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Let’s support Kurt to climb up
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Life has been cruelly unfriendly to many people; conversely, others have been at the gleaming end of the same rod.
It is often said life is generally unfair. Others say, life is how you make it. Well, it depends on which side of this philosophy you belong.
Admittedly, however, one could be struck by a whammy of misfortune when least expected.
The story of former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, is still freshly etched on the minds of Ghanaians and the world at large.
Nyantakyi, was the First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) – just a step away from becoming the eventual boss, when he was removed from office and subsequently banned, following the Anas Aremeyaw Anas Number 12 Investigations that exposed some heart-rending rot in Ghana and African football.
Some believe the exit of Nyantakyi was a finely-orchestrated one by his ‘avowed enemies’ who could not stand his meteoric rise – from West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B boss, CAF Veep to FIFA Council member, having occupied the GFA seat too for a decade and three years.
It was very pathetic the way Nyantakyi, the man whose administration took Ghana to its first World Cup (Germany 2006) – topping up with two more Mundials (South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014), ended an otherwise illustrious, magnificent career.
Indeed, several experts and disciples of the continental game had predicted Nyantakyi was going to become the first Ghanaian CAF President.
Willy-nilly, it is history now and we can only learn from the bitter past as we plunge into what seemed to be an unknown but bubbling future.
Gracefully, the current President of the GFA, Kurt E.S Okraku, was recently co-opted onto the Executive Committee of CAF, a position that could be made regular in the coming months, all things being equal. It is good news! It is what Ghana needs!
Like Nyantakyi, Kurt was unanimously approved as the WAFU Zone B President, coming on the heels of his election as Ghana FA boss.
Nature has a way of rewarding people; sometimes harshly and other times pleasantly smooth. But whatever happens to you might be an upshot of present or previous engagements, especially with those who appear closest to you.
It is the reason Kurt would have to take a leaf from Nyantakyi’s never-to-be-forgotten experience so he does not fall into that damning pit.
As he silently aspires to work his socks off to the summit of African and world football, he has to be cautious with those he call friends and cronies.
People who will plot his downfall would not descend from space; they are close to him – and dine with him. Of course, there are very loyal ones amongst them and we need no one to tell Kurt who they are!
For now, let us as a people goad Kurt on – give him the needed backing in his quest to climb the higher echelons of football.
The usual attitude of shooting ourselves, pulling ourselves down and killing our own selves must be discarded for the common Ghanaian interest.
Let’s protect him. Let’s guide him. Let’s pray for him for he has few more steps to climb.
PlainTalk With John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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