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

The Cameroon shot-stopper is tipping his injured club mate to make a strong comeback to action

Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Andre Onana is backing team-mate Mohammed Kudus to make a stronger return to the pitch following a recent injury setback.

Ghana international Kudus has been confirmed out of action for “several months” after picking up a meniscus injury during his club’s recent Champions League group stage opener against Liverpool.

The injury was undoubtedly a big disappointment for the 20-year-old who was beginning to settle down at Johan Cruyff Arena following his summer transfer from Danish club Nordsjaelland.

"He's a tough guy. I spoke to him and explained that unfortunately, injuries are also part of football. He was very positive and promised to do everything he could to make a great return," Cameroon goalkeeper Onana, Ajax No.1 goalkeeper, said, as reported by Footballghana.

Kudus’ injury came just three days after scoring his debut goal for Ajax during a Dutch Eredivisie encounter with Heerenveen.

Against Liverpool, the attacker made his Champions League debut but saw his night ended as early as just the sixth minute after hurting his meniscus during a challenge with Liverpool’s Fabinho.

“Mohammed Kudus had to be subbed off after only six minutes vs Liverpool on Wednesday. Further examinations show that the 20-year-old has a meniscus injury that will keep him out for several months," Ajax announced on their official website after the fateful game.

"Kudus came to Ajax this summer and played four official matches so far."

Kudus’ injury situation means he will be unavailable for Ghana in their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against Sudan in November.

It will be the second straight time he misses national duty due to injury after being denied clearance by Ajax to honour a Ghana call-up for friendly matches against Mali and Qatar in Turkey earlier this month.

The Accra-born player was snapped up by the Dutch giants in a five-year deal in July following a string of fine performances for Nordsjaelland in Denmark.

Last season, he netted 11 times in 25 league appearances to finish the term as The Wild Tigers’ top scorer.

So far at Ajax, he has scored once and provided three assists in five appearances in all competitions for Erik Ten Hag’s outfit.

Goal

The Head Coach of Accra Great Olympics, Annor Walker has revealed the club’s targets in the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.

The ‘Dade Boys’ endured a miserable spell in the 2019-20 campaign and were sure bets for relegation until Coronavirus intervened.

The Coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of the season meaning a fresh start ahead for Great Olympics as the new season kicks off in mid-November 2020.

Olympics will in their first five matches of the campaign face title contenders Medeama Sc and Asante Kotoko, as well as regional rivals Liberty Professionals and Legon Cities with Mysterious Dwarfs completing the list.

Speaking in a pre-season video to whet the appettite of fans ahead of the new campaign, Coach Annor Walker is predicting a Top 5 finish for Great Olympics.

“Last season I came when the league was started already. This time I am starting with the team and my prayer is, at least I have to be in the first 4,5 positions. Fans should expect good football and Olympics being one of the best in the country”, Coach Walker said.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Wharton was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003

Ghana’s stature as a country that has produced some of the best footballers, boxers, and athletes has once again come to the fore after Arthur Kwame Wharton, who is regarded as the world's first black professional footballer was celebrated in England on Wednesday, October 28.

Arthur Kwame Wharton’s celebration and recognition came in the form of a stunning mural and unveiled in Darlington, the first club he played for.

In addition to being a fantastic footballer, Arthur Wharton was also remarkably a record-breaking sprinter.

Available records show that Wharton was born in Ghana in 1865 before moving to England.

His recognition and celebration yesterday is seen as a victory by residents of Darlington who have championed the cause for such a great talent to be remembered for his extraordinary achievements. The campaign to get Wharton immortalized began after a Darlington resident, Shaun Campbell campaigned for 12 years.

Shaun Campbell, the chief campaigner who led the crusade to have Wharton celebrated finally fulfilled his mission to commemorate the life of Wharton as a mural of the pioneering sportsman was unveiled on the side of a Darlington building that has been named 'The Arthur Wharton Foundation'.

For Shaun, this achievement will signal the beginning of the latest chapter of his campaign to use the spirit of Arthur to bring the community together in a way that teaches the people of Darlington about black history, diversity, and equality.

'I know how much this means – for Darlington to finally have a meaningful testament to the icon that is Arthur Wharton,' he told the Northern Echo.

'Black lives will only matter when black history is embedded in the fabric of our education system and culture.

'Having an inspirational figure like Arthur to look up to will help us to do that.'

According to the Daily Mail, “Wharton immigrated to Darlington as a 19-year-old to train as a missionary but soon abandoned those plans to pursue a career as an athlete.

“He was a keen cyclist and played rugby and cricket but picked football and began his career as an amateur at Darlington in 1885.

Wharton was mainly used as a goalkeeper and was part of the team that reached the FA Cup semi-finals in his second season before going on to represent Rotherham, Preston North End, Sheffield United, Stalybridge Rovers, Ashton North End and Stockport County during a career which spanned 17 years”.

As well as his exploits in football, Wharton was well known for equalling the amateur world record of 10 seconds for the 100-yard sprint in the AAA championship at Stamford Bridge in 1886.

Wharton was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in recognition of the impact he made on the game in 2003 while a statue in tribute to his contributions to the sport was also erected at St George's Park National Football Centre in 2014.

The mural of him revealed today in Darlington was created by celebrated graffiti artist Jay Kaes and commissioned by BT Sport.

The town's Mayor Chris McEwan was presented with a traditional 'kente cloth' from Ghana as he presented the artwork and said: 'It is right and proper that Darlington recognises Arthur Wharton in this way, particularly during Black History Month.

Additional notes from Daily Mail

Ghanaian forward, Solomon Asante has been named in the United Soccer League Team-Of-The-Year for 2020.

The USL honored standout performers from the regular season on Wednesday with the announcement of the 2020 USL Championship All-League Teams.

The Phoenix Rising captain Solomon Asante was named in the 2020 USL Championship All-League First Team while his teammate Rufat Dadashov earned 2020 USL Championship All-League Second Team honours.

The 2020 USL Championship All-League Team was voted on by club management and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL market.

The finalists for the 2020 Championship Awards will be announced on Thursday, preceding the 2020 USL Championship Final, which will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and SiriusXM FC in the United States on Sunday, November 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the Eastern Conference and Phoenix Rising FC of the Western Conference meet at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Asante, 30, scored eight goals with nine assists to his credit this campaign and has led his team to the USL Championship playoffs final where they will face Tampa Bay Rowdies after winning the Western Conference Championship playoffs final days ago

From Sammy Heywood Okine