By: Nana Kwame Bediako  

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), has struck Real Tamale United (RTU) with significant penalties for fielding unregistered players during their Matchday 28 fixture against Dreams FC. The decision comes after thorough investigations. 

RTU has been slapped with a hefty fine of GHc100,000, a punishment aimed at deterring future infractions and reinforcing the rules governing player registration.

This financial penalty underscores the GFA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport by ensuring that all teams comply with established regulations. In addition to the monetary fine, five RTU officials have received severe personal sanctions.

Iddi Alhassan, Abdul-Samed Iddrisu, Abdul-Gafaru Salifu, Tanko Jentumah, and Sylvester Apanka have all been banned from participating in any football-related activities for a period of one year.

This ruling is a clear message from the GFA that accountability extends to the management level and that such breaches will not be tolerated. 

This ruling by the GFA highlights not only the strict enforcement of football regulations but also serves as a reminder of the importance of administrative diligence in sports.

The football community will be watching closely to see how RTU responds to these sanctions and what measures they will implement to prevent future occurrences.

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The 52-year-old will carry the torch through the streets of Saint-Denis in the north of Paris, which is home to the Stade de France Olympic Stadium, on Friday.

The Saint-Denis stretch is the penultimate leg of the flame’s journey before the relay ends at the Eiffel Tower.

The Olympic torch has crossed France since starting its journey in May and has been carried by a host of different personalities, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Formula One driver Charles Leclerc and actress Halle Berry.

Snoop Dogg, whose full name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, was born in Los Angeles – the host city for the 2028 Games.

The US artist will be joined by fellow torchbearers in Saint-Denis, including French actress Laetitia Casta and French rapper MC Solaar.

Source: BBC NEWS

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This comes after reports surfaced online that 11 para-athletes and officials who travelled to Norway for the Fjordfrakf Bergen City Marathon in April had failed to register and absconded.

This resulted in the death of the team’s coach, Mr. George Gyamfi Gyasi, who passed away on May 17, 2024, following his admission to Oslo University Hospital.

In a statement, the Youth and Sports Ministry stated that “National Security had notified them of the situation and outlined the concerns involved.

“In the Norwegian incident, the Ministry of Youth and Sports did not receive any communication from the National Sports Authority or the National Paralympic Committee on the said competition and therefore was unaware of the participation of the Paralympic team in the marathon.

“We wish to state that we are actively working with the relevant authorities to investigate the matter to ascertain the issues surrounding the incident.

“Necessary sanctions would be brought to bear on all parties found culpable in the matter.

“It is important to note that while this incident is unfortunate, it does not define the dedication and integrity of the entire sports fraternity.

“Our athletes and officials have consistently showcased remarkable discipline and commitment to sporting excellence, bringing pride and joy to our nation at several international competitions,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the National Paralympic Committee has suspended two officials Mr. Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, former secretary of the Ghana Paralympic Football Association, and Mr. Yaw Ayisi, founder of the Ernestay Foundation, for their roles in the incident.

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Source: GNA 

Ghana’s Beach Soccer national team, the Black Sharks, secured a significant advantage in their quest for 2024 AFCON Beach Soccer qualification. In a thrilling first-leg encounter, the Black Sharks recorded a 5-3 win against the Sand Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.

The match took place at the Emancipation Beach Arena in Keta on Saturday, July 21, 2024.

The game was a spectacle of athletic prowess and strategic play, with both teams showcasing their skills on the sandy pitch. The Black Sharks demonstrated exceptional teamwork and coordination, which allowed them to outmanoeuvre their Ivorian counterparts. Spectators were treated to a fast-paced and high-energy game, underscoring the growing popularity of beach soccer in the region.

Key players like Alfred Kwame Torsu, Wise Nyamadi, and Ticor Kini delivered standout performances for the Black Sharks, with their offensive strategies proving too much for the Sand Elephants’ defense. The victory not only boosted the morale of the Ghanaian team but also set a hopeful tone for their upcoming matches. The Black Sharks’ ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident, and their tactical approach was lauded by fans and analysts.

As the Black Sharks prepare to head to Abidjan for the return encounter, slated for July 26–28, anticipation is building among fans and sports enthusiasts.

The upcoming match promises to be another exciting chapter in this fierce rivalry, with both teams eager to secure their place in the 2024 AFCON Beach Soccer tournament. The Black Sharks’ performance in the first leg has certainly raised expectations for an equally compelling display in Côte d’Ivoire.

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Kudus, who enjoyed a breakout season at West Ham, contributed 14 goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, drawing interest from several clubs, including Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. 

His impressive performances have made him a highly sought-after player in the transfer market.

The change in representation comes as Kudus evaluates his future options. 

While West Ham are eager to retain the talented midfielder, lucrative offers from abroad, particularly from Al Nassr, could be tempting.

Kudus joined West Ham from Dutch giants Ajax on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £38 million plus add-ons. He reportedly has an £85 million release clause.

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining Kudus’ next move as the transfer window progresses. The involvement of his family in his representation marks a new chapter in his career, with their decisions set to influence where he will play next season.

As Kudus weighs his options, West Ham’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui, faces the challenge of retaining the versatile forward, who is expected to improve even further in his second season at the London Stadium.

SOURCE: GRAPHICONLINE

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Renowned Ghanaian Footballer, Andre Ayew took to the classroom last week to share his expertise on psychology with students at the University of Ghana, Legon. The Black Stars player emphasized the crucial role of mental toughness in achieving success in football, a cornerstone of his illustrious career with clubs like Marseille, Swansea, Nottingham Forest, Le Havre and the Ghana National team.

Andre Ayew’s journey in football began at a young age, marked by determination and a relentless quest for excellence. His rise through the ranks of youth football into the national spotlight exemplifies the significance of mental fortitude.

The lecture therefore aimed to underline the importance of mental toughness and psychology in football, particularly for aspiring athletes.

Reflecting on his career, Ayew shared vivid personal anecdotes and insights, giving students a window into the mental strategies that have propelled him to success. 

“Mental toughness is key to success in football,” Ayew stressed. 

He elaborated on the critical role  psychology has played in his development as a professional athlete. From techniques on staying motivated and overcoming setbacks to mastering the art of performing under pressure, Ayew’s address was a masterclass in the mental aspects of sports and he said that his parents had a lot to do with it.

“For young children, I think when you are growing up and you have both parents, I think it’s one of the biggest blessings for you to have, so for me that really okayed a huge part in my life, huge part in my mentality”, he said.

The students were visibly inspired by Ayew’s lecture, engaging actively with questions and discussions on how to incorporate psychology into their own sports and daily lives. 

 “Ayew’s insights have given me a new perspective on the game, and I now realize the importance of mental training alongside physical training.”

The field of sports psychology focuses on the mental and emotional factors that influence athletic performance and overall well-being. Its significance and impact on sports are profound; and one of it being 

performance enhancements, this helps the athletes develop crucial mental skills like focus and concentration.

Another being injury rehabilitation,which  helps athletes recover from injuries both physically and mentally.Sports psychology has addresses anxiety, depression,mental health and burnout, promoting overall well-being.Sports psychology aids in team dynamics, enhances communication, leadership, and cohesion within teams. It helps sports persons to be able to elevate their game on a high level where they become elite professionals and foster good communication for their success.

Andre Ayew’s lecture highlighted the unmatched significance of mental toughness in football and beyond. As the sports world evolves, the importance of prioritizing the mental game will only continue to grow. By sharing his expertise, Ayew has inspired a new generation of athletes at the University of Ghana to embrace sports psychology and leverage it for their success.

Ayew highlighted the necessity of your mind and body, being in harmony whilst being at the top of your game coupled with taking your mental health seriously. 

In the realm of sports, mental toughness can make the difference between victory and defeat. Ayew’s enlightening session at the University of Ghana serves as a valuable reminder of the power of mental resilience and the pivotal role sports psychology plays. Aspiring athletes and professionals alike should heed this advice and integrate mental training into their regimen for success on and off the field.

By adopting the principles of sports psychology, athletes, coaches, and teams can gain a competitive edge, achieve greater success, and promote overall well-being. The journey towards mental toughness begins with understanding its importance and making it an integral part of daily practice.

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At the recently concluded 3rd Afro Sport Summit, legendary Black Stars player and founder of the Professional Football Association of Ghana, Anthony Baffoe, delivered an inspiring speech aimed at young, aspiring footballers. His message centred on the immense potential within every individual, regardless of their educational background. Baffoe emphasised that a lack of formal education should not be a barrier to success in football or any other field.

Mr Baffoe encouraged young players to seize every opportunity to educate themselves, whether through formal channels or practical experiences in their football careers.

He stressed the importance of lifelong learning and self-improvement, highlighting that continuous education can come from various sources. “Nobody was born dumb, but sometimes it is economic challenges that cut people down,” he remarked, urging the youth to rise above their circumstances.

In his address, Baffoe also cautioned aspiring footballers to be extremely vigilant when signing contracts. He pointed out that a single contract could either make or break their careers, underscoring the necessity of understanding all terms and conditions before committing. He advised them to seek professional guidance and to be wary of exploitative deals that could hinder their progress.

Baffoe’s words provided not just motivation but also practical advice on navigating the complexities of a professional football career.

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Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is emphasizing the prevention of competition manipulation through its “Believe in Sport” campaign. This initiative aims to educate athletes, their entourages, and officials about the risks and rules associated with competition manipulation.

Team Ghana athletes and officials on Wednesday July 18, 2024 participated in the workshop to understand the rules against  sports manipulation.

The campaign included a series of webinars, educational materials, and online courses designed to help athletes understand the implications of manipulating competitions for financial, sporting, or other advantages.

This educational effort is supported by six athlete ambassadors who will engage with their peers and promote the campaign’s message both online and in person at the Athlete365 House in the Olympic Village during the Games.

Additionally, the IOC has established various measures and systems to protect the integrity of competitions.

These include the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, which provides model rules, an awareness-raising campaign, and an intelligence system.

The Integrity Betting Intelligence System (IBIS) facilitates information exchange between the Olympic Movement and betting entities to detect and prevent manipulation.

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The match, which served as a curtain-raiser to the Hearts-Kotoko Democracy Cup match, was filled with excitement from both teams as they celebrated Ghana’s 30-year parliamentary democracy.

Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South Constituency, captained his colleagues while former Black Stars Captain Stephen ‘Tornado’ Appiah led his entourage of Ghanaian football legends.

It was largely entertaining at the start, with the likes of C.K. Akunnor, Augustine Arhinful, Sam Johnson, and John Painstil showcasing their skills to the fans at the stadium.

But the former Black Stars players were caught unaware after the Parliamentarians took the lead in the first half.

Some Parliamentarians, including Mr. Yussif Issaka Jajah, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso North Constituency, and Dr. Stephen Amoah, Member of Parliament for Nhyiaso were in cruise control of the midfield area dominating play.

At the start of the second half, the Black Stars Legends made some changes with the introduction of Sulley Muntari, Laryea Kingston, Ibrahim Tanko, Agyemang Badu, and Derek Boateng as they searched for the equaliser.

Sulley Muntari scored for the Black Stars legend to level the game halfway through the second half.

But the Parliamentarians scored two quick goals to dent any hopes of a comeback by the former Black Stars players and subsequently emerged winners after regulation time.

After the match, there was an exchange of pleasantries between the two sides with the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin joining them on the pitch for a photo session.

Source: GNA

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At the third Afro Sport Summit, former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan shared his thoughts on life after football, delivering an insightful message to current and aspiring athletes. Gyan emphasised the importance of planning for the future beyond their playing careers, a lesson he learned from his teammate, Sammy Osei Kuffour. Gyan’s reflections offered athletes the necessity of preparing for life beyond the pitch.

Asamoah Gyan showered praise on Sammy Osei Kuffour for his continuous inspirational words during their playing days. According to Gyan, Kuffour always encouraged his teammates to think ahead and prepare for the eventual end of their football careers.

“I drew my inspiration from Sammy Osei Kuffour; he always encouraged and reminded us during playing days to get something done before our time as footballers came to an end,” Gyan mentioned. 

Gyan’s speech at the summit highlighted the importance of having a plan B and investing in other areas of interest while still playing. He pointed out that many athletes often neglect to think about their future beyond sports, which can lead to difficulties once they retire. Gyan urged young footballers to start considering their post-football careers early, ensuring they have something to fall back on when their time on the field is over.

The former captain also shared his personal experiences and how he has managed to transition successfully into life after football. He spoke about his various business ventures and the importance of education in securing a stable future. Gyan’s reflections on life after football, inspired by Sammy Osei Kuffour’s guidance, underscored the need for proactive planning and adaptability.

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