A delegation from FC Samartex, the Ghana Premier League champions, visited President Nana Akufo-Addo to seek his blessings before starting their CAF Champions League campaign. The visit took place at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the President pledged to provide financial support to the club as they prepare for their first continental competition. The delegation included Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, CEO Richard Nsenkyire, Business Development Manager Paul Anyaba, and other officials.
FC Samartex earned their place in the CAF Champions League by winning the Ghana Premier League, where they triumphed over Accra Lions. “Our aim is to seek your blessing by showing you the cup. Over the years, we've noticed that teams heading to Africa often lack financial backing,” Nsenkyire explained during the visit.
The team will play against Victoria United from Cameroon in the first round of the preliminary stage. With hopes of matching Medeama SC’s success from last season, Samartex aims to advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Prosper Harrison Addo, the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has called on all football stakeholders in Ghana to take full responsibility for the state of the game. He emphasized that for football to be played fairly, everyone involved must treat matches as if they are their own.
Harrison Addo criticized the inconsistency he often sees, noting that while people may make strong statements during radio interviews, they often fail to provide coherent explanations when they appear before the GFA's Disciplinary Committee.
“At committee sittings, I've seen players who come and cry, forgetting what they said on radio,” he remarked at the 2024 Afro Sport Summit. “People say all sorts of things on radio and seem mature about it, but when questioned by the committee, they start crying.”
He also addressed claims from self-proclaimed soothsayers about predicting match scores, saying, “I don't doubt them; I don't worry about them.”
Addo stressed that ensuring fair play in football is a collective responsibility, including that of supporters. “The burden is on all of us,” he said, adding, “Sometimes it's funny to hear club officials criticize the GFA; you are the GFA.”
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana's premier football clubs, has announced the immediate start of a major redevelopment project at their Adako Jachie training ground. Funded by the club's life-patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the project aims to modernize the facility comprehensively.
The Porcupine Warriors made the announcement on social media on Thursday, July 25. The upgraded facility will feature seven pitches, including one designed to resemble a mini stadium, as well as hostels for players.
Historically, Asante Kotoko has faced criticism from rival fans for lacking the necessary facilities expected of a top-tier club. There were even reports that players had to use the bush as a restroom. However, the club’s recent statement indicates these issues will soon be addressed.
"THE KING'S PROJECT," the statement began. "We are delighted to announce the commencement of the transformation of Adako Jachie into a state-of-the-art training facility. This ambitious project, fully funded by His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be executed in multiple phases. Today marks the beginning of Phase One."
The club also assured fans of ongoing updates, adding, "Stay tuned for updates as we progress in building a world-class training hub. Fabulous!"
German Bundesliga side Augsburg defender Patric Pfeiffer has shared the reasons behind his decision to switch nationalities from Germany to Ghana.
Although Pfeiffer's switch was announced two years ago, the process faced delays due to passport complications. Now 24 years old, Pfeiffer, who previously represented Germany at youth levels, has finalized his transition to play for Ghana's Black Stars.
In an interview with IDiski Times, Pfeiffer expressed his deep connection to Ghana, saying, “Ghana is my motherland. I love the vibes and the food. I was born and raised in Germany but I love Ghana.”
Pfeiffer’s move to the Ghanaian national team is anticipated to bolster their defense. His genuine affection for Ghana and its culture makes him a valuable addition.
Hearts of Oak have parted ways with three highly-rated goalkeepers; Richard Attah, Richmond Ayi and Eric Ofori Antwi ahead of the upcoming season, says head coach Aboubakar Ouattara.
Ghanaian international Inaki Williams was on target to propel Athletic Bilbao to a 1-2 preseason away win at lower-division side Racing de Santander last Wednesday at the Estadio El Sardinero.
