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Big salute for the gallant boys
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Even though they left the shores of Ghana as sub-regional champions, only a few could think about them screeching a notch further to conquer Africa.
No! This was not the ideal generation of Black Satellites that many could muster the courage to favour for a major continental glory.
But why was the team not given a dog’s chance? Why did we play down on their capabilities? Why were they seen as potential failure into a youth tournament they had subdued on three previous occasions? These were some of the $64,000-dollar questions that flooded the minds of many followers of the African game.
Reason for the dearth of trust was intriguingly varied.
Some argued that this Satellites team do not play the ‘sexy-like’ champagne football that drew prettily romantic patterns on the pitch; whilst others assert among other things that they were goal-shy and do not get famished enough for the kill.
Many other worse things were said about the Satellites – and to some extent the ‘sweat merchant’ of the team – Abdul Karim Zito, whose tactical acumen was brought into question by the cavillers during the successful sub-regional tournament held in Benin.
But there were positives about the team which many did not know – or may not have taken notice of.
What was, perhaps, limpidly evident was the fact that the present Satellites were not as flamboyant in terms of skill and flair as their predecessors of 2009 led by Andre Dede Ayew. Heartily, they make up for that deficiency with individual brilliance, plenty of fighting spirit – a never-giving-up spirit, a spirit that is ready to die on the battlefield rather than surrender!
And, that patently manifested in the just-ended tournament in Mauritania, where they went, saw and conquered to the amazement of all. It was the nation’s fourth conquest at the youth level, following victories in 1993, 1999 and 2009.
However, the stunningly sweet aspect of the Mauritania 2021 victory was not the defeat of Cameroon at the quarter final stage on penalties – nor the 2-0 win over Uganda’s Hippos at the grand final; it was rather the triumph over Gambia’s Young Scorpions at the semi-finals.
As you are already aware, the Satellites were forced to finish as third-best placed team in Group C, after losing 1-2 to Gambia in the final group game. Though not all-too unexpected, it still came as shock to many – the Ghanaians having thundered Tanzania 4-0 before holding off an imposing Morocco side to a barren game.
A good team is seen in its supreme ability to resurrect from ashes to victory. To lose to a team at the group stage and bounce back to serve revenge cold, is simply a mark of greatness!
It is a shame to think that this doughty-charactered team of purpose would not have the opportunity to represent Ghana at the global stage, due to the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic that has led to the cancellation of the tournament.
We would have loved to see whether these generation could clinch Ghana its second FIFA Under-20 World Cup, after the historic feat was chalked by Dede Ayew and his boys in Egypt, 2009. Significantly, Ghana remains the only African country to have won this world title.
Whilst we commend the Satellites, its handlers and the management team for the success story, we urge them not to rest on their oars but use this achievement as springboard to a much bigger feat in the future.
Ghana will be hosting the 2023 multi-sport African Games and it is expected that the Daniel Barnieh Afriyie-led Satellites team would form the fulcrum of our football representatives.
Once again, we salute our gallant heroes. Big salute for them!
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
Just a few years ago, Zinabu Issah’s life revolved around her small trading business, and competing in sports was not on her mind.
Today, the Ghanaian para-athlete stands proudly as a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, proving that determination, hard work and perseverance can transform lives in unimaginable ways.
Issah, who competes in the shot put, javelin and discus events, recalls how her journey began unexpectedly when Coach Emmanuel Sowah Anum approached her and encouraged her to try para-sports.
“I had no intention of doing any sport. I was a petty trader and one day my coach approached me and told me to take up the sport. When he first said it, I laughed because sports was not my thing.
“But he was persistent and eventually convinced me to take up the sport,” she told GNA Sports in an interview.
According to Zinabu, her decision was met with resistance from some family members and friends who questioned why a woman living with a disability would pursue field events.
She faced a lot of stereotypes and criticism, which could easily have discouraged her, but she decided to stay focused on achieving success.
“He (Coach) told me he had seen something in me and believed I could excel in the sport,” she said while expressing gratitude to her coach.
“I want to thank God first of all and also thank my coach for believing in me,” she added.
Her coach, Emmanuel Sowah in an interview, revealed that he spotted Zinabu in Kumasi in 2014 and admitted that life was very difficult for her at the time.
“I saw something in her. I knew I could make her a better field athlete despite her disability, and I personally bought her first training kit. Over the past years, she has developed impressively,” he said.
Coach Sowah said he believes Zinabu can achieve even more and hopes she can step up at the next Paralympic Games, which he is confident she will qualify for.
The road from being a trader to competing in shot put, discus and javelin has been remarkable.
Zinabu has featured in numerous international tournaments, most notably winning gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games Qualifiers Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco.
The success earned her recognition, including an award at the 9th Women in Sports Association (WISA) Awards, a moment she says significantly boosted her confidence and motivation.
Her latest achievement came at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she delivered a season-best throw of 8.65 metres to secure silver in the women’s F57 shot put.
That was Ghana’s first medal of the Games and, according to Zinabu, the victory has changed perceptions within her family.
“Ever since my winning moment at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, my family have praised my exploits, and I am excited about that.
“My junior sister, who in the past told me to stop and promised to give me money to start a new business, is today excited about my achievement,” she said.
With her sights now firmly set on the 2028 Paralympic Games, Zinabu is determined to continue breaking barriers.
“I am preparing for the Paralympics, and I am optimistic of qualification. My target is to go for the gold medal,” she said.
For Zinabu, the journey from being a petty trader to a Commonwealth Games medalist is more than a personal triumph is a story of resilience, belief and the power of giving opportunity a chance. –GNA
The Angel Starlight Foundation (ASF) last Friday presented assorted food items to learners and management of the Street Academy, a sports and cultural organisation in Accra.
Mrs Angel Addo, Founder of the NGO made the donation as part of her birthday celebration.
She presented bags of rice, beans, maize, gallons of cooking oil, biscuits, drinks, soap and toilet rolls.
“This is a yearly ritual for me; choosing to celebrate my birthday with children of the Academy. They are very dear to my heart,” she told the Spectator.
She said “these are underprivileged children who through no fault of theirs find themselves on the streets but have been fortunate to be picked by the Academy and are receiving care.”
He urged government and corporate Ghana to also support the Academy in order to support such children who are offered formal education and trained in skilled programmes.
Receiving the items, Dr Ataa Lartey, Founder of the Academy thanked the Foundation for the gesture which he said would go a long way to ease the burden of the Academy.
In another development, the Academy will host its annual health walk today.
The event would attract children from the Academy and those from neighbouring communities and keep fit enthusiasts.
By Spectator Reporter
