Southampton supporters on social media have praised Black Stars winger, Kamaldeen Sulemana for his standout performance in their home league defeat to Wolves.
The Saints despite taking an early goal lead in their week 22 home game, couldn’t hold on as 10-man Wolves fought back to snatch the points with a 2-1 victory.
Kamaldeen Sulemana who made his full debut at the Saint Mary’s Stadium stood out in the game and his performance was noticed by the fans.
He was unplayable in his full debut as he showed the home team a glimpse of what they are going to see for the next three and a half years.
The fans took to Twitter to single him out for praise while calling on the other players to up their game in their bid to escape the relegations.
The Black Stars winger lasted the entire duration of the game as his side lost 2-1 leading to the sacking of Nathan Jones who took over from Raph Hasenhuttl before the 2022 FIFA World Cup break in November.
He set a record as the player with the most dribbles in the season – eight
Check out some of the reactions below:
Kamaldeen Sulemana reflects on defeat at St Mary's:
Chris Hughton has been formally named as the Black Stars’ manager by the Ghana Football Association.
The Irish-born Ghanaian, who previously worked as an interim technical advisor for the Black Stars, succeeds Otto Addo, who resigned from his position in December 2022.
Football fans are familiar with Chris Hughton since he enjoyed a notable playing career as a defender for Tottenham before establishing himslef as a descent manager at clubs like Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Brighton & Hove Albion, among others.
GhanaWeb delves deeper into the profile of new Black Stars manager Chris Hughton.
Here is all you need to know about Chris Hughton
Early life
Chris Hughton was born in England, Forest Gate, a suburban town in East London to a Ghanaian father Willie Hughton, and an Irish mum Christine.
His father is said to be a native of Accra and still has a number of family members at Jamestown, Accra.
He schooled at St Bonaventure’s Catholic School in Forest Gate.
He combined education and football at an early age and thus played part-time in 1997 during his four years apprenticeship in lift engineering.
He completed his apprenticeship in 1979 before becoming a full-time footballer at age 23, making his Tottenham Hotspur debut for the first team against Manchester United in the League Cup in the 1979/80 season.
Club Career
He began his career at age 13 when he joined Tottenham Hotspur youth team.
Hughton was a full-back who could play on either side but was often played on the left although he was right-footed.
He has his name in Spurs’ good books as one of the best left-backs to have ever donned the white jersey.
Throughout his senior career, he played for only three clubs namely Tottenham (1977 – 1990), West Ham United (1990-1992), and Brentford (1992-1993).
Hughton won four titles with Tottenham, FA (2), UEFA Cup, and League Cup before helping West Ham to win the English Division Two in 1991.
After spending one season at Brentford, he drew the curtains a fairly exciting career at age 34. Unfortunately, he signed off with a knee injury in 1993.
International Career
Chris Hughton was the first mixed-race player to represent Ireland. In his 12-year spell with the National Team, he made 53 appearances, scoring one goal.
He made his debut in a friendly against the United States in 1979.
His only goal for his country came in the 1982 World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus where Ireland win 6-0.
Managerial Career
After hanging up his boots, Hughton decided to stick to football by taking a career path into coaching.
He has managed six different teams including a role as an assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland. A role he held for two years(2003-2005).
It all started in the late 90s when he was appointed as the caretaker of Tottenham in 1997 and 1998. He also managed the under-21s in 2007.
After serving under 11 managers at Spurs, he took a caretaker role at Newcastle in 2008 where he was subsequently named as the manager on a permanent basis.
Since assuming his first head coaching role in 2009, he has gone on to manage Birmingham City, Norwich City, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Nottingham Forest.
His honors within the period include winning the Football League title with Newcastle in the 2009/2010 season and runners-up finish with Brighton in the 2016/2017 season.
Private life
Hughton is married to Cheryl and has four children, two girls, and a boy- Carleen, Aisha, and Cian who was a footballer.
Cian played for the Tottenham Hotspur youth team before moving to Lincoln City. He featured for the Republic of Ireland at the U-21 level.
The Ghana Football Association has announced the appointment of Chris Hughton as the Head Coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars.
In a statement issued on Saturday, February 12, 2023, the GFA said it has decided to maintain George Boateng and Didi Dramani as assistant coaches of the Black Stars.
Read the full statement by GFA below:
The Ghana Football Association has the pleasure to appoint Chris Hughton as Head Coach of the Black Stars following extensive deliberations between the two parties.
The appointment is in line with the vision of the GFA to continue with the project of building a formidable squad that started with Otto Addo in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament.
Mr. Hughton has been the Technical Advisor of the Black Stars for the past twelve months.
The GFA has also decided to maintain Assistant Coaches George Boateng and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani.
The three coaches were part of the technical team for the World Cup in Qatar.
Details about the duration of the contract and terms of engagement would be announced in due course.
The number increased by one when Nottingham Forest announced the signing of Black Stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew on Thursday night, February 2, 2023.
Antoine Semenyo’s move from Championship side Bristol City to Bournemouth and Kamaldeen Sulemana’s transfer from Rennes to Southamptoon were the two other transfers in the just ended January European window.
There was a time when the likes of Michael Essien of Chelsea, John Paintsil of Fulham, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Richard Kingson and John Mensah all played for clubs in the Premier League.
Here are the 9 Ghanaian players in the Premier League currently
Andre Dede Ayew
Dede Ayew’s contract with Qatari side Al Sadd was terminated days ago fuelling speculations that he was possibly on his way back to Europe to ply his club football.
Then the options narrowed when it was widely reported that he was returning to the EPL, where he had previously played for West Ham United an Swansea City.
Everton was a major suitor as was Nottingham Forest but it was the latter that announced signing Dede on a six-month contract.
Kamaldeen Sulemana
The Black Stars winger completed a move from Stade Rennes to Southampton on transfer deadline day.
The 20-year-old joined the Saints in a deal worth 25 million euros with further 3 million euros add-ons.
The winger played 34 matches in the French Ligue 1, scoring 5 goals with 2 assists.
Thomas Partey
The Black Stars midfielder is one of the most active Ghanaian players in the Premier League currently. Partey who is in his third season at Arsenal has played 80 matches in total with 8 goal contributions.
The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has been key in Arsenal’s quest to the league title this season. The Gunners are yet to lose a game with him in action.
Mohammed Salisu
Salisu joined Southampton from Spanish club Real Valladolid two seasons ago and has been able to work his way up to earn a place in the starting line-up of the Saints.
Mohammed Salisu who is one of the pillars in the Southampton defence has made an incredible 77 appearances for his club and has scored 1 goal with 1 assist.
The player was linked with a move away from the Premier League but chose to stay.
Daniel Amartey
Amartey is one of the most experienced Ghanaian players in the Premier League. The Leicester City defender is in his 7th season in the English League after joining the club from Copenhagen in 2016.
Amartey is also one of two Ghanaian players currently to have won the Premier League. The defender has made 103 appearances so far in the Premier League.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite being born and nurtured in UK, Semenyo is now about to make his debut in the Premier League. The Black Stars forward sealed a deal from Championship side Bristol City to Bournemouth in the January window.
The attacker who has been in fine form this season was able to score 4 goals in 5 matches in 2023 to earn his permanent move to the Premier League.
Tariq Lamptey
The 22-year-old right-back has come far after being handed his debut at Chelsea under coach Frank Lampard. He made 3 appearances for the Blues in the league before he was snap up by Brighton.
Lamptey has been a delight to watch since joining Brighton where he has made 65 appearances in four seasons.
The player has averaged 10 matches each season since joining The Seagulls.
The Black Stars midfielder is the most capped Ghanaian currently in the Premier League with a record 225 Premier League matches in 10 seasons.
The former Leicester City midfielder won the Premier League title with the Foxes before joining Crystal Palace.
Currently, in his 10th season, Schlupp has made 20 appearances so far with coach Patrick Vierra’s side.
The Black Stars forward is the only player in the list to have played for three different club in the Premier League; Aston Villa, Swansea and Crystal Palace .
The 31-year-old is currently in his 8th season in the EPL and has played 221 games. The forward has 46 goal contributions having scored 30 with 16 assists in total.
Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has spoken out against the criticism of Black Stars players.
He argues that the amounts paid to players as winning bonuses are justified and necessary in order to incentivize them to play for their country.
Agyapong contends that players should be compensated fairly because they take on enormous financial risks by competing for their country.
“I don’t have a problem paying them to play for us. We have to encourage these stars to come home and play for us.
“Those in the foreign teams make so much money. Some make $40,000 a week, he comes here and the whole period they give him $40,000 and we are complaining.
“If this guy hurts himself and cannot play again, he loses $40,000 a week. I don’t mind paying whatever they deserve because it will motivate them to come home and serve. Ghanaians should stop complaining,” he said.
The General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association has urged Ghanaians to desist from indulging in the use of offensive languages to express their displeasure about the happenings in Ghana football.
According to him, it is unfair to rain insults in expressing their views on the activities of the domestic football governing body.
Earlier this week, the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prapram claimed that the Black Stars job has been given to Chris Hughton, who served as the technical director of the national ta the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He added the FA has decided to appoint the former Brighton boss to lead the national team, a coach the FA Can manipulate.
Responding to the aforementioned claims, Prosper Harrison Addo said, “Anyone who says that should know, that statement is very insulting. It is insulting to whoever coach they are talking about. The coaches are also fathers and so, if you cannot insult your father then you also don’t have to insult someone’s father”
“If you say that we are manipulating a coach, it means that coach has no sense which is insulting. A lot of the people who are talking don’t know the kind people they are talking about. If they really know the people they are talking about, they wouldn’t have made that statement that we manipulated Otto Addo, Chris Hughton, CK, Milo or any other”
“It is very unfair when those statements are made. Sometimes, people feel that when you insult the FA you don’t insult anybody but we have people who work here, I am the General Secretary so the moment you say the FA is corrupt, you are insulting me but I have not stolen from anyone and once you cannot stand in front of me and insult me, don’t go general like that. You can make your point; we will listen”
Ghana is currently without a substantive coach following the resignation of Otto Addo after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The domestic football governing body has been in the haunt for a new trainer for national team
Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, has suggested that the Black Stars require a coach who will be resolute in making his own judgments and not submit to direction from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
He believes that having a tough coach will put the Black Stars back where they belong and that having specific attributes could help the team.
Following Otto Addo’s resignation from his position following the Black Stars’ early withdrawal from the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Ghana FA is looking for a new head coach.
James Kwasi Appiah, who wants to lead the club for a third time, and Chris Hughton are two coaches who are considering applying for the open position.
“We need an experienced coach, someone with strong credentials…Even if he is an inexperienced coach we should be able to identify what the coach has taught the players in terms of their style of play,” he is quotes by JoySports to have told Dan Kwaku Yeboah on YouTube.
“You can take an inexperienced coach but make sure he understands the game, someone who will make the people understand his philosophy,” he added.
“Someone who can take charge, not someone who takes orders, you have to be strict and take charge of what you are doing,” Gyan added.
Before the Black Stars reassemble for the next phase of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, a new head coach is anticipated to be selected.
Kwesi Appiah has justified why he deserves to be named the head coach of the Black Stars for the third time.
The 63-year-old in his recent interview with Kumasi-based Sompa FM confirmed that he has applied for the vacant coaching role.
The national team is currently without a head coach following Otto Addo’s resignation.
The Borussia Dortmund talent coach left his role after Black Stars’ early exit at the 2022 World Cup hosted in Qatar last year.
The Ghana Football Association [GFA] are expected to name a new head coach for the side before the playing body reassembles in March for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] doubleheader clash against Angola.
Despite over 60 expatriate coaches applying for the job, Appiah, who has already had two stints with the team speaking in an interview justified why he is the right man for the job.
According to him, he introduced about 40 players to the team who are currently key players for the team.
The soft-spoken coach believed that his credentials made him the most qualified Ghanaian coach to handle the Black Stars now following his immense contribution to the team during his two previous stints.
“The last time we checked I had introduced about 40 players to the Black Stars in recent times,” the Kotoko legend told Graphic Sports.
“These are the players who are carrying the team and holding aloft the Ghana flag now,” he noted.
Appiah is famously remembered for leading the Black Stars to the Fifa World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam George, has disclosed that Chris Hughton has been given the Black Stars coaching position.
Sam George claims the former technical advisor of the Black Stars been named as the new coach, although an official announcement is soon to come.
“That [coaching] job they have given it to Chris Hughton already so why are we wasting our time?” he quizzed on Joy Prime.
“They have given it to him because they want someone they can manipulate, someone they can use to do their business, someone they can tell him to bring his team selection [with changes being made with regards to agency callups] regardless of how long the person has played or not played.
“People are using GFA to make money, they are using it to feed their family.”, he added.
Hughton served as the Black Stars’ technical adviser at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghanaian with Irish ancestry was chosen as Otto Addo’s technical advisor in a hastily put together technical staff for the World Cup play-off against Nigeria in February.
Milovan Rajevac, a Serbian trainer, was fired following Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2021 African Cup of Nations competition in Cameroon. Otto Addo was appointed coach, with George Boateng and Masaud Didi Dramani promoted to assistant roles.
In a two-legged play-off game, the revamped technical team orchestrated a qualification victory against bitter rivals Nigeria.
Ghana is searching for Otto Addo’s replacement as his six-month contract comes to an end.
The Irishman has been a member of the Black Stars technical staff since March 2021, and he was in Qatar at that time.
Many have predicted that he will succeed Otto Addo, whose contract ended following Ghana’s World Cup loss.
Hughton has coached teams in England including Norwich City, Newcastle United, and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Member of Parliament of Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George has claimed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has named Chris Hughton as the new Black Stars coach.
Ghana has been without a head coach following Otto Addo’s resignation.
The Borussia Dortmund talent coach left his role following Ghana’s early exit at the 2022 World Cup after the team finished at the bottom of Group H with three points having recorded a win and two defeats.
Speaking on Joy Prime TV, Sam George said former Newcastle United manager Hughton has already been given the nod.
According to the outspoken legislature, the decision has already been made despite the public hunt for the next coach of the national team.
“That job has been given to Chris Hughton already. They’ve given it to him because they want someone they can manipulate,” the legislator stated.
“Someone they can use for their business. Someone whose selections they can interfere with. Let’s not waste our time. People are using GFA to feed their families so let’s go and look for money to eat.”
Sam George also launched a scathing attack on the GFA, insisting the country’s football governing body has been reduced to a business venture.
He cited the selection of left-back Abdul Baba Rahman for the Qatar 2022 World Cup as one of the reasons why the GFA is not trustworthy.
“Some people are using GFA to feed their families. Have you forgotten what happened at the World Cup,” the NDC MP claimed.
“Tell me how Baba Rahman found his way into our final squad in our last game at the World Cup. What ball has he played in the past? Is Baba Rahman’s agent not our GFA president?
“People should not annoy us in this country because we have already powdered our faces and laughing,” he added.
The Black Stars are expected to regroup for their doubleheader against Angola in March in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers.
Slavko Mati, the head coach of Hearts of Oak, has made an application to lead the Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team.
Even though he only agreed to a two-year deal with Hearts of Oak in October of last year, Mati is prepared to quit his current job in order to compete for the national team role.
According to reports, Mati is unconcerned about any potential criticism from the Hearts of Oak Board of Directors because he kept them in the dark about his plan to apply for the position with the national team. Mati has guided the Phobians to six victories, four ties, and two losses since taking over as coach.
With a UEFA Pro Licence, Mati has had a varied coaching career, working in China, Qatar, Slovenia, as well as his own Serbia. Prior to joining Hearts of Oak, his most recent position was as manager of Bulgarian top-flight team Septemvri Sofia, where he served until October 9, 2022.
Mati’s application will be taken into consideration along with others when the Ghana Football Association (GFA) selects a new coach for the Black Stars.
Although Mati’s selection as the new coach of the Black Stars is still uncertain, his application demonstrates his drive and enthusiasm for the position.
The GFA is expected to make a decision on the new coach in the coming weeks.
The head coach of Bristol City FC, Nigel Pearson has commended Black Stars striker Antoine Semenyo for his professionalism in the face of endless transfer speculation linking him to several clubs.
Nigel Pearson stated this after Bristol City’s 1-1 tie with Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship; Bristol City is ranked 17th out of the 24 teams in the league.
Semenyo scored for Bristol against Blackburn, his third goal in three games this year. Nigel Pearson ahead of the game against Blackburn Rovers confirmed the Robins have received bids from Premier League side Bournemouth and Burnley.
Bournemouth’s second bid for the talented striker was rejected by Bristol City.
“He’s done very well with speculations surrounding his future very well. He’s been able to go out there and play at full tilt and I think that’s testament to who he is and what he is, is a good player,” Pearson said.
Antoine Semenyo’s current market value is 3.2 million euros and his contract with Bristol City runs till 30th June 2023.
Auxerre manager Christophe Pélissier was impressed with Elisha Owusu’s performance in his competitive debut for the club.
The Black Stars midfielder was started his first start against Chamois Niortais after joining the club in the ongoing transfer window.
Owusu boxed the midfield as Auxerre cruised to an emphatic 4-0 away win over their opponent to progress to the Round of 16 of the Coup de France on Sunday.
He lasted 71 minutes in the encounter as Auxerre secured qualification to the next stage of the competition.
Goals from Matthis Abline, Gaëtan Perrin, Nuno Da Costa and Gaëtan Perrin was enough for the Ligue 1 side to triumph over Niort.
“Elisha Owusu showed why we had taken him.” I really liked his state of mind.” Christophe Pélissier said after the game.
The 25-year-old joined the Ligue 1 outfit last Monday on a two and half year deal from Gent, ending his three-year spell with the Belgian side.
Ghana FA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has revealed that over 1000 coaches have applied to take up the role of Black Stars coach.
The Ghana FA has been on a hunt for a new coach following the resignation of Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars after the World Cup.
As reported earlier this month, the FA had received over 60 applications from expatriate coaches for the vacant job.
But the Spokesperson for the domestic football governing body has confirmed that over 1000 applications have been received so far for the vacant job.
“We haven’t made any shortlist and at the right time we will”, Henry said on State of the Affairs on GHOne TV.
He added that the Ghana FA will appoint a competent coach irrespective of race or color.
“The job is opened for all. Once you are a competent coach.
“There is pressure to appoint a competent coach.We are not looking at race or color but just a competent coach”
Henry Asante Twum confirmed that over 1000 applications have been received so far for the vacant job.
“Over 1000 coaches have applied for the job. We keep getting applications each and every day”, Henry Asante Twum disclosed on State of Affairs on GHOne TV.
Hector Cuper, a former head coach of Egypt, and two other candidates are said to have made the shortlist for the vacant coaching position with the Black Stars.
The other two managers are Steve McClaren, an assistant manager at Manchester United, and Chris Hughton, a former coach of Tottenham Hotspurs.
According to the report, Otto Addo, who left his position after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, would be replaced by one of the aforementioned managers by the Ghana Football Association.
Hector Cuper and Chris Hughton are the two currently unattached among the three coaches.
Cuper was fired from his position as coach of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in June 2022, while Chris Hughton departed his position as technical advisor to the Black Stars in December 2022 after his contract expired.
Henry Asante Twum, a representative for the GFA, stated in a recent interview that the FA will name a new coach by the end of January 2023.
“I think it will be this month. From the conversations going on it is very likely a new head coach of the Black Stars will be appointed this month. There will be an ExCo meeting soon and everything will be finalized there,” he told Asempa FM.
He also noted that the GFA has received over 60 applications for the Black Stars coaching role.
“Maybe over 60 applications. The Black Stars is very attractive. You cannot have Mohammed Kudus in your team and think the Black Stars are not attractive. It is an attractive brand, no doubt about that,” he said.
James Kwesi Appiah has confirmed that he has applied for the vacant Black Stars coaching job.
The national team has been without a substantive gaffer following the resignation of Otto Addo after Ghana’s early elimination from the 2022 World Cup.
The Black Stars exited with three points having finished at the bottom of Group H.
However, Appiah, who has had two stints with the team and steered the team to a World Cup qualification in 2014 speaking in an interview confirmed he has applied for the job.
“It is true,” he told Kumasi-based Sompa FM.
“When it emerged that no Ghanaian coach has applied for the job, I felt being a Ghanaian, I feel I can also do something and that is the reason why I have applied for the job,” the Asante Kotoko legend added.
Appiah was recently relieved off his duties in December 2019 as Black Stars coach after his contract expiration by the Ghana FA.
Meanwhile, Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association [GFA], Henry Asante Twum speaking in an interview hinted that over 60 coaches have applied for the vacant job.
But reports in the local media suggest the Ghana FA has shortlisted three foreign coaches for the senior national team job.
Chris Hughton, Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren and Hector Cupper are said to be on the list.
A new trainer for the team is expected to be named this month.
The Black Stars will be reassembled in March for their doubleheader against Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers.
Ghana Football legend Mohammed Polo has opened up on the type of coach the Black Stars need at the moment.
Following the resignation of Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars, the Ghana Football Association has been on a hunt for a new coach.
The Ghana FA are expected to name a new coach for the national before the closure of January, with over 60 foreign coaches applying for the top job.
In an interview with Koforidua-based Bryt FM, the 1978 AFCON winner implored the Ghana FA to appoint a coach who is abreast with the country’s football history and understands the style of play.
“At the moment, we need a coach who have an idea about our football history, understands our style of play because football is evolving and other countries are coming up. Things has become difficult for us because we have deviated from our style”
“Recent coaches have refused to go by our style and that is affecting us. They have brought their style leaving ours behind”
“Going forward, the Ghana FA should ensure they appoint a coach who understands our style of football. At first, people used to call us the Brazil of African football but it seems we have deviated from that style and that is not helping us as a country”
Meanwhile, local media reports suggest the FA has shortlisted three coaches for the Black Stars job.
Chris Hughton, Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren and Hector Cupper are said to be on the list.
The Black Stars will return to action in March for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Paramount Chief of Assin Kushea, Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, has been chosen as the guest of honour for the upcoming 47th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards Night which comes off on January 28, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Center.
Amateur boxer Abraham Mensah, sprinter Joseph Paul Amoah and Ajax Amsterdam / Black Stars midfielder Kudus are the three candidates contesting for the 2022 SWAG Sports Personality of the year.
Popular sportsmen Benjamin Azamati, Mohammed Kudus, and Arsenal star Thomas Partey are all in contention for top awards.
Hearts of Oak striker Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, ex-AshantiGold forward Yaw Annor and Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim are in contention for the local-based Footballer Award of the Year Award.
26-year-old medical practitioner Dr Kwabena Adu Poku has been named the 2022 Chess Player of the Year while Kelvin Alphous would be crowned the Badminton Player of the Year for the second year running.
The Athlete of the Year award will be decided between Benjamin Azamati and Joseph Paul Amoah.
In the female category, Tripler jumper Abigail Kwarteng and USA-based Deborah Acquah along with high jumper Rose Yeboah are all in gunning for the big award. Kwarteng (triple jumper) and Acquah (long jumper) who both competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK are in pole positions for the accolade. But, home-based Rose Yeboah boasts of a rich voting constituency that has been left impressed with her delivery.
Police Officer Grace Mintah has been nominated for the Female Armwrestler of the Year Award.
Leading Ghanaian mining firms Adamus Resources Limited and MTN Ghana are the major sponsors of the 47th Awards Night.
Afropop and Afrobeat female singer Wendy Shay, budding comedian O.B. Amponsah, gospel artiste Perpetual Didier, and young singer Ashley Chuks are going to perform at the event.
Top high-performing sporting personalities are expected to be in attendance at the 47th SWAG Awards.
Full List Below:
Personality of the Year –
Joseph Paul Amoah – Athletics
Mohammed Kudus – Football
Abraham Mensah – Amateur Boxing
Armwrestler of the Year
Grace Mintah – Female
Athlete of the Year (Female)
Abigail Kwarteng – Triple Jumper
Deborah Acquah – Long Jumper
Rose Yeboah Amoanimaah – High Jumper
Athlete of the Year (Male)
Joseph Paul Amoah – 200Mts
Benjamin Kwaku Azamati – 100Mts
Badminton Player of the Year
Alphous Kelvin
Boxer of the Year (Amateur)
Abraham Mensah
Joseph Commey
Chess Player of the Year
Dr Kwabena Adu Poku
Club of the Year
Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC
Coach of the Year
Ofori Asare – Amateur Boxing
Husseini Akueteh Addy – Armwrestling
Prosper Nartey Ogum – Asante Kotoko
Nana Darkwa – Ampem Darkoa
Cricketer of the Year
Samson Awiah Aweh
Cyclist of the Year
Anthony Boafo Boakye Dankwa
Discovery of the Year
Joseph Commey
Raphael Nii Ankrah
Dedication and Valour
Lepowura Mohammed Nurudeen Jawula
Footballer of the Year (Male)
Andre Dede Ayew
Mohammed Kudus
Thomas Partey
Footballer of the Year (Female)
Blessing Shine Agomashie (ASFAR, Morocco)
Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah (Ampem Darkoa)
Doris Boaduwaa (Hasaacas Ladies, Ghana)
Footballer of the Player (Home Based)
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh – Hearts of Oak
Yaw Annor – Ashantigold
Ibrahim Danlad – Asante Kotoko
Hockey Player of the Year (Female)
Adizatu Sulemana (GRA Ladies)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Awuley Quaye and Nii Dodoo Ankrah
Para-Athlete of the Year
Patricia Nyamekye
Professional Golfer of the Year
Kojo Barnii (Damang Golf Club)
Table Tennis Most Exciting Player
Israel Akili
Tennis Player of the Year
Samuel Osei Agbesi Antwi
Volleyball Player of the Year
Rashaka Katadat (Ghana Army)
SWAG TOP 5 Federations
Ghana Athletics Association
Ghana Armwrestling Federation
Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation
Ghana Boxing Authority
Ghana Football Association
Ghana Cycling Federation
Ghana Tennis Association
Swimmer of the Year
Abeiku Gyekye Jackson
Special and Meritorious Awards
Kingsley Owusu Achiaw – Bechem United
Reks Brobbey (Ghana’s Fastest Human Inventor)
Christine Ashley, Vice President – Ghana Chess Federation
Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif, has revealed that the new Black Stars head coach is close to being appointed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The senior national team is currently without a substantive head coach following the resignation of Otto Addo after Black Stars’ early elimination at the 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, where the team exited in the group stage.
Speaking before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, Ussif said the GFA will submit a report by next on the next appointment.
According to him, the Ghana FA is expected to present a final report to his ministry on who they have decided to hand the role.
“The Ghana Football Association is in the process of hiring a new coach and I have personally engaged them and they have indicated that a final report will be submitted to the Ministry possibly this week or next week,” he said.
“I know we have an assignment in March this year and we need to have a new head coach, so he can start preparing for the AFCON qualifiers.
“The country should be assured that the GFA is working to ensure that we get a replacement.”
The Black Stars will be back in action in March when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume with a doubleheader against Angola.
Coach Héctor Cúper has been shortlisted for the vacant Black Stars coaching job. The Black Stars job became vacant after coach Otto Addo resigned on the 2nd of December, 2022.
Héctor Cúper was the head coach of the Leopards of DR Congo from 2021 to 2022. In March, his team missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a 5–2 aggregate playoff loss to Morocco. He was dismissed on 9 June 2022, having lost to Gabon and Sudan in the first 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
According to Accra-based radio station Asempa FM, the Ghana Football Association has shortlisted coaches for the vacant Black Stars job and Héctor Cúper is among those shortlisted.
Héctor Cúper 67, preferred formation is 4-2-3-1, he previously managed the Pharaohs of Egypt from 2015 to 2018, and Uzbekistan from 2018 to 2019.
Héctor Cúper managed 14 games with DR Congo, he won 3, drew 4, and lost 7.
The Ghana Football Association is likely to appoint a new coach by the end of January.
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan says that why did former Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah apologize to him if the decision to strip him of the captaincy was right.
On the eve of the African Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2019, the coach of the Black Stars Kwasi Appiah decided to strip Asamoah Gyan off the captain’s armband.
Instead, coach Kwasi Appiah handed the captain’s armband to Gyan’s deputy Andre Ayew creating a storm even before the tournament began.
The former Sunderland player believes former Black Stars gaffer Kwasi Appiah had the time wrong and habours regrets about that decision but adds that the reasons given him were not coherent.
“Of course, I didn’t agree but if you think you’ve taken the decision why do you call me to apologise? My team met his team at Holiday Inn,” Gyan told Dan Kwaku Yeboah on YouTube.
“They spoke to me and apologised and told me not to be angry. Why do you have to apologise if it’s your decision? If it’s the right decision, why do you call my team and sit down to talk about it? Why? If it’s because of the relationship we had then I understand.”
He added: “He gave me the captain. He flew to Dubai but when he wanted to take the armband back, it wasn’t the right time. He had to give me a tangible reason. Somebody was the captain before me and I don’t have a problem with coach but I felt the timing was wrong. And also the explanation for the reason why he did that wasn’t coherent. That was why I got angry.”
“I told home I was angry and suggested that he leaves me out of the squad so that he could work with a sound mind. He told me I should rethink it because I’m in his plans.”
Asamoah Gyan retired abruptly after the incident and it had to take Presidential persuasion from the head of state Nana Addo for him to rescind his decision in a tournament he was on the periphery.
Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals has not called time on his storied career but has been unattached for close to two years now.
Black Stars management committee member, Alhaji Grusah, has opined that it is not a crime if managers of the Black Stars of which he is a part of benefit from Ghana’s World Cup windfall.
Asked if each member of the committee received an alleged $100,000 appearance fee at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he said even if they received that, they earned it, refusing to categorically confirm or deny the claims.
There has been steam debate about whether management members should take an appearance at major tournaments.
According to Alhaji Grusah, the management members deserve to be paid because they risked their lives in boarding a flight from Ghana to Qatar.
“I want to ask if it’s a crime for us (the management committee) to take that appearance fee of $100,000,” he told Akoma FM.
“I risked my life to be on a flight from Ghana to Qatar. When we were being attacked in Nigeria, where were those people who are now making noise about the money we took?,” he added.
“It’s just some journalists who are only making noise about this, though I agree the money is huge, I think we deserved it,” Alhaji Grusah told Akoma FM in an interview.
He further highlighted the risks they took in joining the team in Qatar.
“A lot could have happened to us, we left our jobs to serve Ghana, if some of us were to stay back, we could have earned more than that from our various jobs, if it’s a crime, Ghanaians should come for their money. We took the money because we deserved it.”
The playing body received a $100,000 appearance fee for the tournament. Ghana exited the World Cup with one victory and two defeats, finishing last in Group H.
According to reports in the local media former Black Stars forward, Bashiru Gambo is dead. What caused his sudden demise is not yet known, he moved to the United States of America after retiring from professional football in 2012.
The 44-year-old played an instrumental role in Ghana’s victory at the FIFA U17 World in 1995 where the Starlets defeated Brazil 3-2 in the final.
Bashiru Gambo started his football career with Ghana Premier League side King Faisal in 1992 before moving to Germany to play for Borussia Dortmund’s youth side. He made 108 appearances and scored 22 goals playing in the Dortmund youth setup. Gambo was promoted to the first team where he made eight appearances.
He featured for SSV Reutlingen, Karlsruher SC, Wydad Casablanca, Stuttgarter Kickers, Erzgebirge Auge, Jahn Regensburg, and VfR Mannheim in his professional career.
Gambo made five appearances and scored one goal for Ghana U17, seven appearances and scored one goal for Ghana U20, and four appearances for Black Stars.
Communication Director of the Ghana Football Association Henry Asante Twum has revealed plan to turn the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram into at least a 3-star Hotel.
According to him, the Ghana FA intends to uplift the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence from the money accrued from the Black Stars participation at the 2022 World Cup.
Speaking to Asempa FM, the FA mouthpiece confirmed Ghana earned an amount of $9.5 million at the group stage of the World Cup.
“We want to turn Prampram into an edifice that can house all our national teams.
The plan now is to turn the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence at Prampram to at least a 3-star Hotel with a 60 to 70 capacity.
We want to raise the standard of the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram so that it can host matches of all our national teams.
At this moment we are in talks with government and lobbying for these projects. The number one priority is to make Prampram at least a 3-star hotel so that it can house all our national teams” he said.
Ghana exited the 2022 World Cup at group stage after suffering a defeat against Uruguay in their last group game.
After beating South Korea, Ghana needed a win or draw to progress to the knockout face but were unable to negotiate for points against the South American giants, hence their early exit.
Henry Asante Twum has said the Ghana Football Association [GFA] are considering building a three-star hotel at the Ghanaman Soccer of Excellence at Prampram where all national teams will camp.
This is expected to be done out of the money earned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking in an interview, Asante Twum, who is the Communications Director of the country’s football governing body said they are in talks with government to use the money to build the edifice to camp the national teams.
According to him, the decision will help the state to cut down spending on where the various national teams camp ahead of the major tournaments.
“Ghana earned $9.5 million at the group stage of the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM.
“We want to turn Prampram into an edifice that can house all our national teams.
“The plan now is to turn the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence at Prampram into at least a 3-star hotel with a 60 to 70 capacity.
“We want to raise the standard of the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram so that it can host matches of all our national teams.
“At this moment we are in talks with government and lobbying for these projects. The number one priority is to make Prampram at least a 3-star hotel so that it can house all our national teams,” he added.
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association, Henry Asante Twum has disclosed no Ghanaian coach has applied for the position of the vacant Black Stars coach job.
The four-time African Champions is currently without a substantive trainer following the resignation of Otto Addo.
The Germany-based trainer resigned as Black Stars coach after suffering early elimination at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
After beating South Korea, Ghana needed a win or draw against Uruguay to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their South American ‘enemies’ in the final group game.
In an interview with Asempa FM monitored by Footballghana.com, Henry Asante Twum revealed no Ghanaian trainer has applied for the national team job.
“I’m never surprised that coaches are constantly applying. Most of them are from European countries and some too from South America. So far no Ghanaian coach has applied for the Black Stars job”
Meanwhile, he has disclosed a new Black Stars coach will be appointed by close of January 2023.
“I think it will be this month. From the conversations going on it is very likely a new head coach of the Black Stars will be appointed this month”
“There will be an ExCo meeting soon and everything will be finalized there” he said.
Abdul Samed Salis, a member of the Black Stars, was in excellent shape at his club. RC Lens was defeated 3 to 1 at home by champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Frankowski’s goal gave the home team the lead after five minutes, and Ekitike’s goal for PSG made it level three minutes later.
To start 2023 with a victory, Lens added two more goals in the 28th and 48th minutes via Openda and Claude-Maurice.
Salis lasted the entire game with impressive statistics that showed, among others, that he completed 46/50 passes, won 100% of his tackles with a chance created, and 11 recoveries.
“In his last two games since the World Cup, Salis Abdul Samed has not dropped below 92% passing accuracy,” journalist Gary Al-Smith noted.
Salis was part of Ghana’s team that played at the 2022 World Cup inQatar.
In memory of the late Brazilian legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, we provide a throwback to former Black Stars player Abedi Pele meeting Pele.
Abedi Pele was given the nickname “Pelé” due to his ability in football, which evoked comparisons to the Brazilian legend Pele.
Abedi began his career in Europe with French side Chamois Niort, subsequently joining Marseille before transferring to Lille on loan.
At club level, he was a key figure in Marseille’s dominance of the French league, resulting in four league championships and two European Cup finals appearances.
He won the France Football African Player of the Year Award three consecutive years, was the inaugural winner of the BBC African Sports Star of the Year in 1992, and the corresponding Confederation of African Football award twice.
Abedi made 73 appearances for the Black Stars of Ghana and scored 19 goals.
The ‘real Pele’
With 643 goals in 659 appearances for Santos, Pele is the club’s all-time leading scorer. He led Santos to the Copa Libertadores in 1962 and 1963, as well as the Intercontinental Cup in 1962 and 1963.
Pelé’s debut international encounter was a 2-1 loss to Argentina on July 7, 1957, at the Maracana. He scored his first goal for Brazil in the game when he was 16 years and nine months old.
The 18th of July, 1971, saw Pelé play in his final international game in Rio de Janeiro against Yugoslavia.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as World Pelé on the local scene visited Ghana on May 8, 1971.
Following his return from the 2022 World Cup, Black Stars assistant coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani maintained his technical support program for his old schools and clubs in the Tamale municipality.
This time, the Ghana assistant manager showered his team with sporting goods for the clubs and schools he worked with.
The former Asante Kotoko coach has made it a yearly program of offering technical assistance to the schools and clubs in Tamale during the holiday periods.
He, however, moved a notch higher with his support by offering some footballs, jerseys, bibs and cash to facilitate the growth and progress of sports in the schools and to help the clubs facilitate their training programs.
Beneficiary schools included Tamale Business SHS and Tamale Training College receiving bibs, footballs, markers and jerseys.
He also donated technical wears for the RTU Technical Team and gave the club a set of bibs, footballs and markers. The old players of RTU, who were former team mates of Didi Dramani also had their share of his benevolence, receiving 2 sets of bibs, footballs and cash.
Pearlpia Ladies, Hearts Babies and Savannah Ladies were also given footballs, jerseys, bibs and markers to help their training programs.
Despite these donations, Didi also donated 18 markers for the 18 women’s clubs in the region as well as sanitary pads.
The former Asante Kotoko coach has always shared technical knowledge to communities in and around Tamale and this year’s is just an upgrade.
Dramani is the assistant coach of the Black Stars and assisted Otto ADDO to qualify the team for the 2022 World Cup where Ghana’s performance has given hope for the future.
Black Stars winger, Kamaldeen Sulemana has admitted that it has been frustrating with the injury setbacks in the ongoing season.
The 22-year-old attacker has struggled to make an impact due to his recurring injuries in the French Ligue 1.
The scintillating attacker was part of the Black Stars squad for the World Cup but played a peripheral role.
His performance last season in the French Ligue 1 attracted attention with this season promising to be greater, but he’s yet to deliver due to injuries.
The former FC Nordsjaelland attacker speaking in an interview said that he’s frustrated with his constant visit to the treatment room this season.
“I have been getting injuries and it’s frustrating,” he told TV3.
“I get frustrated a lot because when you are back on the track and all of a sudden you go back at the side again,” he added.
Kamaldeen Sulemana has made a total appearance of 14 and has scored three times in the ongoing season.
Black Princesses skipper Evelyn Badu has disclosed that his absence affected the performance of her teammates at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Badu was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury, having been initially ruled out of the Black Princesses’ first match against the United States.
Ghana failed to reach the knock-out stages for the sixth consecutive time.
“My absence did affect the tactical prowess of my team-mates,” Badu told BBC Sport Africa.
“I don’t want to compare the women’s game to the Black Stars but we all know how we are treated. Women’s football needs to be polished, tactically and technically.
“We were in camp for four months preparing for qualifiers but we couldn’t play even one international friendly match. We were playing against local teams like Faith Ladies, Army Ladies, and sometimes with boys’ academy sides.”
Badu was instrumental for Hasaacas Ladies as they reached the final of the inaugural Women’s African Champions League last year.
Sports Minster Mustapha Ussif has disclosed that Black Stars players did not receive any winning bonuses despite beating South Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Ghana secured a 3-2 win over the Asian country after taking a 2-0 lead and pegged back at the start of the second half.
The West African country finished bottom of Group H with three points after losing to Portugal and Uruguay, having beaten South Korea in between.
“Mr Speaker, the reason for the surplus of over $3m, after our exit at the group stage, is as a result of the Ministry’s prudent management of resources, as well as the Ministry’s decision to negotiate a qualification bonus to the next round, instead of paying winning bonus per match,” he said at the Floor of Parliament.
“What this means is that inspite of the Black Stars defeating South Korea 3:2 in our second group match, we did not pay winning bonuses for that win. However, we would have paid a qualification bonus to the team had they been able to progress from the group to the next stage of the World Cup, regardless of the results of our group matches.
“Mr Speaker, this measure we have adopted is aimed at motivating the team to go all out and progress from one stage of competitions to the other, and also ensure prudent management of resources.
“Even though we would have been very happy for the Black Stars to progress for us to pay the qualification bonus, this measure has also saved the nation some money, which will go back to our continuous sports development,” he stated.
Ghana’s Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has revealed that his outfit spent $5, 071, 840.36 out of the $8,166,200.00 budgeted for the 2022 World Cup.
The Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori in his address to Parliament on Wednesday, revealed how much was spent at the tournament by the Black Stars.
Ghana exited the group stage after losing two games against Portugal and Uruguay.
“Mr Speaker, you may recall that prior to Ghana’s participation in the World Cup in Qatar, I informed the House that our estimated budget for the group stage of the World Cup was $8,166,200.00″, Mustapha Ussif said on the floor of Parliament.
He explained that, the expenditure “covered appearance fees, per diems, flight arrangements, medicals, equipment, logistics and hospitality.
“Out of this estimated budget, our total expenditure for our group stage participation amounted to $5, 071, 840.36. This expenditure covered appearance fees, per diems, flight arrangements, medicals, equipment, logistics and hospitality.
“Mr Speaker, the reason for the surplus of over $3m Dollars, after our exit at the group stage, is as a result of the Ministry’s prudent management of resources, as well as the Ministry’s decision to negotiate a qualification bonus to the next round, instead of paying winning bonus per match.
“What this means is that, inspite of the Black Stars defeating South Korea 3:2 in our second group match, we did not pay winning bonuses for that win. However, we would have paid qualification bonus to the team had they been able to progress from the group to the next stage of the World Cup, regardless of the results of our group matches.
Mr. Speaker, this measure we have adopted is aimed at motivating the team to go all out and progress from one stage of competitions to the other, and also ensure prudent management of resources.
“Eventhough we would have been very happy for the Black Stars to progress for us to pay the qualification bonus, this measure has also saved the nation some money, which will go back to our continuous sports development”, he added.
Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, has disclosed that his department spent $5 million of the $8.16 million allotted for Ghana’s participation in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He explained that, the expenditure covered appearance fees, per diems, flight arrangements, medicals, equipment, logistics and hospitality.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the minister said “out of estimated budget of ($8,166,200.00 for the tournament,) our total expenditure for our group stage participation amounted to $5, 071, 840.36.”
He however noted that “the reason for the surplus of over $3m, after our exit at the group stage, is as a result of the Ministry’s prudent management of resources, as well as the Ministry’s decision to negotiate a qualification bonus to the next round, instead of paying winning bonus per match.”
“What this means is that, in spite of the Black Stars defeating South Korea 3:2 in our second group match, we did not pay winning bonuses for that win. However, we would have paid qualification bonus to the team had they been able to progress from the group to the next stage of the World Cup, regardless of the results of our group matches.
“Mr Speaker, this measure we have adopted is aimed at motivating the team to go all out and progress from one stage of competitions to the other, and also ensure prudent management of resources.
“Even though we would have been very happy for the Black Stars to progress for us to pay the qualification bonus, this measure has also saved the nation some money, which will go back to our continuous sports development,” he added.
On December 2, 2022, Ghana was eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Uruguay 2-0 in their final group match.
Following the Black Stars’ underwhelming showing in the 2022 World Cup, former Ghana international Kim Grant has pushed for a change in the team’s technical approach.
After losing to Uruguay 2-0 in the opening round of the competition, the Black Stars were out.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
“Black Stars need new technical direction, there should be a complete overhaul. There should a 5-10 years plan for development both local and international. Infrastructure, scouting, and sports science should be looked at, video also need to be looked at and how far we will go with everything.
I think we can do a lot much better as you saw for Morocco, Senegal and Cameroon because there is a lot development going on and for that matter there should a strategic plan for the Ghana football for ten years”
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have been ranked the 24th best team at the just ended 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar which was won by Lionel Messi inspired Argentina on Sunday.
The four-time African champions failed to progress past the group stage after recording two defeats and a win.
Otto Addo’s men lost 3-2 to Portugal, bounced back to beat South Korea 3-2 and lost 2-0 to Uruguay in an entertaining World Cup exit.
Despite failing to go past the group stage, the African giants placed 24 in the index rankings after the tournament saw Argentina beating France in a nerve-racking final to clinch their third World Cup title.
The Black Stars is currently without a coach following the exit of Otto Addo, who stepped down after early exit at the biggest soccer mundial in the Asian country.
Former Ghanaian defender Dan Quaye thinks that the Black Stars‘ lack of discipline and haughtiness is hurting them.
Following a 2-0 loss against Uruguay, the Black Stars fell out of the tournament after the first round.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
“Current players of the national team are indiscipline and arrogant and I think that is affecting the Black Stars. It has become even difficult to correct them from their mistakes. Ghana football has been destroyed” he told Koforidua-based Bryt FM in an interview.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have been ranked the 24th best team at the just ended 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar which was won by Lionel Messi inspired Argentina on Sunday.
The four-time African champions failed to progress past the group stage after recording two defeats and a win.
Otto Addo’s men lost 3-2 to Portugal, bounced back to beat South Korea 3-2 and lost 2-0 to Uruguay in an entertaining World Cup exit.
Despite failing to go past the group stage, the African giants placed 24 in the index rankings after the tournament saw Argentina beating France in a nerve-racking final to clinch their third World Cup title.
The Black Stars is currently without a coach following the exit of Otto Addo, who stepped down after early exit at the biggest soccer mundial in the Asian country.
Ghana exited the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the Group stage after defeats to Portugal and Uruguay and a win against Korea.
But since the team’s exit rumours have been rife in the local media that members of the Black Stars Management Committee were paid some amounts of money as appearance fees something which the EXCO member has vehemently denied.
“Let me add this, no member of the management committee of the Black Stars took a dime, not even a pesewa as an appearance fee. The Ministry of Sports prior to the tournament said this time no appearance fee,” Oduro Sarfo said in an interview with Kessben FM.
He added that the GFA is not looking to gag the press and general public with their letter as he says they are not against Criticisms but eschew half-truths and lies.
“We are not saying people should not speak because they are Ghanaians, we are also Ghanaians. Are we (GFA people) Togolese? If something is going wrong with lies, we have to protect it as FA.
“People have been doing this for a long time and it is getting too much. It is deliberate for some others. What have we done? Speak but say the truth,” the GFA exco members said.
Dragan Stojkovi has made the short list for the open position coaching the Black Stars. Coach Otto Addo’s resignation on December 2nd left the Black Stars position open.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Serbia’s national football team was coached by Dragan Stojkovi.
Serbia was drawn into Group G with Brazil, Cameroon, and Switzerland. On November 24 in the opening game of group play, Serbia lost to Brazil 2-0 with Richarilson scoring two goals.
On November 28, Serbia faced Cameroon in the second game of group play and it ended 3-3. Switzerland defeated Serbia 3-2 on 2nd December in their last group game. Serbia finished 4th in Group G and was eliminated.
Dragan Stojković 57, preferred formation is 5-3-2, he previously managed Japanese side Nagoya Grampus from 2008 to 2013, and Chinese club Guangzhou R&F from 2015 to 2020.
Dragan Stojković managed 24 games with Serbia, he won 14, drew 5, and lost 5 a win percentage of 58.33
The Black Stars’ coaching role became vacant following the resignation of coach Otto Addo after Ghana’s group-stage elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“Me & my family are happy in Germany. I said I would step down after the World Cup even if we’re world champions after the tournament.”
“I’ve resigned from my role as Ghana coach,” Otto Addo told the press in his post-match after Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay while announcing his exit.
Many names have been thrown out in the air, but according to Angel TV, the GFA will name someone in Otto Addo‘s technical team as the substantive coach of the Black Stars.
The report said that GFA is now considering its options but will most likely choose between George Boateng and former Brighton and Hove Albion coach, Chris Hughton.
Otto Addo supervised 12 games as the head coach of the Black Stars since he was appointed as the interim manager to lead the team for the FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in March 2022.
He won three out of the 12 games, lost five, and drew the remaining four matches, which include the doubleheader against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Despite leading the Black Stars for less than a year, Otto Addo will also go down in history as the first Ghanaian to have featured in the FIFA World Cup as a coach and a player.
The Black Stars is currently without a substantive coach following the exit of Germany-based gaffer Otto Addo after Ghana’s early exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Otto Addo announced his departure from the Black Stars after defeat to Uruguay, which derailed the four-time African champions chances of progressing to the knockout phase of the biggest soccer mundial.
Footballghana.com understands that six top coaches are up for the vacant Black Stars job with George Boateng and Chris Hughton who served under Otto Addo being included.
The duo faces a stiff competition from World-class coaches like Thomas Tuchel and Paulo Bento.
Both Thomas Tuchel and Paulo Bento are without a job following their exit from Chelsea and South Korea respectively.
The German trainer was shown the exit door at Chelsea over an unimpressive performance whiles the Portuguese coach stepped down after South Korea were booted out of the World Cup in Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Belgium coach Tom Saintfiet is among the six coaches shortlisted for the Black Stars job.
The 49-year-old is currently the manager of the Gambia national team. He qualified the country for their first Africa Cup of Nation qualification in 2021, leading them to a quarter-final finish.
Serbian trainer Dragan Stojković is also a key contender for the Black Stars coaching job.
The 57-year-old is currently the head coach of the Serbian national team and will hope to land the Black Stars job.
He led the Serbian team to the 2022 World Cup but were unable to booted out of the tournament along the line.
The Ghana FA is expected to name a new coach for the national team, knowing very well that there is an AFCON qualifier games set for March 2023.
The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
Ghana made a strong start to the game, but fell apart after captain Andre Ayew missed a penalty in the 21st minute, a repeat of what happened in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Prince Tagoe, a former forward for Ghana, maintains that Daniel Afriyie Barnieh shouldn’t rush into leaving Hearts of Oak for another team.
The most well-known player on the domestic scene is the former Rahimo forward, who has played for Ghana’s Under-20 team, Black Meteors, Black Galaxies, and the Black Stars.
The 21-year-old Ghana international whose current contract expire on December 17 is being chased by a host of clubs abroad.
Barnieh is struggling to agree a new contract at the club as he nears the expiration of his contract at Hearts of Oak.
The World Cup star has been discussing his future with the Ghanaian giants for the past one year but there is yet to be a major breakthrough in the negotiations.
At the moment, it is said talks have reached a stalemate and it is likely the forward will leave the Phobians when his contract expires on December 17.
Citing himself as an example having rejected an offer from Paris Saint Germain in 2016, the former Ghana striker entreated Barnieh not to rush to leave Hearts of Oak.
“I rejected an offer from PSG in 2006 to complete a season at Hearts of Oak and I was the top-scorer,” Prince Tagoe told Accra based Angel FM.
“I moved to Saudi Arabia for €2m the following year and had good offers from Europe. Afriyie Barnieh shouldn’t rush to leave Hearts of Oak.”
Abdul Razak, a veteran in Ghanaian football, has voiced his unhappiness at repeatedly being passed up for the Black Stars coaching position.
When he applies for the open position, the legendary Asante Kotoko player who believes he is qualified to manage the team has frequently been rejected.
“I have applied for the Black Stars job for three times with my CV. I’m a proud Ghanaian and not a foreigner. They’ve snubbed me all three times for reasons best known to them”
“I remember before the second coming of coach Kwesi Appiah, they asked interested coaches in the vacant Black Stars job to submit their CV’s which I did. After I applied, a journalist called me and told me on phone that he has seen my application but it’s unfortunate I won’t get the job. That was when realization hit me that it’s true I won’t get the job”
“I have achieved a lot both as a player and a coach. Football is all about winning trophies and it’s sad if a coach doesn’t win trophies”
Meanwhile, Abdul Razak believes the Black Stars could have won the Africa Cup of Nations that has eluded the country for many years if he had been in charge of the national team
.
The Black Stars have come close to ending the trophy drought in the last decade, 2010 Angola losing to Egypt in the finals and in 2015 Equatorial Guinea- Gabon as the Stars lost to Ivory Coast on penalty shootout.
“What do we want to win? Cup of Nations, we would have won it if I were to be the coach of the Black Stars. Even if I will not give me the coaching job, let me be there in spirit with them and I believe wherever we want to go, we can”
“I cannot force them to give me the Black Stars job. I have not been given any job to do not to even serve on the management. I think my presence can push the boys”
Abdul Razak won the AFCON with the Black Stars in 1978 and was named the African Best Player of the year later in that year.
The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
Ghana made a strong start to the game, but fell apart after captain Andre Ayew missed a penalty in the 21st minute, a repeat of what happened in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The Black Stars is currently without a coach after the exit of Otto Addo
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has instructed its lawyers to institute legal action against persons who defame the Association, its officials, products and destroy the Black Stars brand as well as the media platforms used to do same.
According to the Association in a press release, the legal forum will provide the opportunity for such persons to bring any evidence to substantiate their allegations.
The GFA noted that its action stems from some individuals deliberately maligning and defaming the GFA and the Black Starsbrand in an attempt to manufacture a non-existent scandal about the team.
This erupted following the exit of the senior national team, the Black Stars from the on-going FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022.
After the Stars’ exit, the GFA apologised to the general public and all stakeholders and also indicated that we will continue with the positive lessons going into the future.
The Association noted that it “has since kept an open mind and continue to listen and receive comments, suggestions, and ideas from well-meaning Ghanaians both home and abroad for the improvement of the team.”
On the way forward, GFA says it will continue to encourage opinions and comments being expressed aimed at improving the team and the brand.
The market valuations of each Ghanaian player since the start of the season were examined by Homegrown Investments, an online financial counselor, to determine which player’s transfer value has climbed the highest since July 2022.
Salis Abdul Samed, who plays for the RC Lens has seen his market value increase by 105 million Ghana Cedis since July 2022 and is the Ghanaian player that has had the biggest increase in market value since then.
His current market value is now 150 million Ghana Cedis following his impressive performances in the French top division which earned him a place in Ghana’s squad for the World Cup.
In second place are the Ajax star player Mohammed Kudus and the Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey who have both seen their market value increase by 75 million Ghana Cedis.
Kudus was the one to watch in the Ghana team ahead of the World Cup after a blistering start to the 2022-23 season for Ajax in the Eredivisie and in the UEFA Champions League.
Top 5 value increases of team Ghana players since July 2022
Otto Addo stated that he feels honoured to have fulfilled his dream of coaching Ghana at the World Cup, in addition to playing for the Black Stars at the global tournament.
The former Ghana international was a member of the Ghana squad for their first tournament in Germany and made an appearance. Sixteen years later, he was in the dugout giving instructions to players as Ghana won one of three games in Qatar.
“16 years apart but the feeling is the same. It was always an honour and a blessing to represent the culture, hard work and the passion of our nation at the world stage. Let’s use the power of football and our love for the game to build and grow together. Ghana Osey!!!!” Addo wrote on Instagram.
Former Black Stars coach Otto Addo has expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to represent Ghana on the world stage as a player and as a coach.
Otto Addo started for Ghana as right midfielder in the 2006 FIFA World Cup game against the Czech Republic on 17 June 2006 at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, which Ghana won 2–0. In 2006 he played in Ghana’s 2–1 win over the United States at the Frankenstadion in Nuremberg.
After retiring he was appointed as a head scout of the Ghana national football team prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghana Football Association announced on 9 February 2022 that Otto Addo has been named temporary coach of the Black Stars ahead of the team’s 2022 FIFA World Cup final play-off matches against Nigeria.
After drawing 1-1 with Nigeria’s Super Eagles on March 29, 2022 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, he qualified Ghana (on away goals) for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. On March 25, the Black Stars of Ghana drew 0-0 with the Super Eagles at the Baba Yara Stadium.
His tenure was extended after guiding Ghana past the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ghana won one game against South Korea and lost two against Portugal and Uruguay. After the Uruguay game, Otto Addo announced his departure.
Former Ghanaian international Shilla Illiasu believes that if a top coach is in charge of the team, the current Black Stars group will be a force to be reckoned with.
He has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select a quality coach to lead the national team in order to achieve this.
“So, the Ghana Football Association has to make sure this time we are contracting a top coach for the Black Stars,” Shilla Illiasu said.
According to him, the Ghana squad which is dominated by talented young players has a bright future and will do the country proud.
“I think first of all Ghana we are fortunate to have one of the youngest squads as afar as Qatar 2022 is concerned. What it means is that as far as the future is concerned, we are up there,” Shilla Illiasu told Class Sports.
The former defender added, “What we need is – I made it clear from the onset, we need someone to be a coach, not a part-time coach, someone to guide them [the players] for the next 3 to 4 years, give him the project, give him the time, give him the plan, let him understand the task at hand, that’s what we need.
“Because you look at the calibre of our players, right now they need somebody to guide them.
Many Ghanaian women have expressed interest in getting married to the Ajax star and are gushing about Mohammed Kudus.
The Ajax midfielder contributed to three goals throughout the World Cup in Qatar tournament, helping the Black Stars advance out of the group stage by scoring two goals and setting up one.
The 23-year-old made a huge impact in his first major tournament for the Ghana national team, and also send signals to top European clubs with his performances ahead of the January transfer window.
Kudus has gotten the attention of the ladies being the star player for the Ghana national team at the tournament.
Just like Junior Agogo during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Ghana, Kudus is the most sought after gentleman in the country.
Kudus images and videos has gone viral mainly because of marriage proposal from some Ghanaian ladies on social media.
One lady on her post shared a wedding invitation which had Mohammed Kudus as the groom to be.
Very hilarious but the former Nordsjaelland midfielder is the hottest and most wanted boy in the country.
Salis Abdul Samed wants the Black Stars‘ new coach to stick with the present lineup despite the team’s World Cup group stage elimination.
After falling to Uruguay 2-0 on Friday, the four-time African champions were eliminated from the competition.
Ghana finished bottom of Group H with three points after losing to Portugal and Uruguay, having beaten South Korea in between.
“It was a good experience for us. We learnt many things from it [World Cup].”
“We don’t know one another much but if we continue to keep this group we will get better,” Samed told Daily Graphic.
“We need to work together and be more compact when we’re defending and help each other as we did against Portugal – the first half they got zero chance, but scored in the second half through counter-attacks when we had more spaces between us.”
Otto Addo will leave his post as Ghana coach at the end of December 2022.
