Sports
Freezy MacBones era of Black Bombers
Freezy MacBones – Black Bombers latest kid on the block
In the absence of major development on the local boxing scene, the invitation of Seth Gyimah, a UK-based Ghanaian pugilist seems to have dominated the sports airwaves and print space.
Affectionately known as ‘Freezy MacBones’ obvi¬ously for his masculine cut frame, he emerged from the doldrums as a labourer at a construction site in Ghana.
But a quest to travel to the UK for greener pasture landed him in a boxing gym in London, turning him into a sensational boxer making waves with just two profes¬sional bouts.
He is back on the invita¬tion of the Ghana Boxing Fed¬eration (GBF), Ghana Olym¬pic Committee (GOC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) to join the Black Bombers, the boxing national team, in their preparation for Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers in Senegal in a few weeks’ time.
Contrasting opinions have been shared on the move but one cannot begrudge the GBF, GOC and MoYS as Ghana appear to be losing her status as one of the formidable nations, as far as amateur
boxing was concerned.
In the past, the nation could bet its last penny on a medal for the Black Bombers at events such as the Afri¬can Games, Olympic Games among others when all other disciplines failed.
But that period have gone with the Black Bombers strug¬gling to even gain qualifica¬tion to such events.
That anxiety bounce back to its glory days may possibly have influenced the GBF’s de¬cision to scout all around the world to assemble the very best boxers for the Senegal qualifiers to increase its pres¬ence in Paris next year.
But it appears those con¬cerns have been nipped in the bud since he started training with the team under Coach Ofori Asare.
The onus now rest on Freezy MacBones to justify his inclusion in the team. With¬out doubt, he would be seen as a ‘stranger’ from certain quarters because it will take him some time to get used to the surroundings and familiar¬ise with the new boxers.
From my point of view, Freezy MacBones’, inclusion in the team is no guarantee for success.
Former world champion, Isaac Dogboe, once walked on this same path amidst some level of fanfare but despite the hard work he put in, he failed to realise the ultimate dream of a gold medal for Ghana despite going on to become a world champion.
That is where my caution lies for the GBF – to be cir¬cumspect with their commen¬taries on MacBones’ invitation for the fans to be modest in their expectation.
With his unbeaten status, it would be normal for fans to have high expectations but it would be important for the same fans to know that this is a boxer that had his first fight in March 10, 2023 against Christopher Wood in the super middleweight division at the Yorke Hall in the UK.
In less than a month, he fought Darryl Sharp in light heavyweight at the Copper Box Arena in the UK and won on points.
It may be a very good start for such a promising talent but that does not also mean he would have his way at the amateur level which also comes with a totally different style which he must try and adjust fast enough.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
