Medeama SC board member, Dr. Tony Aubynn, has revealed that determination and focus did the trick for the club in their 2022/23 Ghana Premier League title triumph.

The Mauve and Yellows only overtook Aduana FC and Bechem United in the final month of the season, wrapping up the title in the final day with 3-0 win over Tamale City.

The GFA Executive Council Member reveals they had to take urgent steps to ensure they emerged champions for the first time in their history.

“I think it was determination and focus that does that did the trick. At a point in time our performances were not very consistent and we were getting worried,” he told Joy News.

“I recall calling an emergency meeting and guess what, I was in church on Sunday at that time. I drove from church in my church clothes to Cape Coast to hold that emergency meeting.

“Our initial target was to win the league because of the history that worked against us; the various force majeures that went against us. The Anas expose and COVID-19. In both situations we were leading the league.”

FootballGhana

Ghana international and KRC Genk forward, Joseph Paintsil, has unveiled his latest musical endeavor with the release of a new song titled 'Yaa Se.'

The 25-year-old announced the release of the song on social media, urging fans to stream it on various digital platforms.

He wrote on Twitter on Tuesday, "My latest song is now available on all digital platforms. Check it out and let me know what you think!"

FootballGhana

The 58-year-old has indicated that he is unfazed by threats from Ahly, Sundowns and other big guns in the competition

Medeama SC coach Evans Adotey has shifted his focus on reaching the money zone of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League after successfully guiding the Mauve and Yellows to their first-ever league title.

The Tarkwa-based side were crowned champions of the Ghana Premier League during the weekend after they dismissed Tamale City 3-0 at the Akoon Park.

Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly won the competition for an historic 11th time this season and would be present in the 60th edition of the competition which Medeama have also qualified to play in.

Marcel Koller’s Red Devils will not be the only titans in the competition as South Africans Sundowns, Moroccans Wydad Athletic Club, Zamalek, Young Africans and several other top clubs will be in the competition along with the newly-crowned Ghanaian champions.

Head coach of Medeama, who is a former Manchester United academy trialist – Evans Adotey, is unfazed by the challenge as his side seek to go toe-to-toe with the clubs and reach the money zone of the competition.

“Just like every other club, our target is the money zone. However, we will set a target and before we get to the money zone we have to get out of the group stage successfully. This means we have to go game by game. All the games before we reach the money zone will be very important to us. However, our main target and priority will be to enter into the money zone,” he told Enoch Worlanyo on Asempa FM.

Medeama won the league title after amassing 60 points from 34 games, dropping 42 points from the available 102 – averaging 1.76 points per game. This ultimately raises question marks about the consistency of the club during the season’s campaign.

Source GhanaSportsOnline

Ghana's number seed in Table Tennis, Derek Abrefa has presented equipment to some communities in Accra to motivate and encourage the kids and youth to enjoy the game.

Communities that benefited include La Dadekotopong, Nungua, Osu and Mamprobi, some schools also got their share of the equipment. They are La Wireless 6 JHS and La Wireless 7 JHS.

The items include 400 pieces of advance training balls, 30 beginners rackets, 30 pieces of Table tennis Jerseys and Track suits, 4 single bat cases, canvases, 13 portable nets, electronic and manual score boards and 10 pieces of socks.

Some of the beneficiary foundations that received the support are Rising star Sport Foundation, La Dadekotopong, Lartei T T Club, La Wireless 6 and La Wireless 7 primary and JHS, Pot Sports TT Club and some young talents who needed equipment support.

The items arrived from the UK last Friday and were distributed on Monday.

The donation was presented by his Personal Assistant (PA) who is his Inspirer, Jennifer Zoglo

The items were received by head coach of Rising Star Sports Foundation, Enock Otu who  disbursed them to the various sports foundations

According to Abrefa, the donation is part of his five years agenda 'Give Back To Society' plan which is aimed at supporting young talents.

The seven times Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) award winner said he is steadily preparing for the 13th African Games. He tasked all members of the national team to train hard so that they win more medals.

"My ultimate thanks goes to God Almighty for making this dream a reality. I thank my supporting Table Tennis mate, Sam Mabey of Table Tennis England, eBaTT Table tennis Club UK for supporting my club with the items, I also want to thank the CEO of Asoba Foundation, Nathaniel Somuah, Ishmael Amarh of NK Foundation for their guidance and making sure all the items arrives safely in Ghana" he said.

Also known as the Grand Master, Abrefa said his plan is to expand the support to many local communities in Ghana, especially the deprived areas where many talents are dying due to lack of support.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese, Kumasi, will host the FA Cup finals this season, the Committee has confirmed.

The finals of this season’s has been fixed for Sunday, June 18, 2023, with King Faisal and Dreams FC set to battle for the prestigious trophy.

Last year, the finals was played at the Baba Yara Stadium, where Hearts of Oak defeated Bechem United to clinch the title for two consecutive times.

In an interview with Kessben FM in Kumasi, Kofi Poku said, “We’ve decided to play the finals at Abrankese on June 18 because the pitch is not as large as the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara”

“The ambiance we will get at both Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara won’t make the game lively. Already fans are not watching games in recent times and if we are to play the finals with a very sparse crowd, you know how it will be. Since we started running the FA Cup, we always choose a venue which is not too big so fans can fill the stadium to the brim” he said.

King Faisal managed to secure a spot in the finals after defeating Nsoatreman FC, another Premier League club, in the semifinals at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.

Similarly, Dreams FC emerged victorious in their semifinal match against Skyy FC, a team from the Division One League, securing their place in the final at the same venue.

The victorious team in the final will not only clinch the prestigious FA Cup title but also secure qualification for the CAF Confederations Cup in the upcoming season.

footballGhana

John Gotti III has received his punishment from the Florida State Athletic Commission.

The FSAC suspended Gotti – the grandson of organized crime icon John Gotti – for six months in connection with his post-fight brawl with five division champion Floyd Mayweather.

“The DBPR Florida Athletic Commission took immediate action the evening of Sunday, June 11, and suspended John Gotti III for six months,” wrote a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, according to MMAFighting.com.

Last Sunday night at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, Mayweather faced Gotti in an exhibition fight scheduled for eight two-minute rounds.

The fight was called off at the start of the sixth round by veteran referee Kenny Bayless, because the two fighters continued to exchange obscenities in the ring. Bayless had warned both sides at the end of the fifth, that he would wave off their fight if the verbal shenanigans continued.

Once the fight was waved off, Gotti charged after Mayweather and attacked the 46-year-old retired boxer. They began to exchange punches, with Mayweather landing a big right hand to back Gotti up.

Almost immediately, both of their camps hit the ring.

It was a wild scene with as many as 60 bodies in the ring, and brawls erupting inside and outside of the ring. It took a long time for order to be restored.

Gotti entered the ring with a 2-0 record as a boxer and a 5-1 record in MMA. He was beyond overmatched, with Mayweather toying with him for several rounds. Gotti threw more punches after the fight than during the bout itself.

On Monday, Gotti took to social media and said Mayweather was his “enemy for life.” He also asked UFC superstar Conor McGregor for backup. McGregor openly expressed his support for Gotti and his family. Back in 2017, Mayweather retired from boxing with a perfect 50-0 record after stopping McGregor.

Credit: BoxingScene

Senegal-born Fatma Samoura was FIFA’s first female and non-European Secretary General

Fatma Samoura helped to transform FIFA and restore its credibility as a global governing body

Women’s football gained new impetus under her leadership

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura will leave her role at the end of the year after seven years in which she played a pivotal role in transforming the organisation, restoring its credibility and breaking down barriers.

“It was the best decision of my life to join FIFA,” says FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura. “I am very proud to have led such a diverse team. My first word of thanks goes to Gianni Infantino for giving me this dream job. He has shown trust, understanding and an incredible level of support. It is a pleasure to work alongside someone that has transformed FIFA. FIFA today is a better governed, more open, more reliable and more transparent organisation. I will leave FIFA with a high sense of pride and fulfilment.

“I had intended to share my news first with the FIFA Council members next week, but I am aware there has been growing speculation about my position in recent months. For now, I am fully focused on the preparation and delivery of the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. I look forward to spending the next six months bringing to life the 11 objectives that President Infantino announced at the FIFA Congress in Kigali in March. From next year, I would like to spend more time with my family. I have been in love with football since I was eight years old and I feel honoured to have been on this journey.”

“It has been a privilege and an honour to work with a trailblazer in the game,” says FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Ever since we met, I knew she would be superb for FIFA. Her passion and enthusiasm to drive change has been inspirational. Fatma was the first woman, and the first African, to be appointed to such an important position at FIFA. We respect Fatma’s decision and I would like to thank her for such dedication and commitment to football. Fatma will continue to contribute towards the development of the game and its social values together with us.”

The first female and non-European to hold the role as head of FIFA’s administration, Fatma Samoura was a trailblazer from the moment she stepped into the Home of FIFA to take on her new role after her appointment in May 2016 by recently elected President Infantino. She has overseen unprecedented growth in women’s football ever since.

Fatma Samoura has overseen a complete restructure at FIFA that included the appointment of two Deputy Secretary Generals, a new and fully developed Women’s Football Division, a Technical Development Division, a Chief Compliance Officer, and improved programmes for FIFA’s 211 member associations.

She arrived at FIFA with more than two decades of experience working for the United Nations where she served in seven countries: the Republic of Djibouti, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Niger, Madagascar and Nigeria.

Working in places affected by war, violence and a lack of women’s rights, she had often been struck by the way in which football, more than anything else, could persuade warring groups to lay down their weapons and bring joy even to people who were enduring terrible suffering. She realised that football was a universal language.

Players at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ will enjoy the same conditions and service levels as the men at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ in Qatar. With 32 teams, it will be the biggest and best in the competition’s history, providing a fitting send-off for the FIFA Secretary General when she steps down in December.

Fifa

The 2033 edition of Ashantifest was launched today at the Kaase office with attractive prizes announced for the winners.

All participating teams will take 3,000ghc each for preparation, and the winning prizes announced as 1st. 20,000ghc, 2nd. gets10,000ghc and 3rd.collects 5,000ghc.

Mr. Charles Osei Akoto, Technical Head of the Northern Business District MTN Ghana was glad to see so many people gathered.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had a ruthless impact on society, but after the official end of the pandemic, the cherished Ashantifest is back.

"Ashantifest, as you all know, is our annual regional festival created by MTN, aimed at bringing the brand closer to Asanteman and showing appreciation to you, our cherished customers. At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. As we celebrate the comeback of Ashantifest, we will continue to make the lives of our customers a whole lot brighter" he said.

According to him since the inception of Ashantifest over a decade ago, various life enriching initiatives including the provision of community improvement projects, sports and entertainment have been brought to the doorsteps of several communities in the Ashanti Region.

The celebration also comes with targeted promotional offers for customers in the region and this year will be no exception. Our valued Customers in Ashanti region can dial *141# for unique offers, just for you. This promotion will last for three long months. Let us spread the good news.

He named the Key highlights of the celebrations as -Community Football Gala (MTN Ashantifest Cup).The matches will start from 17th June.

Other details are •MTN FA Cup Final at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on 18th June., •Courtesy calls on the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Mayor of Kumasi, •Community forum at Asante Mampong, •Media and Stakeholder  forum to update the media on the current state of the MTN ’s business and and •SME Fair.

"You are not just playing for yourselves. You are playing for the communities you represent, an embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of your fans and as such, I encourage you all to give it your best shot. It is also important to remember that winning and losing are only part of the game. Enjoy the game and play well.  May the best team win in 2023" he added.

He urged everyone in the Ashanti Region to participate in the activities and cheer their communities to victory.

The community football gala was introduced in 2021 with eight communities in Kumasi, and now extended to 16 communities and beyond Kumasi to Ejisu this year.

These teams will be drawn from Asafo, Amakom, Bantama, South Suntreso, Abuakwa, Santasi, Ahodwo, Atonso, Ahinsan, Tech and Ayigya.

The rest are Aboabo, Asawasi, Oforikrom, Asokore Mampong, Krofrom, Suame, Tafo, Abrepo, Bremang, Bohyen, Mamponteng, Kronum, Magazine and Afrancho

The reigning champions are Old Tafo, while the Abrepo team won in 2021.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ms. Farida Iddris, Administrative Manager at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has called for more females to go into sports coaching (technical) and administration.

She said it is very good for men to be teaching boys and women to be teaching girls.

“I see it as very effective if we should get female coaches or trainers handling the female athletes. We have very good sportsmen and women, but they lack technical skills, so I think it is very good that we get the right resource people to teach the right things. I want to thank World Aquatics so much for supporting Ghana” she said.

According to the Treasurer of the Ghana Swimming Association, there are only two certified swimming coaches in Ghana, and appealed to Ghanaians to show more interest in coaching, especially in the lesser known sports.

Ghana is hosting a three day Swimming Course for Assistant Coaches and she believes those who are participating are going to gain a lot.

She commended South African Instructor Cedric Finch and the World Aquatics for supporting the Ghana Swimming Association.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Chairman of Ghana Beach Soccer clubs Union (Ghabscu) has voiced his optimism and excitement ahead of the new league season which kicks off on Saturday 17th June at the Laboma Beach Resort in Accra.

Mr Kusi Gyamfi Awere who is also CEO of Sea Sharks Beach Soccer club, believes that the high energy, all action nature of the game, makes it easily the most riveting and exciting sport on sand.

"When I was first introduced to this sport over 10 years ago by Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, I did not know there were so many exciting dimensions to it. Compared to other sports, it's still relatively young and I am very happy we are back after so many challenges beyond our control".

The exciting sport makes a big return this weekend at the famous Laboma Beach with Zone 1 teams ready for action following the reconstitution and new format of the national league.

According to Beach Soccer Competitions Chairman Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the season would see the League matches being spread across four centres including Laboma in Accra, Emancipation Beach Keta, Ada, and Senya Bereku.

Beyond the matches on the sand, there would be other activities, side attractions and enough entertainment to occupy visitors and fans alike.

The opening match between Nungua BS and Layoca will kick off at 2pm  followed by Okere Rangers vs Senya Sharks. The third match will feature Cheetah BSC vs Dansoman BSC before  Sea Sharks engage Teshie United BSC in the final match of week 1.

On Sunday, attention will shift to the exotic Keta Emancipation Beach in the Volta region where Zone 2 will also kick off with the following matches:

Ada Assurance vs Kedzi Miracle BSC - Sunset Sport Keta vs Ocean Stars Tegbi - Havedzi Mighty Warriors vs Vodza Iron Breakers

The President of the Ghana FA Kurt Okraku is expected to lead a hierarchy of football officials to witness the kick off.

Source GBS