Ghana Top Seed in Table Tennis, Derek Abrefa aka Grand Master has made big name for himself and Ghana at the London Grand Prix Table Tennis Championship where he won Silver and Bronze Medals.

The experienced Abrefa who has represented Ghana at the Commonwealth and African Games was at his best on the table as he took the Silver and Bronze in the Men’s Band 1 and Restricted Men’s Singles respectively.

The 2023 Grand Prix attracted over 200 top players from Romania, Poland, Holland, Scotland, Russia, India, Nigeria, Germany and USA taking part in one of the biggest Table Tennis events in the United Kingdom.

Abrefa who was in excellent form had an excellent start, topping his group as he progressed to the Round 32.

He was beaten by a Romanian who got the gold, while he received the Silver.

In an exclusive interview, he thanked his fellow players of the Black Loopers, colleagues at Ghana Immigration and coaches; Eben Whyte, Raphael Munkoh and Eric Hammond as well as the executives and president of the Ghana Table Table Association (GTTA), Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu who is also first vice president of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).

Abrefa is on record as one of the most decorated Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) award winners.

His former national team mate, Emmanuel Asante won Gold in the Band 3 event and impressed in the Band 2 event at the Grand Prix.  

“My Europe training tour in preparation towards the 2024 African games has helped me improve my skills. I am very happy about my recent performance and believe that with this training continuing till 2024, me and my team mates would win a medal for Team Ghana” he told Yours Truly.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana international, Patrick Pfeiffer is excited after completing his move to German Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg.

The defender on Thursday, June 1, joined FC Augsburg to reinforce the squad of the team for the 2023/24 football season.

“FC Augsburg will be strengthened in the coming season with defensive player Patric Pfeiffer. The sought-after central defender has decided to move to FCA and is coming on a free transfer from SV Darmstadt 98,” the German Bundesliga club said.

Speaking after wrapping up the deal, Patric Pfeiffer said he is looking forward to this new chapter of his career.

"I had a great time in Darmstadt, which was crowned by promotion to the Bundesliga. It's often said that you should leave when it's most beautiful: I'm doing that now and I'm looking forward to a new chapter in my career in Augsburg,” the Ghana defender noted.

He continued, “The talks with those responsible at FCA convinced me that I have the best conditions here with an established Bundesliga club to go down the path together in the Bundesliga.”

In the 2022/23 German Bundesliga 2 season, Patric Pfeiffer made 24 appearances for SV Darmstadt where he scored four goals and provided one assist.

FootballGhana

SwissBoxing has announced that it has quit the International Boxing Association (IBA) with immediate effect.

The National Federation also confirmed that it will join the newly formed World Boxing.

SwissBoxing has cited the International Olympic Committee's decision to not allow the IBA to host the boxing tournament at Paris 2024 as the reason for terminating its membership.

"This resolution has immediate effect, but is subject to subsequent approval by the delegates' meeting," SwissBoxing said.

"The reason for this is the announcement by the International Olympic Committee that the IBA - formerly AIBA - will no longer be able to host the Olympic boxing competition for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, including qualifying competitions.

"The reason for this is massive allegations of corruption and breaches of ethics."

The Europeans have become the second National Federation to officially announce its resignation from IBA after USA Boxing quit in April.

Meanwhile, Boxing New Zealand revealed on Monday (May 29) that they might leave the International Federation after President Steve Hartley claimed that his country's officials were prevented from participating in the Oceania Boxing Confederation Extraordinary Congress.

Hartley also said New Zealand boxers were forced to turn their uniforms inside out to hide identification at the Youth and Junior Men's and Women's Oceania Boxing Championships in Apia.

The official said the "blatant requirement to cover up the New Zealand Silver Fern insignia" represented "the worst insult the IBA could put our country and the mana of our athletes" and "will not be forgotten".

World Boxing was launched in April with the aim of preserving boxing's Olympic future after it was off the initial programme for Los Angeles 2028.

IBA was not involved in the organisation of the boxing tournaments at Tokyo 2020, and it is set to be the case at Paris 2024.

Boris van der Vorst, set to step down as Dutch Boxing Federation President to focus on the body described by IBA as a "rogue organisation", is part of the World Boxing Interim Executive Board.

Joining the Dutchman are representatives from Germany, Britain, the Philippines, Sweden and the United States.

The IBA, suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2019 due to ongoing governance concerns, suspended the National Federations of New Zealand, Germany, Sweden and The Netherlands for participating in the breakaway World Boxing.

"We share the Swiss Boxing Federation's dismay at IBA's ongoing and persistent failure to address the ‘massive allegations of corruption and breaches of ethics’ that mean it has not been trusted to manage the Olympic boxing tournaments in Tokyo and Paris and we welcome both its decision to apply for membership of World Boxing and its commitment to ensuring boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement," a World Boxing statement read.

The IBA stated that it has "deep regret" regarding SwissBoxing's membership resignation.

IBA secretary general George Yerolimpos has described the decision as a mistake.

"The example set by former IBA member USA Boxing has left their athletes without an opportunity to compete and win titles and earn money to support their love of the sport and the cost of living required to follow their dreams," Yerolimpos said.

"We now see SwissBoxing making the same mistake, and it is clear that these administrators do not think ahead and have blinders that prevent them from seeing the complete picture.

"IBA membership is a privilege, not a right, where the IBA and its National Federation's are intent on building a prosperous future for the whole boxing family which requires a mutual commitment.

"With two members, the rogue organisation can now officially organise intimate international events while their administrators play political games rather than supporting their athletes' needs, but rather chasing personal ambitions that will never lead any initiative to success or serve the greater good of our sport."  

By Vimal Sankar  / insidethegames

One-On-One Foundation Honours Rajan Singh

Mr Rajan Singh, National Sales and Marketing Manager of Cave and Gardens has been honoured by One-On-One Foundation for supporting them in their activities over the years.

Mr, Emmanuel Nii Adjin Olla Williams, CEO of One-On-One Foundation presented a citation to Mr. Rajan Singh at his office in Accra.

According to Mr. Olla Williams who is also founder of Dreamland Sports Plus, the award was given to Singh for supporting sports and sanitation in the schools and communities where they operate in.

Mr. Singh who was elated with the honour promised to do more for One-On-One Foundation, Dreamland Sports and the schools.

He was glad that the sensitisation on sanitation and healthy living is catching up with the students who are the future leaders.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Andr Ayew of Nottingham Forest celebrates victory during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion at the City Ground, Nottingham on Wednesday 26th April 2023. (Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)     

Ghana captain Andre Ayew will be leaving Nottingham Forest after his short stint with the club. Nottingham Forest confirmed that Ayew's contract will expire at the end of June, marking the end of his time with the team.

Ayew joined Nottingham Forest in January on a six-month deal and played a crucial role in helping the club avoid relegation, ensuring their Premier League status.

Initially, there were speculations that an agreement would be reached for a new deal, but the club announced on Friday that Ayew is one of six players whose contracts have come to an end.

Alongside Ayew, the other players whose contracts are expiring are Cafú, Jack Colback, Jesse Lingard, Jordan Smith, and Lyle Taylor. Nottingham Forest expressed their gratitude to each player for their contributions during their time at The City Ground.

During his time at Nottingham Forest, Ayew made 13 appearances, which also helped him reach the milestone of 100 appearances in the English top flight.

With his contract coming to an end, the 33-year-old forward is now free to join any club. It is understood that Ayew intends to continue playing in Europe at the highest level.

Ayew's departure from Nottingham Forest marks the end of his brief spell with the club, and fans will be eager to see where the experienced forward will continue his career in the coming months.

ghanasoccernet

The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have announced that the 29th Ordinary Session of Congress will take place on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

The decision was reached during the Council's meeting held at the GFA Headquarters in Accra.

In accordance with Article 31(2) of the GFA Statutes 2019, which grants the Executive Council the authority to determine the date and venue of Congress, the announcement was made.

The GFA Statutes further stipulate that Congress should convene in an Ordinary Session before the start of each football season.

To comply with Article 31(3) of the GFA Statutes 2019, a written Convocation of Congress will be circulated to GFA Members at least seven (7) days prior to the scheduled date.

This Convocation will include the Agenda, Activity Report, Financial Statements, Auditors' Report, and any other relevant documents.

The 29th Ordinary Session of Congress is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.

Congress serves as a vital platform for the GFA, where important decisions and discussions concerning Ghanaian football are conducted.

ghanasoccernet

Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season after two years at the club, coach Christophe Galtier has confirmed.

Galter said ahead of PSG’s game against Clermont on Saturday that it would be superstar Messi’s last match at the Parc des Princes. Messi’s contract expires at the end of June.

“I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of soccer,” Galtier said. “This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.”

PSG recruited Messi in August 2021 with the ambition to finally win the Champions League. They are still waiting.

Although PSG won their 11th French league title this year, they again exited Europe’s top tournament in the round of 16.

Messi’s adventure in France has been bitter sweet. In spite of pretty good statistics, he has been embodying the team’s shortcomings in the view of many PSG fans who have repeatedly whistled and booed his name in recent weeks.

After struggling to adapt to the French league – the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored only six league goals in his first 26 games – Messi has improved this season as he developed an efficient understanding with French star Kylian Mbappe.

In 31 league matches, the 35-year-old Messi has scored 16 goals and delivered as many assists. In all competitions, Messi netted 21 goals and had 20 assists for PSG.

“This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available, always committed during training sessions,” Galtier said. “I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified.”

Despite Galtier’s support, PSG’s appreciation of Messi has not always been so positive.

Earlier this season, the club suspended the World Cup winner following a trip to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission.

Messi has a commercial contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism in the Middle Eastern country and has been linked with a lucrative move there at the end of the season.

There has also been talk of a return to Barcelona, where he spent the majority of his career, or to the United States to play in MLS.

Messi arrived at Barcelona at the age of 13 and left having won 35 titles. He helped the club win the Champions League four times, the Spanish league 10 times, the Copa del Rey seven times and the Spanish Super Cup eight times. Messi is also the team’s all-time scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances, and the top scorer in the Spanish league with 474 goals in 520 matches.

Keepup.com

German Bundesliga side, FC Augsburg have confirmed the signing of Ghana defender, Patrick Pfeiffer on a long-term deal.

The promising defender joined Augsburg from SV Darmstadt 98.

The 23-year-old had a fantastic season in the Bundesliga II with the Blue Blacks where he made 26 appearances in all competitions with four goals and an assist.

He will hope to become a mainstay at the WWK Arena.

Pfeiffer, born in Hamburg, is yet to get a Black Stars call-up since the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced he has officially switched nationality to represent Ghana at the senior level in July 2022.

FootballGhana

FC Nordsjaelland's rising star, Ernest Nuamah, has been unanimously voted as the Player of the Spring by Denmark's esteemed coaches.

The 19-year-old football sensation has captivated fans and experts alike with his exceptional skills and mesmerizing performances on the pitch.

Nuamah's meteoric rise in the Danish football scene has now reached new heights as his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication are recognized with this prestigious accolade.

Tipsbladet and the 12 head coaches of the 3F Superliga chose the promising winger Player of the Spring. Nuamah accepted the award on Thursday in the midst of his teammates. He takes over from the 2022 winner Andreas Schjelderup who now plays for Benfica.

Nuamah started his career with Right to Dream Academy before joining FC Nordsjælland in January 2022.

He made his debut on 10 April 2022 when he came on in the 67th minute for Magnus Kofod Andersen to score an 84th-minute goal in a 2–2 draw to Aarhus GF. He was adjudged as the team's man of the match at the end of the match.

This season the talented winger has made 29 appearances, scored 12 goals, and assisted four.

Ernest Nuamah has earned his first senior national team call up following his eye catching performance for Nordsjaelland in the Danish Superliga. The youngster is part of Ghana's 24 man squad to take on Madagascar on June 18th.

footballghana

Abednego Tetteh confident of ending 2022/23 Ghana Premier League (GPL) campaign with 20 goals

Bibiani Gold Stars striker, Abednego Tetteh says he is aiming to end the ongoing 2022/23 Ghana Premier League campaign with a 20-goal tally.

The 32-year-old lanky striker has been unstoppable since joining Gold Stars.

The ex – Accra Hearts of Oak striker is currently leading the goal king chat of the GPL with 16 goals in 27 league matches.

The in-form striker who wants to feature for the national team, Black Stars scored two goals against relegated Kotoku Royals at the Dun’s Park.

With just two games to end the season, the former Hearts of Oak and Bechem United forward is confident of adding to the numbers in his quest to clinch the golden boot this season.

“I am hoping I get four more goals out of the two goals to take my tally to 20 this season," he told the media.

Abednego Tetteh’s Bibiani Gold Stars face Karela United next at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park on Sunday, May 4, and close up the exciting season at home against Accra Lions at the Dun’s Park.

By Sammy Heywood Okine