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‘I went into coaching to avoid slipping into depression’ – Essien
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Former Ghana and Chelsea star, Michael Essien, opened up on his decision to go into coaching following his retirement from active football.
Essien, 41, who holds a UEFA License A coaching certificate, has been working as an Individual Player Coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland since 2020.
In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports Editor, Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, at the club’s base in Farum, the former Lyon and Real Madrid star said he never intended to enter coaching after his career, but soon made the decision because he did not want to be at home depressed after his career.
“When I was playing, if you asked me if I wanted to go into coaching, I would say no,” he began.
“But as time passed, I started thinking: I’ve been in football all my life; why not take up coaching and acquire my licenses to still stay in football and be around the players?
“I took this decision to go into coaching because I didn’t want to be one of these ex-players who finish their careers, go home, and start thinking about what they want to do, only to get into depression,” he said.
Essien started his career with Liberty Professionals before going on to play for eight other clubs, including Lyon and Chelsea, where he made the most impact, winning the UEFA Champions League with the latter in 2012.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has announced that FIFA has closed the matter involving former coach Rene Hiddink following the full settlement of the amount owed to him.
In an official statement issued on August 18, 2026, the club indicated that FIFA had formally communicated the closure of the case after Hiddink confirmed receipt of the payment.
As a result, FIFA has lifted all registration restrictions that had previously been imposed on Hearts of Oak in connection with the matter.
The club expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stressing that it acted in good faith throughout the process and worked towards what it described as a responsible and amicable settlement.
Hearts of Oak has therefore urged its supporters, stakeholders and the general public to remain calm, noting that the relevant process has now been concluded.
The club thanked its supporters, popularly known as Phobians, for their patience, understanding and continued support throughout the matter.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Madam Lisa Antoinette McGee, a Philanthropist, has donated 30 desks and chairs to Street Academy, non-governmental sports and culture organisation in Accra.
The donation forms part of a broader commitment by Madam McGee and her family to support the welfare and education of vulnerable children including those around at the Art Centre, where the Street Academy was located.
Making the presentation, she said the gesture was to honour her late son, Jordan Allen, adding that Jordan was a sociable character, a 27-year-old teacher who loved children very much and believed that every child was made special.
“Jordan got sick and passed away in January. Myself and my husband, Nana Kwame Opoku Acheampong, want to do something special in memory of our beloved son for the children at the Street Academy,” Madam McGee indicated.
She said: “Prior to his passing, Jordan had already shown his dedication to Ghanaian youth by contributing $1,500 toward an orphanage project, a legacy of giving that his family now continues.”
Madam McGee added that she and her husband earlier visited the school and saw that the children sat on broken chairs, prompting their donation of 30 desks to have a nice and comfortable place to read and write.
Dr Ataa Lartey, Founder of the School, expressed their gratitude to the family, noting that the school would also name its big water tank after the late Jordan Allen.
“Lisa has promised the school that she will return to bring simple health items, such as bandages and other medical supplies to support the school nurse and help the children when they play,” he added.
