Sports
COVID-19 and the barefaced fan
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It is nearly one year since the government imposed a ban on sports – occasioned by the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indeed, the year 2020, will go down as the most disquieting period in the life of sportsmen and women the world over as sporting activities grinded to a pitiable halt.
The repercussion on the actors of the game was devastatingly fatal. And, we might be journeying that path again if we continue to take things lying low as regards obeying the safety protocols.
Most parts of Europe are today experiencing a new surge in coronavirus cases, apparently because many people have taken things all-too easy – rendering the initial success in the fight against the virus, almost feckless.
Last week, the UK Government directed that everyone in England must stay at home except for permitted reasons during a new coronavirus lockdown expected to last until mid-February. All schools and colleges have closed to most pupils and switch to remote learning; though football was absolved but with some stiff restrictions.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that the coming weeks would be the “hardest yet” amid surging cases and patient numbers.
The situation in Ghana appears to be getting worse too after the initial marked improvement that convinced government to relax the Covid restrictions imposed on sports.
As of January 13, 2021, confirmed cases of COVID-19 had hit 56,230 with 338 deaths, 336 casualties and 54,438 recoveries in the country. In April, last year, overall cases reached its highest at 55,772 and it was the reason for the three-week lockdown imposed in Accra, Tema and Kumasi – sports activities having been frozen a month earlier.
If the situation does not improve; if we continue to live our lives recklessly, it would come as no surprise should the government contemplate another lockdown.
Of course, locking down again is not something we should or would be excited about – aware of its torturing socio-economic consequences.
Sadly, if the government has no choice, it would be forced to make the Hobson’s decision in a desperate bid to save the rest of the populace.
That is why the sporting public, especially, must be on the qui vive and ensure that all the safety measures are strictly adhered to.
It is sad that most of our football fans seemed to have jettisoned the safety protocols as you see them barefaced even as they make their way into the stadium. These fans scream, shout, howl, hug and tease opposing fans or even blow kisses at their co-club fans in celebration of a goal. Clearly, the safety protocols have been thrown to the dogs.
“Many people do not realise that their safety – our safety, has become our personal responsibility. Those who do realise it wear masks, but others are going about life as though everything is normal,” says 34-year-old football fan, after watching a division one game between Danbort FC and Okyeman Planners at Nungua – an Accra suburb, last weekend.
On January 6, this year, the government of Ghana lifted the restrictions on football to allow fans to the stadium to watch the Ghana leagues with a capacity of 25 per cent.
“… seating at all stadia will be limited to 25 per cent capacity to ensure social distancing, whilst wearing of masks by spectators at stadia will be mandatory.”
Evidently, this is not what we often see at out stadia as social distancing is entirely ignored by the fans as the authorities watch on – either gleefully – or helplessly.
Hitherto, Ghanaian clubs were playing behind closed doors but a strong passionate appeal from the public and the Football Association to allow the fans back, may have done a lot in government’s decision to relax the restrictions. Failing to adhere to the safety protocols, therefore, is like stabbing the government in the back!
Now, certain precautions no longer remain obligatory to the fans: wearing masks before and after entering into stadium, keeping two-metre distances, washing of hands with soap and use of alcohol-based sanitisers, among others, have been discarded with careless abandon.
Perhaps, there has to be sustained, intensive education by club owners and administrators on the need to obey the existing safety and hygiene protocols. The fight must be a holistic and exhaustive one – and waged by everybody who cares for the future of the country – and the world at large.
Always remember that this is not a fight for government alone! Let us live responsibly, for we all have a duty to fight on and educate everybody on the fatality of the virus.
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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