Ace ex- Ghana defender, Emmanuel Asare who now manages Asarit Football Academy at Akutuase in the Eastern Region has praised Coaches J.E. Sarpong and Francis Oti Akenteng for encouraging him as a footballer rising up.

He also commended top defender Agyeman Duah aka ‘Rambo’ for inspiring him on the field to excel to become one of the best in Ghana, Africa, Europe and the world.

Speaking to the media on his return from Belgium to supervise the progress of his team, he expressed that one coach who could not see anything good in him was the late coach Afranie, however he was able to motivate himself to reach the pinnacles of his career as a professional star.

He advised young footballers to be determined and self motivated to reach their goals.

He said training is the key, and they must not indulge in bad friendship and immoral behavior like drinking and smoking.

He commended the Black Stars led by his team mate, C. K. Akunnor for qualifying to the next African Cup of Nations in Cameroun, noting that Ghana is always a favourite and with a bit of seriousness victory will be achieved.

He thanked his wife, Rita for the support in managing the football academy whose aim is to aid deprived young talents in the villages who are not exposed to city life.

“We are proud of our sponsor Bruynkens Vlesswaren” he stressed.

Emmanuel Asare, one of the most disciplined players featured for the Okwawu Utd, Black Starlets, Black Satellites and the Black Stars. He was a member of the victorious U20 squad who exceled at the African Youth Cup in Mauritius and the FIFA Under 20 in Australia in 1993. He also played for SVG Bleiburg in Belgium Premier and first Division as well as in Austria.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghanaian sprinter, Joseph Paul Amoah, has graduated from Coppin State University in the United States of America with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Joseph Amoah was part of Ghana’s 4x100m men’s relay team that won gold at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco.

Before participating in the 2019 African Games, the 23-year-old officially became the first Ghanaian across all sports to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Joseph Paul Amoah posted some of his graduation photos on Instagram today.

He wrote: “Not about Where you are, but WHO you are… 2020 was my most anticipated year but hasn’t been the best so far. In all things, we give thanks to GOD.”

Amoah, an alumnus of Prempeh College, transferred from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to Coppin State University in 2017 on athletic scholarship.

In June 2019, Amoah smashed Ghana’s 200m national record with a Personal Best of 20.08 seconds (wind+2.0), breaking the 24-year-old record set in 1995 by Emmanuel Tuffour.

Joseph Paul Amoah, in February 2020, regained his 200m Indoor National record after clocking 20.75 seconds in the Bruce Lehane Scarlet and White Invitational competition in Boston, USA.

Source - Athletics Hour Show

 Meet Sylvia Dogah, a professional fitness trainer and now the first and only female to represent Ghana at an international kickboxing tournament.

Sylvia hails from Mepe in the Volta Region and she makes history as the only female kick boxer representing Ghana in the upcoming Russian Grand Prix in Arab boxing from the 21st of April to 1st May 2021.

Sylvia is determined to build a Professional career out of fitness and has embarked on a “stay fit” and “Drink water” campaign for sometime now, advising people on the need to drink water and take care of their bodies.

She is hopeful to return home with laurels as she dreams of going to the Olympics and winning medals for Ghana in Professional kickboxing.

And great news is that the MP for North Tongu Hon Okudzeto Ablakwa is supporting Sylvia with Cash and Kind to make her dreams of winning medals as well as build a career out of her passion for the sports materialize.

Source - Cecil Stanley Teiko Tagoe Tagoe

Bukom born heavyweight boxer Ebenezer Tetteh who weighed 234.6 lbs struggled to defeat fellow Ghanaian Osmanu Haruna via a R7 Knock out to win the WBA Pan Africa heavyweight title at the Cahaya Lounge.

Stout Osmanu Haruna who scaled 276.0 lbs at the weigh in looked more confident at the start of the fight, but got tired and allowed the taller opponent to ride to victory.

Ebenezer Tetteh said he will revenge an old debt when they were both amateur boxers and he rightly did it to the amazement of his coaches.

On the exiting night at East Legon, Isaac Sackey defended his WBO Africa Super Bantamweight title against Gabriel Odoi Laryea.

In the main bout, super Flyweight, Prince Patel from the United Kingdom put up a good show dropping Julius Kisarawe from Tanzania twice in the ninth  round to win via TKO to claim the WBO Africa, WBO Global, Commonwealth and IBF Intercontinental titles.

New kid on the block Mohammed Nii Ayikwei Aryeetey won, while. the females Lucy Wildheart and Flora Machela from UK and Tanzania also put up a splendid performance.

Lucy Wildheart was declared winner on points.

The proprietor of Cahaya Lounge, D. K thanked all boxing fans  who made it a memorable one on Saturday, March 27. 2021.

Michael Patterson, the match maker said SQAO Empire Promotions have more entertaining bouts coming up at different locations in Accra to bring back the interest in boxing..

By Sammy Heywood Okine

In compliance with the decision of the Executive Council of the GFA for all matches to be played behind closed doors, the following Modalities shall continue to apply:

1. Only players and technical team of both clubs with validated licenses and accreditation.
2. Appointed match officials (Referees, Match Commissioner, GFA Cameramen and women and Venue Media Officer).
3. Organizers (GFA Competitions Department), Stadium Owners and Managing Staff.
4. Ten (10) Ball Retrievers.
5. Only Twenty (20) members of Home Club’s Management and Executives to sign upon entry at the stadium main gate.
6. Only Ten (10) members of Away club’s management and Executives to sign upon entry at the stadium main gate.
7. StarTimes crew (live matches)
8. Maximum Thirty (30) media houses (depending on stadium size) (List to be provided by GFA, VMO). One journalist per media station. Interested media to contact the Communications Department of the GFA or VMO.
9. Ten (10) Medical personnel, that is, uniform Red Cross and/or St Johns Ambulance.
10. Security (Police, Club Safety and Security Officer). Home Club to invite and take care of security.
11. Two (2) Club media officers each for home and away clubs.
12. One Club Cameramen for official video (only when GFA has written an approval letter for filming by the club)
13. No other spectator or person whatsoever would be allowed in the stadium. Severe sanctions shall be applied when there are violations. Match Commissioners and the Monitoring Team shall report on this without fail.
14. No complimentary tickets shall be issued. All attendees to sign their names.
15. Stakeholders (especially Match Commissioners) are hereby notified to take note of these decisions and act accordingly.

GFA Communications Department

Switzerland's Patrick Schoen and Austria's Mia Liepert beat their opponents in two straight sets to win their respective Boys and Girls title of the 2021 Tennis Foundation Ghana Accra Open- Accra ITF  J5 held at the National Tennis Centre, Accra.

Mia Liepert defeated her opponent Hephzibah Oluwadare from Great Britain 6-3, 6-2 in the Girl's singles final while 2019 Switzerland 14 and under Champion- Patrick Schoen ousted Portuguese Tiago Boschmans 6-2, 6-3.

In the first final of the day which was  played behind closed doors with zero spectators under the ITF  Covid -19 rules. The 17-year old Mia Liepert displayed poise and technique which belied her years on the way to a comfortable win over her opponent Hephzibah.

Mia dominated all the rallies in the game from the baseline to win her first title in 2021.

In the boys final, Patrick was clinical on the hard court, cruising to a win in 1hr10mins to maintain a record of not dropping a set this week.

In the doubles event, French duo Victor Paganetti and Sacha Grandvincent won the boys doubles event after overcoming Sweden's William Alsterback and Germany's Bon Lou Karstens 6-4, 1-6, 10-8.

Great Britain's pair; Hephzibah Oluwadare and Flora Johnson also won the girls doubles beating France's Shanice Roignot and Romania's Diana Maria Ilie in a game that ended 6-3, 6-4.

The weeklong event was sponsored by Tennis Foundation Ghana, Second Serve Tennis Shop, Mcdan Security (AfWest) ITAKOL, Bebiees Event, Nii Noi CanDo and GIHOC Distilleries.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

Madam Elizabeth Safoa King, Chairperson of the Women’s Commission of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has sent an Easter message of good will to all sportsmen and women.

She said Easter is a special time to show love, peace and unity among families and friends.

The Vice President of Ghana Hockey and treasurer of African Hockey congratulated the newly elected GOC Executive Board led by Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah and wished them knowledge and wisdom to direct and guide Ghana Sports to success in the next four years.

She appealed for amendments in the GOC constitution to allow more females on the executive board, as well as representatives of the security services who contribute a lot to the development and promotion of sports in the country.

According to Madam King, as the Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020 approach, she prays that corporate Ghana will support the efforts of the GOC and the qualified athletes.

Madam King hoped that more females will qualify, as she bang her hopes on the amazing high jumper Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah, long jumper Deborah Acquah, female athletes relay squad, and female swimmer Kaya Forson.

Currently only one female athlete, Nadia Eke (triple jumper) has qualified alongside, Joseph Amoah, Ben Azamati and three boxers.

She urged Ghanaian sports people to think about the future with African Games 2023 in mind and contribute to make in memorable.

“Christ died and His last words were 'it is Finished ' He has done His part so we have to strife in all aspects of our lifes and endeavours. Let us as women in sports strive for perfection. The creek word 'it is finished' is Telestai- the battle is won, victory is won let us then actualize this in all sporting activities we engage in until the battle is won, the sports we engage in is won. Let us also forgive others the way Christ has forgiven us so that as united we can win. I wish them all a happy Easter festivities and to also reflect on what we did wrong and how we can right it to move forward and win” she expressed.

She finally reminded Ghanaians to beware of Covid -19 and comply with the health and safety protocols.

Madam Gloria Commodore, a member of the Women’s Commission and President of Women In Sports Association (WISA) has also wished Ghanaians “A Happy Easter”

By Sammy Heywood Okine

13 years old Joseph Awinongya Jnr. on Saturday April 3, 2021 beat Lamar Asante in the finals of the USA National Boxing Competition to win his eighth championship title belt.

Joseph Awinongya Jnr. made his way to the finals in the 106 lbs weight classification after going pass Rubio Gabriel and Alexander Hom in the semis and quarter finals respectively.

Lamar Asante overcame Wilson-Brito Devon to book his place in the finals.

Both boxers of Ghanaian decendants really showed class and preparedness for the future.

Awinongya Jnr. took advantage of his reach, height and effective jabs combined with left and right hooks to dominate the rounds.

His dad / trainer Joseph Awinongya Snr. and the entire family was very happy with his performance. “ Joseph looks sharp, and am proud of him, we are getting back to the gym on Tuesday” he told Yours Truly.

The Boxing fraternity in Ghana, Boxing Writers, Boxing Ghana News and Friends of Boxing, Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GBSU) are very happy with this achievement and wish him more success.

The 2020 /21 USA Nationals come on from 25th March to 3rd April in Louisiana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

During a football match between the Netherlands and Latvia in Amsterdam last Saturday, a study was conducted by Fieldlab Events to find out if spectators could safely attend sports matches in stadiums during the Covid-19 pandemic. A model which may be taken up for other events, including the Eurovision song contest 2021 in May.

This was the ninth such study conducted by Fieldlab Events during not just football matches but also music festivals.

According to Professor Andreas Voss of Radboud University, who is the lead researcher of the project, these studies could provide a template for people to attend sports and cultural events during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Pre-testing and creating bubbles are the major part of our study. In case, someone tests positive for Covid-19 after the event, bubbles allow us to limit the infection and also lets us know who to follow. This would let more people attend events instead of limiting the participants to a certain number," he told RFI.

The company is now in the process of gathering and analysing the data retrieved from the Netherlands-Latvia football match last Saturday, where 5000 spectators were allowed inside the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Everyone admitted had to show a negative test for Covid-19.

It was mandatory to do the rapid antigen test 24 hours before the end of the event which meant a majority of the spectators tested on the same day of the match.

There were eight different bubbles, or groups of people, that were completely separated from each other, with the biggest bubble consisting of 1000 people.

"People from different bubbles arrived at different times. They used separate entrances and exits. And people from different bubbles couldn't meet each other. This was to ensure that if there was a problem with someone, it would be limited to the bubble. They were seated as per a chessboard pattern that we had used in earlier events," Voss said.

Mathematical risk model

With the exception of one bubble in which some spectators were allowed to not put the masks on, all the other attendees had to wear masks.

Those who were asked not to wear masks, were also participating in a research project on the production of aerosols.

All the spectators also had to wear a device that allowed the researchers to track their contacts during the match. "Each device constantly sends signals which are received by other trackers. The time it takes for the signal to hit other devices allows us to calculate the distance between the spectators and the time."

Researchers were mainly interested in those spectators who were within 1.5 metres of each other. The data collected during the match will go into a mathematical model called risk model. "This allows us to to calculate the risk per hour to a person at the event," Voss said.

Voss added that they could communicate with all the participants thanks to a special app. "The only way to procure a ticket was through this app. So everyone had to install it. We asked everyone to test on the fifth day after the event."

If some attendees test positive after the event, the researchers get in touch with them who are then asked to take measures such as self isolation. According to Voss, in the first six events, five people tested positive after the events.

The Dutch minister for Culture announced on Thursday this week that the Eurovision song contest, scheduled to be held in Rotterdam in 18-22 May would be an appropriate time to carry out similar "tests" in controlled environments.

A maximum of 3,500 spectators would be allowed to watch the nine concerts, with access in exchange for a negative Covid test.

The government has warned however that this plan could be modified depending on the number of infections recorded at the end of April when a final decision will be made.

By RFI

Joseph Awinongya Jnr will face Asante Lamar in the finals of the USA National Boxing Competition today at 11AM in ring 2 for bout 2.

Joseph Awinongya Jnr. made his way to the finals after going pass Rubio Gabriel. He will face Lamar Asante in the finals of the USA National Boxing Competition today at 11am USA time and 4pm Ghana time.

Lamar Asante defeated Wilson-Brito Devon to book his place in the finals.

Both boxers are orthodox but occasionally Asante switches the the southpaw stance.

Awinongya Jnr. has reach and height advantage and will be looking to dominate all 3 rounds by using the long jab and the left and right hooks.

The Boxing Community in Ghana, Boxing Ghana and Friends of Boxing wish him victory.

By Sammy Heywood Okine