The FA Cup champions have confirmed they have released the former Hearts of Oak star after he failed to impress since joining them two seasons ago.
FA Cup title holders Nsoatreman FC have mutually terminated the contract of their goalkeeper Dennis Votere.
Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has hailed Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario de Lima as the greatest football player of all time.
Gyan, who admired the former Barcelona and Real Madrid star during his youth, modeled his playing style after Ronaldo, now 47. The debate over the greatest footballer has long been a topic of discussion, initially revolving around Pele and Maradona, and more recently including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi due to their outstanding achievements in the 2010s.
Despite the ongoing debate, Gyan believes Ronaldo stands out. The Brazilian remains the youngest player to have won the FIFA World Best Player award, first securing it in 1996 at the age of 20. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year award two more times and claimed the FIFA World Cup twice with Brazil.
"Brazilian Ronaldo is the one from whom I drew a lot of inspiration. To me, he is the greatest player of all time,” Gyan told YFM. “He was a centre-forward who could do everything. I grew up and acquired skills similar to his. A centre-forward might have certain qualities and lack others, but I see myself as a complete striker who never lacked anything. I thank God for that," he added.
Gyan is currently Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals and is the country’s second most-capped player, trailing only Andre Ayew.
Black Stars first-choice goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi is still being considered by German Bundesliga side VfL Bochum who are willing to secure his service before the just-opened transfer window closes, as reported by your most trusted sports hub Kickgh.com earlier this month.
Nsoatreman FC head coach Maxwell Konadu has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the club’s stakeholders for their support during the successful 2023/24 season.
The Nsoatre-based club concluded the season on a high note by winning the 2023/24 MTN FA Cup at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. They triumphed over Bofoakwa Tano 5-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Additionally, Nsoatreman FC finished fifth on the Ghana Premier League table, amassing 50 points from 34 games, just 11 points behind the champions, FC Samartex.
In his end-of-season message to the club's fans, Konadu expressed his appreciation for their unwavering support throughout the season.
Read his full message below:
“I unequivocally extend my warmest appreciation to my benevolent Club Board, The omnipresent and industrious management, my technical team members, whom I call my eyes, the ever passionate supporters, and my precious players, whose dedication and hard work are just absolutely parallel to none. You all contributed in creating an environment
“I always call a home, and hence the success chalked this season with a TOP 5 FINISH and being winners of MTN FA Cup 24'.
“And to the able Ghanaian media, your analysis and criticisms were always a bedrock I will forever cherish.
“Thereby say Ayekoo!!! to you all with much love and appreciation.
“See you next season!”
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has highlighted the team as a prime example of how people from diverse cultures and backgrounds can come together in unity. Ghana has a long history of incorporating players from various backgrounds into its national team, dating back to the 1990s. Notable examples include Anthony Baffoe, Otto Addo himself, and more recently, Alexander Djiku, Inaki Williams, and Tariq Lamptey.
These players, born in different countries, have naturalized to play for the Black Stars at the international level. Many have become key contributors to the team, seamlessly integrating with players who were born in Ghana.
Emphasizing the importance of quick adaptation for these players, Coach Otto Addo urged them to embrace the Ghanaian culture to facilitate their integration. “It’s crucial that newcomers embrace Ghanaian culture,” Addo told 3Sports. “Our team exemplifies how people from diverse backgrounds can unite as one, transcending religious and tribal differences.”
Through this blend of talents from various origins, the Black Stars continue to demonstrate the power of diversity and unity in sports.
