Karlsruher SC, VFB Stuttgart and Borussia Berlin. The highlight of Schafer’s experience with national teams was his winning the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2002.

    Coach Schafer also coached in the United Arab Emirates, working with top clubs namely Al Ain, Al-Ahli Dubai, Baniyas and Al-Khor. His last coaching role was with Al Khor. Also on board is the national Under-20 Coach, Desmond Ofei. The Africa Games gold medal winning Coach and Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Coach of the Year 2024, who had carved a niche for himself as an achiever, is expected to bring his expertise and deep analytical prowess to the team.

    Kris Perquy, an experienced Sports Psychologist with 17 years’ experience, takes up the mantle of Psychologist of the team. Perquy was a key resource in the professionalization of the football psychology of Belgium, where he worked with the Belgian Football Association for 15 years. He also worked as Mental Coach for a number of professional football clubs in Belgium.

    The Video Analysis Unit of the team will be headed by Belgian Video Analyst Gregory De Grauwe who has built his expertise and experience in Video Analysis working with football clubs including Sporting Lokeren and K. Beerschot VA. De Grauwe holds a UEFA License B Coaching license as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education.

    Two new vastly experienced Equipment Officers, in the persons of Issah Amadou (Asante Kotoko) and Abdul Rahman Alhassan (Hearts of Oak).  have also been named to the team. These two equipment handlers have a combined total of fifty-three years’ experience between them.

    Source: GNA

  • FIFA team in Ghana for three-day seminar of financial governance in football

    FIFA team in Ghana for three-day seminar of financial governance in football

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has received a delegation from FIFA, ahead of the three-day seminar for General Secretaries and Chief Finance Officers in Ghana.

    The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29 to Friday, January 31 at the Marriott Hotel in Accra. The seminar would bring together General Secretaries and Chief Finance Officers from Member Associations across the region. The workshop aims to enhance financial governance in football, covering key topics such as financial management, accountability, transparency, and efficient resource use within football organizations.

    Led by Meryem Atouk, FIFA’s Finance Services Manager, the delegation includes Andre Portabella, Senior Capacity Development and Education Manager; Silmara Sousa, FIFA Regional Coordinator for Africa; and Raissa Toure, FIFA Division Office Coordinator.

    The delegation upon arrival, called on the GFA and were received by General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq), together Collins Dei, Chief Finance Officer, and Maxwell Caesar Kemeh, Local Liaison Officer for the seminar. Others present included Barbara Yankah of the Competitions Department, Referees Manager; Alex Kotey; and Saiyida Maryam Siba, Head of Financial Reporting at the GFA.

    The seminar would bring together General Secretaries and Chief Finance Officers from Member Associations across the region. The workshop aims to enhance financial governance in football, covering key topics such as financial management, accountability, transparency, and efficient resource use within football organizations.

    Mr. Harrison Addo expressed gratitude to FIFA for initiating the program, emphasizing its importance in enhancing financial management in Ghanaian football. He highlighted how the seminar would align local practices with international standards, strengthening the sport’s administrative framework.

    This training is expected to provide participants with valuable insights and tools to fortify their organizations’ financial foundations, ensuring long-term sustainability, accountability, and effective resource management in football.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghanaian man allegedly stabbed to death in South Africa

    Ghanaian man allegedly stabbed to death in South Africa

    Yaw Owusu, a Ghanaian man in his late thirties has been allegedly killed in South Africa following the Black Stars 1-0 victory over Bafana Bafana in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

    The sad incident happened in a town called Mzuluku after an argument over the penalty decision awarded to the Black Stars against South Africa in the World Cup qualifier on Sunday at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

    The penalty has generated a lot of controversy with South Africa lodging a complaint to FIFA as they believe the match was manipulated to favor the Black Stars by Senegalese referee Ndiaye Maguette

    Yaw Owusu who worked as a barber was allegedly stabbed by the South African who is currently on the run according to reports.

    Confirming the news in an interview with Kumasi-based radio station Fox FM, Obeng Boadu gave an account of what transpired and how Ghanaians are living in fear due to threats after the game.

    “Yaw Owusu, a 39-year-old man who works at a saloon had a few arguments with his apprentice before the game on Sunday, the argument resurfaced on Monday morning after the controversies on the penalty and he stabbed him to death,” he said as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

    “We are now trying to find his family members in Ghana. The tension on Ghanaians here are very high. The South Africans have threatened to deal with Ghanaians here after their petition to FIFA.

    “We are pleading with authorities to come to our aid here since things may be scarier soon. I don’t think Ghanaians are too safe as I speak to you,” he added.

    South Africa Football Association has lodged a complaint at Fifa and Caf, insisting that the referee was manipulated therefore the game should be replayed on a neutral ground.

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com

  • 2022 WCQ: Thirteen Black Stars players open camp in Accra

    2022 WCQ: Thirteen Black Stars players open camp in Accra

    The players were made up of the 30-man squad’s local contingent as well as some foreign-based players who arrived in the country on Sunday night.

    The players included the 30-man squad’s local contingent as well as some foreign-based players who arrived in the country on Sunday night.

    Richard Attah, Abdul Ismail Ganiu, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and Daniel Afriyie Banieh were joined by captain Andre Ayew, Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, Jordan Ayew, Mubarak Wakaso and goalkeeper Richard Ofori for last night’s session at the La Town Park.

    CK Akonnor’s team will travel to Cape Coast later this morning and will hold their first training session there in the evening.

    The game is scheduled for a 7pm kick off on Friday.

    Below is the full list of players who opened camping in Accra

    Richard Atta
    Richard Ofori
    Jonathan Mensah
    Baba Rahman
    Mubarak Wakasu
    Emmanuel Lomotey
    Dede Ayew
    Jordan Ayew
    Abdul Ganiyu
    Daniel Afriyie Banieh
    Samuel Owusu
    Abdul Fatau
    Emmanuel Gyasi

    source: citisports

  • Baba Rahman joins Reading FC on loan from Chelsea

    Baba Rahman joins Reading FC on loan from Chelsea

    Ghanaian left-back, Baba Abdul Rahman, a  has joined Reading FC on loan for the remainder of the season. Rahman’s stay at Chelsea was extended on Friday, so the news was announced on Friday.

    The loan spell will be Rahman’s fifth overall since joining Chelsea in 2015, but it will be the first time he has spent time away from England.

    He joins fellow Black Stars player, Andy Yiadom, at the club and Reading manager, Veljko Paunovic, shared his thoughts on having the Ghanaian join them for the Championship season.

    “It is no secret that recruiting an experienced left-back was a priority for us this summer, so I am delighted that we have managed to do this deal to bring Baba to Reading.

    He is a quick, strong, physical footballer who has a lot to offer to the club and the players around him. Baba was really keen to be part of our project and to test himself in this tough division and I am excited to see him playing for us.”

    Baba Rahman also spoke to Reading’s official website on the loan move.

    “I’ve known Reading over the years, it’s a big club with great history. When I spoke with the manager, I just got interested in the project.”

    He is likely to make his debut for Reading on Monday when they take on Huddersfield Town.

    source:citisports

  • Man Utd re-signs Cristiano Ronaldo

    Man Utd re-signs Cristiano Ronaldo

    Manchester United and Juventus have reached an agreement to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
    On Friday, United reportedly submitted a €25 million (£21.3 million) bid to Juventus and offered Ronaldo a two-year contract.

    Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes said earlier in the day that a deal for the Portugal captain to return to Old Trafford was very close.

    Confirming the news on Friday evening, an official United statement read: “Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

    “Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester.”

    Manchester City were offered the chance to sign Ronaldo and considered making a move but pulled out of negotiations on Friday.

    The 36-year-old’s departure from Juventus was confirmed by boss Max Allegri on Friday, who revealed he was told by the player he had “no intention” of playing for the club again.

    Ronaldo spent an hour and a half at Juventus’ training ground on Friday morning to say goodbye to his team-mates and empty his locker in the changing room before boarding a private jet from Turin to Lisbon.

    He was in the final year of his Juventus contract worth around £500,000 per week.

    Source: Sky Sports

  • UEFA Champions League: Michael Essien selected to assist in today’s draw

    UEFA Champions League: Michael Essien selected to assist in today’s draw

    Former Ghanaian midfielder, Michael Essien has been named as a special guest to assist in the UEFA Champions League draw for 2021/22.

    For the draw today , August 26, 2021, the former Chelsea star will be joined by former Blues teammate Branislav Ivanovic.

    Essien was part of the Chelsea team that won the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history in 2012.

    The Blues have since won a second European crown after defeating Manchester City in last season’s final.

    Meanwhile, Thursday’s draw will see the 32 qualified teams across Europe paired into eight groups of four each.

    The teams will be split into four seeding pots. Pot 1 will consist of the holders, the UEFA Europa League winners and the champions of the six highest-ranked nations who did not qualify via one of the 2020/21 continental titles; Pots 2 to 4 will be determined by the club coefficient rankings.
    Also, no team can play a side from their own association. Any other restrictions will be announced ahead of the draw tomorrow’s ceremony.

    Meanwhile, in the case of associations with two representatives, clubs will be paired in order to split their matches between Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

    And when an association has four (or more) representatives, two pairings will be made. These pairings are to be based on TV audiences and will be confirmed before the draw ceremony.

    Source: Pulse.com.Gh