One of Ghana's rising Tennis stars,Naa Anyema Mckorley pulled out of the 2020 McDan Foundation Training Matches due to the international examinations.

The Jj Links Educational Consultant student, Naa Anyema Mckorley wrote her International General Certificate of Secondary Education ( IGCSE)

The 17 year old says she will be available for the Beebies Open Championship scheduled for November 2020 and other local tournaments.

Naa Anyema Mckorley said "it was a difficult decision to withdraw from this tournament especially with my Father (Dr. Daniel Mckorley) being the main organizer but I look forward to play Beebies Open next month."

She has improved tremendously and attracted a lot of fans and admirers as the next top female star of Ghana Tennis.

She has also inspired her junior sisters to love Tennis. One of them, Naa Shika was at the finals of the Training Matches

By Saammy Heywood Okine

Madam Elizabeth King, chairperson of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Women’s Commission (WCS) has applauded the McDan Foundation for organizing the Tennis Training Matches to keep the players in shape and assisting young sports stars.

She said sports can not move on without support from sponsors and congratulated all the companies who backed the McDan Foundation ro put up the successful two weeks event which attracted most of the top players and rising stars in the country.

Madam King who is also the vice president of the Ghana Hockey Association and executive of the continental body that over sees Hockey in Africa was however not happy with the involvement and participation of women.

She appealed to young girls and ladies to get involved in sports, either on part time, amateur or professional.

According to Madam Lizzy King it is not good for girls and women to sit idle at home, but join sports / keep fit clubs and socialize.

She expressed that the Covid-19 really affected the programmes of the Women’s Commission (WCS), but hope to catchup with the times and reorganize to be abreast with current issues on the local and international front.

She also appealed to Ghanaians to support the hosting of the African Games in Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi in 2023.

“The nation is behind in terms of preparation and planning, but we have to support to make it a reality, it’s a big task though” she said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Center Court of the Accra Sports Stadium Tennis Center will be the action spot on Saturday October 31 for the finals of the Junior’s category of the McDan Foundation Tennis Training Matches.

The first game starts at 9am prompt and continues in the day for the young players to have fun. There are fantastic prizes for the winners. Below are the pairings-

Boy's 12 Singles                                                                                

Donatus Nyantakyi, St Francis Vrs Godfred Ofori, St Francis FB

Boy's 14 Singles

Aaron Armagh, Stadium Club Vrs Joseph Koku Doe-Adjani, Aztec FB

Girl's 16 Singles

Tracy Ampah, Goldfields Tennis Club Tarkwa Vrs Naa Shika McKorley, Private

Boy's 16 Singles

Lameck Bagerbaseh, Winneba Vrs Abubakar Yakubu-Lea, Atomic Tennis Club

Court One

Girl's 12 Singles

Angel Bagerbaseh, Winneba Vrs Lisel Amoah, Goldfields Tennis Club Tarawa FB Girl's 14 Singles

Doris Advocates, St Francis Vrs Alice Acheampong, Shishijee Shade

The Training Matches is spmsored by McDan Foundation and other companies.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Black Stars Head Coach C.K Akonnor has named a 23-man squad for next month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan.

Ghana will host Sudan at the Cape Coast stadium on Thursday, November 12, before travelling to Khartoum to face the Falcons five days later in the reverse fixture.

Chelsea left back Baba Abdul Rahman, FC Metz defender John Boye and China based, Mubarak Wakaso have been called up. Also making a return to the team are, Colombus Crew right back Afful Harrison and Crystal Palace winger Jefferey Schlupp.

Coach C.K Akonnor has also handed a debut call up to German born, 19-year-old winger, Jamie Leweling. Leweling, who plays for German side Greuther Furth is one of the exciting young players who has emerged in German football.

Ghana top Group C with 6 points following victories against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in November 2019.

Squad list:

Goalkeepers:

Richard Ofori (Orlando Pirates FC), Razak Abalora (Asante Kotoko SC), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen)

Defenders:

Baba Abdul Rahman (Chelsea FC), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de Guimaraes, Afful Harrison (Columbus Crew FC), Anang Benson (MSK Zilina), Djiku Alexander (Strasbourg FC), John Boye (FC Metz), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens FC), Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo)

Midfielders:

Partey Thomas (Arsenal FC), Baba Idrissu (RCD Mallorca), Mubarak Wakaso (Jiangsu Suning FC), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens FC)

Forwards/Wingers:

Andre Ayew (Swansea City FC), Tariq Fosu (Brentford), Samuel Owusu (Al-Ahli Jeddah) Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace FC), Caleb Ekuban (Trabzonspor), Jamie Leweling (Greuther Furth), John Antwi (Pyramids FC), Jeffery Schlupp (Crystal Palace)

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

MTN Group on Friday announced a set of financial results for the third quarter, supported by the performance of its larger operations in South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, and good group-wide growth in subscriber numbers despite challenging trading conditions which have taken a toll on people everywhere.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to impact lives and livelihoods across our markets, the Group has demonstrated strong operational execution and resilience,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita.

To meet the increase in data and digital usage, he added that MTN had focused its investment on network capacity and resilience and modernising its IT systems, spending R16 billion in the year to the end of the third quarter.

Service revenue grew by 11,4% to more than R43 billion. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 13,9% and the group EBITDA margin widened by 1,4 percentage points to 43,3%, in line with medium-term targets.

“We recorded solid growth in voice revenue of 3,9%, which reflects an encouraging recovery supported by the easing of lockdown restrictions,” said Mupita. “Data revenue grew by 31,9%, bolstered by increased demand for work-from-home services, digital entertainment as well as online education offerings.”

The Group also reported growth of 21,0% in fintech revenue and 37,5% in digital revenue, driven by the increased adoption and usage of digital offerings.

In the quarter, MTN added 12 million subscribers to reach a total of 273 million across 21 markets, as well as adding 5,3 million active data users to 107 million. In our work to enable greater financial inclusion, we reached a significant milestone by surpassing the 40 million MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) user mark, an addition of 3,5 million in the quarter to 41,8 million at end-September.

“Apart from greater adoption brought on by COVID-19, more people used MoMo because of enhancements to the functionality of the MoMo app, the large increase in registered MoMo agents, as well as the integration of MoMo into our instant messaging platform Ayoba in some of our markets,” said Mupita.

MTN South Africa performed particularly well, sustaining its turnaround, with an acceleration in its core consumer and enterprise business units. MTN Nigeria recorded a solid result with some recovery in revenue growth under difficult operating conditions, and MTN Ghana delivered another good performance.

As part of its asset realisation programme, MTN Group completed its exit from its 18,9% investment in e-commerce venture Jumia as well as the localisation of an 8% shareholding in MTN Zambia, realising net proceeds of approximately R2,3 billion and R204 million respectively.

Looking ahead, Mupita said the Group remained focused on managing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on its staff, customers, networks and the balance sheet and liquidity profile of the Group.  Through its Y’ello Hope initiative, it would continue to support those stakeholders who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic.

“Despite the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, the operating environment remains challenging and uncertain. We will continue to build on our operational and financial resilience. We have now increased our full year forecast for capital expenditure to R26 billion, to ensure that our networks provide reliable connectivity and digital services to all of our 273 million-and-growing subscriber base,” he said.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our more than 260 million customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code “MTN”. We are pursuing our BRIGHT strategy with a major focus on growth in data, fintech and digital businesses in Africa.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

14 year old Issabella Ama Amponsah, a form 2 student of the Saduesa K.K.M.A. Basic Schools is seriously knocking on the doors of the national female teams.

She says her prayer is to play football to the highest level, and shine with the Black Maidens, Black Princess and the Black Queens.

Born to Mr. Ishmael Kofi Boadu and Madam Rebecca Boadu, she is blessed with an imposing splendid height for sports and fleet feet that makes her dribble and run very fast.

Her favourite position or number in football is number 10, and loves to watch every super star who dons the number 10.

“I want to play for my country, Ghana at the African Cup, Olympic Games and World Cup. I want to win a trophy for Ghana” she told Yours Truly after a visit to my office in the company of her dad who wants to give her all the support to realize her dream.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

After his arrival in Cairo on Wednesday October 28, Mr. Ahmad Ahmad, President of CAF, presented mild flu symptoms, and submitted to the Covid19 protocol. Today, the test results are positive. The President immediately self-isolate for at least the next 14 days at his hotel.

All those who have come into contact with Mr. Ahmad over the past seven days - especially during his trip to Morocco for the Confederation Cup - have been informed and requested to take the necessary measures.

For more information:

CAF|Communications Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The former Hearts of Oak striker Kofi Kordzi scored on his debut as his side recorded a draw at home.

Kofi Kordzi scored on his debut for his side as Muaither sporting club was held 2-2 at home toAl-Shahania in the Qatargas League at The Thani bin Jassim Stadiumon Thursday.

The multi-sports club based in Muaither started the game on the front foot as the Ghanaian scored the first goal in the 23rd minute but surrendered their lead after five minutes later.

The visitors scored their second in the 36th minute to put the score at 2-1 before the break.

The host fought back and got their deserving equalizer in the 73rd minute to put the score at 2-2.

Muaither is currently 7th on the league log.

The 25-year-old secured $150000 dream move to the Qatari-based club from Ghana premier league giants Hearts of oak a few weeks ago.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Ahmad will seek a second term as CAF President ©Getty Images

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Ahmad has confirmed he will stand for a second term, but the official has reportedly been found guilty of ethics breaches.

Ahmad told BBC Sport he had decided to run for re-election after listening to CAF Member Federations.

It follows a statement signed by the heads of Africa’s six regions which revealed 46 Presidents of the continent’s 54 Member Associations had offered their backing to Ahmad securing another four-year term at the helm of the troubled body.

Ahmad, who goes by one name, has been CAF President since 2017.

"As I have previously announced, I said I would pursue a second mandate if the need was there," Ahmad told BBC Sport.

"It's always good during an election to have a rival candidate, but we wait.

"I know that some people are awaiting other things unrelated to the elections - but as for the elections themselves, they all know they cannot beat me given I represent a group of people who want to go forward together."

BBC Sport reported Ahmad faces a ban after being found guilty of ethics breaches by the investigatory chamber of FIFA’s Ethics Committee.

The adjudicatory chamber could deliver a sanction by the end of March, it is claimed.

A sanction could end Ahmad’s re-election bid as the official would be required to pass an eligibility test to remain on the FIFA Council.

The ethics case reportedly relates to a 2017 deal with Tactical Steel.

The deal with the little-known company is allegedly worth four times as much as an arrangement cancelled with sportswear giant Puma.

An associate of CAF President Ahmad, who has denied wrongdoing, has alleged links to Tactical Steel.

Ahmad's re-election could hinge on an ethics case amid reports he will receive a ban ©Getty Images

The deal was among the findings revealed in an independent auditor earlier this year, which labelled CAF’s accounts as "unreliable and not trustworthy".

FIFA effectively took over control of CAF in July 2019 following a series of allegations levelled at Ahmad, who is from Madagascar.

Secretary general Fatma Samoura was placed in charge of a group overseeing day-to-day operations by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Ahmad was arrested over corruption charges in Paris last June and has also been accused of sexual harassment.

He has not been charged with any offence.

Wadie Jary, President of the Tunisian Football Federation (TFF), has declared his intention to stand for the top job in African football.

He is the second potential challenger from Tunisia after FIFA Council member Tarek Bouchamaoui said he would run for President earlier this month.

But Bouchamaoui's bid has already been dealt a blow as TFF member Hisham Benamran has said the national governing body would support Jary.

Nigerian Football Association President Amaju Pinnick has been touted as another potential challenger to Ahmad.

The CAF Presidential election is due to take place on March 12 in Rabat in Morocco.

In a separate development, CAF has confirmed Ahmad has been forced to self-isolate after testing positive for coronavirus.

"After his arrival in Cairo on Wednesday October 28, Mr. Ahmad Ahmad, President of CAF, presented mild flu symptoms, and submitted to the Covid19 protocol," a CAF statement read.

"Today, the test results are positive.

"The President immediately self-isolate for at least the next 14 days at his hotel.

"All those who have come into contact with Mr. Ahmad over the past seven days - especially during his trip to Morocco for the Confederation Cup - have been informed and requested to take the necessary measures."

By Michael Pavitt 

The Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Hon. Kwadwo Baah Agyemang has joined the Director General, Prof Peter Twumasi and CEO of Green Grass Technology (GGT), Mr Frank Boahen and other top sports officials to inspect the readiness of the Accra Sports Stadium ahead of the commencement of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

The National Sports Authority (NSA) met the Green Grass Technology (GGT) in the regular technical meeting at the Stadium.

The regular technical meetings between the two parties are aimed at maintaining quality pitches for the Football League which resumes mid November 2020.

The NSA this week commenced the second face of its field maintenance at the Accra Sports Stadium. The field and seats were sprayed with chemicals.

Head of the Estates Department, Mr. Ebo Andorful said the spraying of selective herbicide is aimed at getting rid of all unwanted grass to make way for the needed ones to grow. The groundsmen also took time to mow the pitch to an appreciable level.

He expressed that, this phase will usher them into the next phase of the maintenance process which will be characterized with the application of fertilizer, watering, shallow mowing and top dressing of the pitch among others.

By Sammy Heywood Okine