Sports
Ambassador Quarcoo eulogises Alfred Kotey
IT was with great sadness on June 30 2020 to learn of the sudden demise of Alfred “Cobra” Kotey – who was one of my top talented boxers, during my tenure as President of the then Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) in the 80s.
I am so touched by his passing which sad event is reported to have occurred in New York City, US, where he was receiving medical treatment. Lot of us on the boxing circuit thought Alfred could go right to the top in his division which he did. He was like a son to me; he was a likeable, cheerful, respectful young man who everyone loved.
Alfred got hooked to boxing at a very tender age and regularly trained at the Akotoku Academy Gym in Bukom and together with Ike Quartey formed the Whiz kids of Ghana Boxing and both were selected to join the national boxing team, Black Bombers.
Quickly emerging as one to keep an eye on, he compiled a 35-4 amateur record, and despite the relatively few bouts, he accomplished a lot, representing his country all over the world and reaching the quarter finals of the 1988 Seoul Olympics as a flyweight.
As is often the case with top amateurs, he decided to turn professional after returning from the Olympics, and had his first paid bout on November 26, 1988 sharing the undercard of a show at the Orion Cinema Hall in Accra with Olympic team-mate, and fellow debutant, Ike Quartey.
He was nicknamed ‘the Cobra’, and indeed, in his heyday, he could instill terror in anybody he came across with his speed and accurate punches. He was on a fast-track with ambitions to reach championship level in quick time. His professional boxing career reached its pinnacle in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
At 26 years old and probably at his peak, Kotey put on an excellent display, and became a world champion by out-boxing the Puerto Rican Rafael Del Valle. He really left no doubt, and won by unanimous decision.
Now based in United States, Kotey made title defences against Mexican Armando Castro and British champion Drew Docherty, before losing his world title on points to former World super bantamweight ruler, Daniel Jimenez in October of 1995.
After losing his bantamweight world title, I negotiated with the late Jose Sulaiman, then President of WBC and Kotey was giving a shot at the vacant WBC super bantamweight title. Less than seven weeks later, he was back in the ring in London ready to launch his assault on a new weight division – super bantamweight.
At York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, together with the WBC President, late Jose Sulaiman, I witnessed with joy from ringside when he captured the vacant WBC International title, out-scoring two-time world title-challenger Freddy Cruz.
Alfred Kotey did not only have the passion for the sport, but he showed a lot of discipline, dedication and commitment. His commitment saw him growing in the sport and this was envisaged by his results when he joined the paid ranks. He was a genuine role model.
Kotey achieved so much in his career. He held a Commonwealth, WBO, WBC International and WBF Intercontinental titles, and fought against some of the biggest names of his era. This is an enviable record.
He was a credit to us in the boxing fraternity. He would fight a lion if he had to with no fear, but he was brought up to be polite and respectful and that had been reflected by the amount of tribute pouring in to him. I am sad that we have lost him at such a stage as we have very few boxing trainers and coaches now in the country.
He still had a lot to give to the country and the world of boxing. It is a tragedy for his family, friends and the entire boxing fraternity that such a talent had been lost at such a young age.
Fare thee well, the Cobra, you were an exemplary sportsperson and source of inspiration who demonstrated the power of human spirit and determination. I am very proud of your achievements and hope that others can feel inspired by your boxing journey.
Source: Ghanaian Times
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
Ghana football is facing a difficult moment as the Black Stars fight to avoid missing another Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. In the same vein, the Black Queens preparing for a major test in their bid to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
But at a time when both teams need serious attention, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed the Black Queens Head Coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, to lead the Black Stars on an interim basis for their crucial November AFCON qualifiers against Somalia.
The Swedish coach will work with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram as assistant coaches, while former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda will handle the goalkeepers.
The decision has sparked debate among football followers, with some questioning why the Black Queens coach should take charge of the Black Stars when the women’s team also have an important tournament ahead.
Others believe the GFA has made the right decision by using a coach who already understands Ghanaian football and can work with experienced assistants to help the Black Stars recover.
For a country still disappointed by the Black Stars failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, the pressure is growing.
Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign has started badly with defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving the team without a point in Group C.
The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire before suffering a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. The results led to the departure of Carlos Queiroz and the search for a new technical direction.
The November matches against Somalia now offer Ghana a chance to recover. Another poor performance, however, could make the road to qualification even more difficult.
Some sports observers believe Björkegren should have been allowed to concentrate on the Black Queens, leaving Tanko and Attram to lead the Black Stars in the two matches against Somalia.
Their concern is that the women’s team could lose valuable attention at a time when it needs careful preparation for the World Cup play offs.
The Black Queens will take part in the preliminary stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 play-off tournament in Morocco from November 28 to December 5.
Ghana will face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea as it seeks to move closer to securing a place at the World Cup in Brazil.
The team has already taken an important step by beating Côte d’Ivoire in the continental play off to secure a place in the intercontinental tournament.
However, the Queens still have a difficult task ahead and their preparation will be important if they are to achieve their World Cup dream.
Those who disagree with the criticism of Björkegren’s appointment argue that the coach can manage the temporary assignment with the support of Tanko and Attram.
They believe his experience with the national teams could help the Black Stars while the existing technical structure could help maintain preparations for the Black Queens.
The GFA has defended its decision. Its Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, has explained that the appointment was made after considering the coaches already working within Ghana’s football system and the need to find an interim solution.
The association has also said both national teams will receive the technical and operational support needed to prepare for their respective competitions.
The big question is whether the arrangements will work in practice especially if both teams need the coach’s attention at the same time.
Beyond the coaching debate, another question continues to trouble Ghanaian football lovers; are the Black Stars struggling because of the players, the coaches or problems within the football system?
The two opening defeats exposed weaknesses in the team’s defence, organisation and ability to respond when matches become difficult.
These problems cannot automatically be blamed on one coach. The players must also accept responsibility for their performances on the pitch.
At the same time, frequent changes in technical leadership can make it difficult for a team to develop a clear playing style and build confidence.
When coaches are changed repeatedly, new technical teams often have limited time to understand the players, introduce their ideas and prepare for important matches.
Tanko’s experience in Ghana football and Attram’s involvement in the national team setup could help the Black Stars during this difficult period but their work will ultimately be judged by the team’s performances against Somalia.
The players too must turn their individual ability into strong team performances. Ghana cannot depend on reputation alone to secure qualification.
The GFA must also examine whether its approach to coaching appointments and long term planning is helping the national teams achieve their goals.
The current situation is a test of the GFA’s ability to manage two important national assignments at the same time.
The Black Stars need to recover from their poor start and keep their AFCON hopes alive. The Black Queens, meanwhile, need proper preparation to continue their journey towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The women’s team should not be treated as less important simply because the Black Stars attract greater public attention.
Björkegren’s work with the Black Queens, including Ghana’s bronze medal finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has helped build expectations around the team.
Their progress into the World Cup play offs has given supporters another reason to believe they can reach the global competition.
The GFA must therefore make sure the temporary appointment does not affect the Queens’ training, tactical preparation or analysis of their opponents.
In the end, the success of the decision will depend on results. The Black Stars must earn the points needed to revive their qualification hopes, while the Black Queens must prepare well for their matches in Morocco.
Ghana’s football problems may not be caused by players or coaches alone. They may also reflect the need for more stable technical leadership, better preparation and stronger planning by football administrators.
For now, the GFA has made its choice. The coming matches will show whether the decision was the right one or whether the country has taken a risk at a time when both national teams have so much to play for.
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Accra Hearts of Oak will aim to assume the top spot of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) when they travel to Tema to face Vision FC at the Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Complex today.
Perched at the second spot and trailing leaders Medeama with three points, the Phobians would need to snatch the maximum points and a superior goal aggregate to have a taste of the top spot, at least for a day.
It will be a game full of fireworks considering Hearts’ impressive performance on the road against Vision’s strength at home.
The Matchday 6 games would also witness a Saturday clash between Heart of Lions and Berekum Chelsea FC at the Kpando Stadium.
Asante Kotoko’s home clash against Young Apostles will headline tomorrow’s games as they aim to bounce back after the previous week’s defeat in Swedru.
At the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, FC Samartex will test Medeama SC’s character when they clash in what could affect their respective positions on the table after the round seven matches.
After the giant-killing feat over Asante Kotoko, Swedru All Blacks will lock horns with Karela United at the Swedru Stadium just as Basake Holy Stars engage Bechem United at the AAK II Sports Arena,
Fireworks is anticipated at the Debibi Presby Park in the Bono region where Debibi United FC look poised to face Gold Stars.
At the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park, Aduana FC will welcome FC Ashantigold in a clash that will see fans applaud afternoon.
By Andrew Nortey
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