President of Ghana Olympics Committee (GOC) Ben Nunoo Mensah has pledged that the Committee will support the National Beach Soccer team the Black Sharks as they bid to make it to the Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations tournament.

The GOC President made this known when he visited the Black Sharks at their training base at Laboma Beach Resort as they count down to the first leg of the qualifier on March 27, 2021 against Uganda.

According to Ben Nunoo Mensah, the nation is behind the team and they will be supported to fly out to Uganda.

"You have to be in Uganda so whatever the GOC will do together with your management team with the GFA as well, to make sure that you will be able to get tickets, enough funds to go and represent Ghana will be done," he said.

Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coastal Development Authority (CODA),  now the new President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF) added: "Go and give us the medals, I have spoken to the GOC president and your management so whatever support there is for Beach Soccer will be given."

Meanwhile, captain of the Black Sharks Michael Sema has reiterated their desire to qualify and further win the African Cup of Nations Beach Soccer.

He added that, the Black Satellites' triumph in the just ended U-20 AFCON has motivated them.

“We congratulate the Black Satellites, we are are very motivated by what they did. We also want to go out there and do our best to beat Uganda to qualify for the Afcon in Senegal. Even though we have not been playing regularly due to Covid-19, we are determined to give our best,” he said.

Source: Primenewsghana.com

The 43rd CAF General Assembly, meeting today, 12 March 2021 in Rabat, Morocco, elected Dr Patrice Motsepe, as President of CAF.

Dr Motsepe, who becomes the seventh person to occupy the position of CAF President, begins his four-year term after being elected unopposed by the Member Associations of CAF, present in Rabat.

Going to the General Assembly, Africa adopted a unity stance which saw other three candidates, namely Augustin Senghor, Ahmed Yahya and Jacques Anouma withdraw from the race to be President.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was in attendance in Rabat in his remarks in the General Assembly commended the African Member Associates for the unity they have displayed in the last few weeks.

Dr. Motsepe, 59, is an accomplished South African businessman and philanthropist and no stranger to football. For almost two decades, he has been the President of a South African club, Mamelodi Sundowns.

In his first address as CAF President, Dr Motsepe spoke about creating a « new CAF » that will take African football to new heights.

“I’m very excited. There is a great deal of urgency of getting things done. There is a going to be a lot of work and a lot of running. We have to make sure that African football is not just competitive but globally successful. Africa spends millions of dollars every year paying for tv rights of leagues outside Africa. There is a need to build our own products and we will succeed.

“The face of African football will never be the same again. 95% of our conversations will be about football and that is fine but there must be that 5% where we discuss the importance of the private sector partnerships. We need to restore the pride, the dignity and the respect of Africa,” said Dr Motsepe.

“There is a great deal of urgency and this is something we all know. One of the things I’m going to propose is that we need to meet regularly as the Member Associates Presidents. We need to close the distance between the members and CAF. I believe we have a clear understanding of what needs to be done. At times we find fancy words to describe what needs to be done but the most important thing is implementation.”

Dr Motsepe has committed to visiting each of the 54 Member Associates of CAF as part of a plan to understand the problems facing Member Associates and also to assist in creating better relations with the corporate world.

The supreme body of CAF also approved important decisions:

• The activity report and financial statements as of June 30, 2020, as well as the budget for 2021-2022 estimated at $ 118 million, of which $97 million will be devoted to football development.
• The increase in the number of Vice-Presidents from three to five in order to ensure better representation of all the components of CAF within the Bureau of the Executive Committee
• Better precision in the limits of the exercise of eligibility control by the governance committee of CAF, in particular for the President and members of the FIFA Council.
• The modification of the conditions of admission to the quality of members of the organization.

ELECTIVE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESULTS

CAF PRESIDENT

Dr. Patrice Motsepe (Afrique du Sud)

FIFA Council                                       

Francophone

Mathurin de Chacus (Benin) / Mamoutou Toure (Mali)

Anglophone

Amaju Melvin Pinnick (Nigeria)

Arabophone Hispanophone Lusophone

Hani Abo Rida (Egypt) / Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco) m

Women Representative

Isha Johansen (Sierra Leone)

CAF EXECUTIVE

Women Representative

Kanizat IBRAHIM (Comoros)

North Zone

Wadie Jary (Tunisia)

West Zone A

Mustapha Ishola Raji (Liberia)

West Zone B

Djibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger)

Central Zone

Seidou Mbombo Njoya (Cameroon)

Centre-East Zone

Suleiman Waberi (Djibouti)

South Zone

Evlis Raja Chetty (Seychelles) / Maclean Cortez LETSHWITI (Botswana)

Short Profile: Dr Patrice Motsepe

• Name: Dr. Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe
• Age: 59 (born: 28 January 1962)
• Nationality: South Africa
• Founder and Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals
• President of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club (since 2003)
• Founder of African Rainbow Capital (2016)
• Founder of Motsepe Foundation (together with Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe): (1999)
• Bought low-producing gold mine shafts and turned them profitable (1997)
• Former partner at Bowman Gilfillan Law firm in Johannesburg (1994)

Background Information: CAF Presidents:

• Abdel Aziz Abdallah Salem (Egypt): 1957 – 1958
• Abdel Aziz Mostafa (Egypt): 1958 – 1968
• Abdel Halim Mohamed (Sudan): 1968 – 1972
• Ydnekatchew Tessema (Ethiopia): 1972 – 1987
• Abdel Halim Mohamed (Sudan): 1987 – 1988
• Issa Hayatou: (Cameroon): 1988 – 2017
• Ahmad Ahmad: (Madagascar: 2017 – 2021
• Patrice Motsepe: (South Africa) 2021 –

By Cafonline

New sensation Samuel Takyi aka ‘Ring Warrior’ was bold to promise Ghana a gold medal at the virtual Media  Launch of the 2020  Olympic Games at the premises of GTV Sports+ on Friday 12th March, 2021.

The 20 year old boxer from the Discipline Gym in Accra who defeated the African number one in the Featherweight division at the Olympic Qualifiers in Senegal last year said he will put the medal on the neck of top sports host Karl Tuffour if all goes well.

Samuel Takyi and Sulamanu Tetteh were the special guests together with Coach Dr. Ofori Asare of the Black Bombers at the event.

Ghana Olympic Committee President Ben Nunoo Mensah hoped that more athletes will qualify to represent Ghana.

He appealed to corporate Ghana to support sports as the athletes need motivation and inspiration to compete at the highest level.

He revealed Team Ghana will have a place to stay and train in Japan ahead of the Olympic Games.

He congratulated the IOC President Thomas Bach on his re – election saying he is creative and charismatic leader who has brought much to the sports fraternity by fighting corruption and drug cheats.

Chef du Mission, Mr. Mike Aggrey also the President of Ghana Golf Association said many lessons have been learnt form previous competitions and it is time to find solutions and get the nation the much needed gold medal which a young boxer has promised.

He appealed to companies to support the athletes so that their dreams would be realized.

Four athletes have so far qualified to represent Ghana, the others are Nadia Eke for Triple Jump and 200m runner Joseph Amoah.

Jamaican athlete, Asafa Powell who is married to a Ghanaian wife graced the program via Zoom by advising athletes to be focused and believe in themselves and be proud of their country.

Ghana's Ambassador to Japan HE Frank Okyere was on the show with a message to commend the Ghana Olympic Committee and promised to support Team Ghana.

Ben Nunoo Mensah with the support of the Chef du Mission and the Black Bombers declared Ghana is ready and will abide by all Covid – 19 safety protocols.

Present at the launch were Madam Farida of Ghana Swimming, Mohammed Mahadi of Ghana Fencing, Melvin Brown of Ghana Karate do, Mohammed Saahnon of Ghana Cycling and Albert Frimpong of Ghana Baseball and Softball as well as Skate Soccer.

Also present were 2012 Olympian, Jessie Manyo Plange, 2016 Olympian Wahid Omar. Kobby Jones of the GOC Communications Department, Joojo Ephson, a sports journalist / Communications Director of the Ghana Boxing Amateur Federation and Elizabeth Alhassan, Media Attache of Ghana Karate do and African Sports Media Ghana Directorate.

By Sammy Heywood Okine  GOC Communications

On March 11, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee updated attendees of the 137th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session on its final preparations, promising to deliver “safety first” Olympic and Paralympic Games that will excite and inspire the world.

Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko and CEO Muto Toshiro outlined the progress being made as preparations for this year’s Games enter the final stages. With the Olympic Torch Relay beginning on 25 March, and 18 test events taking place from April onwards, momentum is really beginning to build in Japan.

Both Hashimoto and Muto acknowledged those events will be important milestones as Tokyo 2020 works towards delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games later this year. Hashimoto explained: “As President of Tokyo 2020, I will work to implement a flawless system of preparations for the Games. These will be Games that everyone, both in Japan and around the world, can agree will be safe and secure... I will continue to strengthen our collaboration with stakeholders as we prepare for safe and secure Games – safety first.”

Following the publication of the first edition of key stakeholder playbooks in February, the finer details of the COVID-19 countermeasures continue to be worked on in preparation of the publication of the second edition by the end of April. As part of this planning process, Hashimoto explained that her experience (as a seven-time Olympian and a Chef de Mission) will ensure that athletes remain at the heart of the decision-making. She said: “Let me speak as an athlete, as well as the President of Tokyo 2020. We are doing everything possible to prepare for safe and secure Games for stakeholders and citizens alike. I am committed to creating an environment where the athletes of the world can perform with confidence and pride.”

The Session also heard about two important, upcoming decisions that will impact fans. CEO Muto explained that a decision on whether overseas spectators will be allowed to attend the Games will be made prior to the start of the Olympic Torch Relay later this month. Thereafter, a decision on venue capacity is also expected in April.

In addition to health and safety matters, Hashimoto outlined the progress being made in relation to equality. She highlighted the appointment of 12 female members to the Tokyo 2020 Executive Board, increasing female representation to 42 per cent, as well as the establishment of a Gender Equality Promotion team, headed by Sports Director Kotani Mikako.

Reflecting on the unique experiences learned since the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Games, Hashimoto and Muto shared their belief with the Session that the Tokyo 2020 Games can be used as a model to benefit the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

Following this, in his report, the IOC’s Tokyo 2020 Coordination Commission Chair, John Coates, congratulated organisers on their progress, reaffirming his belief that Tokyo is still the best prepared city in Games history, despite experiencing very challenging circumstances.

AIPS

Striker Brian Brobbey [Left], with RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche [Right]. Photo credit/RB Leipzig

The Sporting Director for RB Leipzig, Markus Krösche has revealed that the club opted to sign talented striker Brian Brobbey because he fits the profile of the club.

The German Bundesliga outfit on Friday afternoon announced to confirm that they have secured the services of the Dutch-born striker of Ghanaian descent on a free transfer from Ajax Amsterdam.

“We're delighted to announce the signing of Brian #Brobbey on a four-year deal from AFC Ajax in summer 2021.

“Brian Brobbey will join RB Leipzig from Dutch record champions Ajax on 1 July 2021. The 19-year-old has signed a four-year deal until 2025,” an official announcement from RB Leipzig said on Friday.

Speaking on the signing of the prolific striker, RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche has emphasized that the club is excited with the acquisition of a player who has displayed that he can excel on the big stage.

"As a young, very versatile, and determined player, Brian Brobbey fits the profile of an RB Leipzig player very well.

 “He has shown with Ajax that he can do it on the big stage in Europe. We’re delighted that Brian has opted to join us, as he had several offers from top clubs around Europe. We will enjoy having him in the coming season,” Markus Krösche said as quoted on the website of RB Leipzig.

ModernGhana

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stressed the importance of "team spirit" to project African football to the top of the world in his address to the 43rd CAF Ordinary and Elective General Assembly that took place today in Rabat.

"We know the values of football, but the most important value is team spirit. This is the team spirit that we have witnessed these days in Africa."

Referring to the future of African football, the FIFA President said: "I have already said it, and I say it again. We must stop saying that it is necessary to develop African football. It is about projecting it to the summit of world football. The time for talking has stopped. We must move on, and we must move on as a team: as a CAF team and a FIFA team that also includes all the confederations and associations from all over the world. You are CAF. You are FIFA."

In relation to Patrice Motsepe, who was today elected as the new CAF President, the FIFA President commented: "I want to wish all the very best for the next four years, to the new leading team of CAF, of African football, and to Patrice Motsepe, to all those who have been involved, to Augustin, Ahmed, Jacques and everyone. I want to assure you that FIFA is not at your side. FIFA is together with you."

The full speech of FIFA President Gianni Infantino at today's 43rd CAF Ordinary and Elective General Assembly is available here.

FIFA

South Africa's Patrice Motsepe is the new president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after being elected unopposed on Friday.

The 59-year-old's path to the presidency was cleared over the last week when his rival candidates for the presidency withdrew from the race, while another rival - Madagascar's Ahmad - was barred from running.

Addressing a gathering of Africa's member associations at the elections venue in the Moroccan capital Rabat, Motsepe stressed his belief in how unity can herald a new era for African football.

"It's a huge honour and privilege for me [to be Caf president]," said Motsepe, Africa's ninth-richest person according to Forbes magazine.

"Let me thank my brother [Fifa president] Gianni [Infantino] for the vision and encouragement of unity. We can only deal with the challenges of Africa and we will succeed, but we will only do so when we are united."

Motsepe then turned to Africa's assembled member association presidents and Executive Committee as he looked towards a brighter future.

"The leadership we have in Africa [and] the leadership we have of football in every country gives me confidence and inspires me.

"I am absolutely confident that by working together, we will indeed succeed to make African football not just reach the summit but be amongst the best in the world."

Motsepe, the owner of 2016 African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa's most successful teams, has previously spoken of his desire to see an African team win the World Cup.

By BBC Africa

Akwasi Prempeh, PGA golf tournament director  has commended the Achimota Golf Club for their readiness to host the 2021 edition of the PGA Qualifiers.

He said the players are also ready waiting for the tee off on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

“The course is green and ready, and we are hopeful of a competitive event to select the best golfers in Ghana” he said.

He expressed that over 50 golfers have registered to play to qualify for the finals at Damang tournament.

He thanked Gold Fields Ghana who have placed an amount of 35, 000ghc for tournament.

According to Prempeh 3,500ghc has been put aside for the winner in the regular event, while the winner of seniors will take home 1, 450ghc.

In all there are 23 prizes at stake for players who excel, as well as the right to be represented at th final.

He thanked Gold Fields Damang for their support towards professional golfers and the management of Achimota Golf Club for accepting to host the qualifiers, and all those involved in the planning and preparations for the tournament.

The three day event will end on March 19, 2021.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The 2021 Gold Fields PGA  Golf  Qualifying Tournament comes off at the Achimota Golf Club from 17th to 19th March, 2021

Mr. Ahmed Padori, Director of Operations for PGA of Ghana in an exclusive interview with Nana Prempeh of Power FM said 21 players will qualify in the first phase at Achimota for the main tournament.

He expressed that the second tournament will be held at the Sakumono Celebrity Golf Club, however the date is yet to be announced.

He said Gold Fields Ghana has put at stake fantastic prizes for the players who will excel, and there would be dignitaries to grace the event.

According to him, though golf is not a contact sport, all the Covid -19 safety protocols will be observed.

Meanwhile, the Achimota Golf Course is set to host the event and all professional players are preparing seriously to win.

In a separate interview with Akwasi Prempeh, tournament director,  he expressed his satisfaction with the preparations made so far.

He noted that the Achimota course is green as preparations have been made and every one is ready. He commended the managers of the course for the great work in preparation for the big event.

Over 50 top professional golfers from all over the country are expected to participate in the tournament to find the best players to represent Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Ben Nunoo-Mensah says his first four-year term of office witnessed the most dramatic improvement in the activities of national sporting federations in the country.

He revealed that in the 2019/2020 sporting year, the GOC released $126,716 to all national sporting federations, including the Women Commission, Ghana Squash and the Ghana Football Association.

Making a case for his re-election for another four-year term, Mr Nunoo Mensah told the Graphic Sports that despite inheriting inadequate finances, his administration still managed to spread the benefits to all sporting federations.

“When we took over the GOC had only one headline sponsor, Cocoa from Ghana, but now we have secured additional sponsors from PaySwitch Ghana, McDan Group, Mobility International, Decker Engineering, Directline Risk Consult, Toyota Ghana, Ashfoam, Allied Oil, Republic Bank, Indomie and Twellium Industries,” he disclosed.

The GOC goes to congress on March 15 to elect new executives, with 35 persons submitting nomination forms to contest 19 positions.

Mr Nunoo Mensah faces competition from the organisation's General Secretary, Richard Akpokavie, for the top post.

The GOC president said if re-elected his strategic focus for the next four years would be massive infrastructure development, development of athletes and growth of the least financed sporting disciplines.

“We have started work on the Amasaman OlympAfrica Project and cleared the site at a cost of GH¢35,000 which was paid by myself and my company for the construction works, while I managed to get ANOCA to revive their interest in the Amasaman stadium. I made a promise to invest $150,000 in the project once it got started again,” he told the Graphic Sports.

Mr Nunoo Mensah said he was committed to strengthening the sub-committees of the GOC, which was headed by other national federation heads by equipping them financially and with the needed infrastructure.

The former President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, Mr Nunoo Mensah who provided a motor bike to dispatch letters pledged to renovate the GOC office, improve the conditions of service for its staff, rehabilitate the GOC bus and acquire a vehicle for the day to day running of their office at Ridge, Accra.

He charged the delegates to make a good choice because they would see the benefits of re-electing him to lead the country's Olympic movement.

“I will continue to engage media attaches for all sports federations to promote the various sporting federations.”

By Graphic.com.gh