Sports
Black Stars coaches hold meeting in London ahead of 2023 AFCON qualifiers
The Black Stars’ technical team, led by head coach Otto Addo, converged in London to discuss the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ghana has been paired in the same group with Madagascar, Angola and the Central African Republic (CAR) in the qualifiers for the tournament, which will be hosted by the Ivory Coast next year.
The Black Stars will host Madagascar at the Cape Coast Stadium on June 1, before taking on CAR four days later.
Ahead of the two games, Ghana’s interim head coach Addo, technical director Chris Hughton and assistant coach George Boateng converged in England.
It is believed that the trio discussed squad selection and other matters relating to the upcoming crucial matches against Madagascar and CAR.
After the AFCON qualifiers, Ghana will immediately begin its preparation for the 2022 World Cup with a four-nation tournament that includes Japan, Chile and Tunisia.
Dubbed the 2022 Kirin Super Cup, the tournament will be hosted by Japan from Friday, June 10, 2022 to Tuesday, June 14, 2022.
A statement from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in April said the Black Stars will face hosts Japan in their opening game while Tunisia also takes on Chile.
The winners of both matches will then clash in the final four days later, with the losers also facing off for the third and fourth places.
Ghana qualified for the World Cup in March following a 1-1 aggregate scoreline against rivals Nigeria in a two-legged playoff in March.
The Black Stars drew goalless with the Super Eagles in Kumasi before securing a 1-1 draw far away in Abuja to qualify on away goals.
Otto Addo’s side has since been paired in a tricky Group H of the World Cup, alongside Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
Source: www.pulse.com.gh
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced minimum monthly salaries for players in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DOL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
According to the Association, the move is part of efforts to improve the welfare of footballers and make Ghana’s domestic leagues more professional and competitive.
The decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GFA and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) ahead of the Association’s last Congress.
One key outcome of that partnership was the introduction of a standard contract for professional players, which has already been implemented by Premier League clubs.
After further discussions with the clubs, the GFA and its partners agreed that players in the Ghana Premier League will now earn a minimum net monthly salary of GHS 1,500.
Players in the Division One League and the Women’s Premier League will each receive a minimum of GHS 700.
The new salary structure will apply to all contracts signed during the next registration window. However, for players already under contract, the new rates will take effect at the start of the 2026/2027 league season.
The GFA explained that the introduction of minimum salaries is a major step toward protecting the welfare of players and ensuring fair compensation for their talent and hard work.
It added that the decision is aimed at raising standards in local leagues, strengthening the value of Ghanaian football, and creating a more professional and sustainable future for players and clubs.
Attention will be at the Golden City Park in Berekum tomorrow as Hearts of Oak lock horns with Berekum Chelsea FC in a Ghana Premier League Matchday 6 game that promises an electrifying atmosphere.
Lying sixth on the league table with two wins and three draws, the Phobians visit a ground that has been favourable to them in recent times. In their last three visits to the Golden City Park, Hearts have amassed seven out of nine points, putting them in strong contention to win.
Head Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says, “The team is making progress in its tactical identity despite the lack of goals, and this is something we are working on ahead of this game.”
Hearts will come face-to-face with former coach Samuel Boadu, whose side lies a distant 13th on the league table with a win and a draw from four games. Coach Boadu is yet to celebrate a victory over the Phobians since joining the Berekum lads and would hope this fixture marks a turnaround.
Ninth-placed Vision FC would trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to play Bechem United, while new boys Hohoe United host Aduana FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium.
Returnees Swedru All Blacks will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Swedru Sports Stadium, with defending league champions Bibiani Gold Stars staying put at their backyard, the Dun’s Park, to welcome second-placed Heart of Lions FC on Monday.
Today at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa, Medeama SC will clash with Samartex FC in a Western derby. Other games scheduled for today would see Eleven Wonders FC host Karela United at the Swedru Sports Stadium, while Dreams FC face Nations FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.
By Raymond Ackumey
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