Former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad believes it is time for the club to recruit top-tier players. Following a disappointing season, the club has parted ways with 21 players, some due to underperformance, while others, including senior players, did not renew their contracts.
Danlad, who previously captained the team, emphasized the need for quality signings. "When I joined Asante Kotoko, I met Stephen Oduro at the club. I will implore the recruitment team of Asante Kotoko to sign the best players in the league," he told Kumasi-based Pure FM.
He further highlighted the importance of blending experience with youth to strengthen the team. "I mean the established and experienced players to blend with the young ones to help the club," he added.
Asante Kotoko is actively negotiating to sign new players for the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season. They are also gearing up for the inaugural edition of the Democracy Cup against their rivals, Hearts of Oak, on July 17 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad has clarified that there is no animosity between him and the team's head coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum. Danlad recently ended his more than seven-year tenure with the club after his contract expired.
Rumors had circulated last season suggesting a rift between Danlad, who served as the team's captain, and Coach Ogum. However, Danlad has firmly dismissed these reports. In an interview with Kumasi-based Pure FM, he emphasized his positive relationship with the former WAFA boss.
"I have no issues with Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum," Danlad stated. "It was the same coach who chose me to lead Asante Kotoko as a captain. He has helped me a lot," he added, underscoring the support he received from Ogum.
Asante Kotoko, after finishing 6th in the league with 49 points, has decided to part ways with 21 players, marking a significant shift in the team's roster.
FC Samartex's General Manager, Edmund Ackah, has confirmed that the club began their preseason training on Monday, July 1, 2024, in preparation for the upcoming 2024/25 CAF Champions League.
This preseason kickoff comes after their historic win in the Ghana Premier League, where they secured their first title in just their second season in the top flight. This victory earned them the honor of representing Ghana in the prestigious CAF Champions League.
At the Ghana Football Awards, Ackah stressed the importance of their preparations given the upcoming fixture on August 16th in the Champions League. "We are resuming preseason on the first of July, Monday. We are starting because the next game is on the 16th of August in the Champions League. So, we cannot wait," he said.
Ackah also highlighted the need for an extensive preseason to ensure the team is fully prepared for their first match. "We need a minimum of six weeks, a maximum of eight weeks to prepare for the first leg. And for that matter, the preseason. So, we are camping in the Eastern Region, training at the favorite Safari Valley. It’s where we have been camping for the past three seasons for our preseason," he explained.
The draw for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary stage is yet to be conducted, leaving Samartex waiting to learn which team they will face.
Board Member of Hearts of Oak, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe said he is bent on exposing corruption which has been swept under the carpet within the Ghana Premier League.
Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus is celebrating after being awarded the Goal of the Year at the Ghana Football Awards on Saturday. The West Ham United attacking midfielder received the accolade for his spectacular solo goal against Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League, triumphing over competition from Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Aziz Issah, and Salim Adams.
At the awards ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Center, Kudus took the opportunity to express his gratitude to those who supported him throughout the season. “First of all, I would like to thank each and every one of you that put in the effort to make sure that this amazing event happened today,” the 23-year-old said.
Kudus also acknowledged the efforts of his fellow nominees and emphasized that the award was a reflection of hard work and dedication. “I'm happy to be awarded the Goal of the Year, but congrats to all the nominees because I think everyone put in their effort. And this is a testament of hard work and dedication,” he stated.
He concluded by extending his thanks to his teammates, the team around him, and his family for their unwavering support. “Big congrats to all my teammates for the support and all the team around me and my family,” Kudus added.
The Black Queens of Ghana will begin their training camp in Accra on Tuesday, July 2, in preparation for an international friendly against Japan. As previously reported by Footballghana in June, this match is part of the team’s build-up for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.
According to a statement from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over the weekend, Coach Nora Häuptle has named a squad of 33 players for the Japan encounter. “Black Queens Coach, Nora Häuptle has invited 33 players to camp in Accra in readiness for the forthcoming international friendly against Japan,” the GFA statement announced.
The squad features notable players including Princess Marfo from Bay FC, Luton FC defender Bridget Adu, and Mukarama Abdulai, the former FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot winner. Other players called up are Wasila Diwura Soale, Nina Norshie, Mavis Owusu, Adama Alhassan, and Victoria Osei.
All invited players are expected to report to camp in Accra on Tuesday, July 2. The highly-anticipated friendly match between Japan and Ghana is scheduled to take place at the Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, July 13.
