Sports
COVID-19 and the barefaced fan
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
THE Ghana Premier League (GPL) enters another exciting weekend with Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC set for a crucial showdown while Accra Hearts of Oak seek to strengthen their title challenge and FC AshantiGold 04 begin life after the departure of Coach Abdul Karim Zito.
The Matchday 9 fixtures, scheduled for today and tomorrow, promise another round of compelling contests as clubs battle for early season supremacy, continental ambitions and stability.
The headline fixture is the meeting between the Porcupine Warriors and the Mauve and Yellow at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tomorrow where both sides will be eager to make a statement.
Kotoko will have the advantage of home support but the Tarkwa-based side are expected to provide a stern test for the Porcupine Warriors.
The Kumasi giants have endured an inconsistent opening to the campaign, with their recent results highlighting the need for greater consistency if they are to mount a serious title challenge.
Their 1-1 draw with FC AshantiGold 04 in the previous fixture underlined the difficulties they have faced in turning competitive performances into maximum points.
Against Medeama, the Reds must combine defensive discipline with greater attacking efficiency. Playing before their home supporters could provide the necessary lift, but they would need to avoid giving the visitors opportunities to exploit any defensive lapses.
Medeama, meanwhile, will travel to Kumasi determined to demonstrate why they are among the teams expected to challenge for the title.
For both clubs, victory would offer more than three points. It would provide an important psychological boost and strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive title race.
Hearts of Oak will also be among the teams attracting considerable attention as they travel to face Debibi United tomorrow.
The Phobians have made encouraging progress in recent weeks, with their defensive solidity and growing confidence giving supporters reasons to believe that a sustained title challenge is possible.
Their 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars, secured through Martin Karikari’s late strike, strengthened their position at the summit of the league after eight matches. The result also extended their winning run to three matches.
However, maintaining that momentum away from home will be another test of their credentials.
Debibi United will be determined to frustrate the visitors and use home advantage to their benefit.
Hearts must, therefore, approach the encounter with patience and discipline, particularly if their opponents adopt a compact defensive approach.
With the standings still capable of changing significantly at this early stage, maximum points could help Hearts consolidate their position at the top or reclaim it, depending on the results of their closest challengers.
Another major talking point is the decision by FC AshantiGold 04 to part ways with Head Coach and Technical Director, Abdul Karim Zito, Assistant Coach Ernest Okyere, and goalkeepers’ trainer, Robert Dabo.
The development comes as AshantiGold prepare to visit Swedru All Blacks tomorrow, presenting an immediate test for the club’s caretaker technical team.
The question is whether the coaching changes will produce the desired reaction or further unsettle a side still searching for consistency.
Swedru All Blacks, who will enjoy home advantage, will be keen to capitalise on any disruption within the visitors’ camp.
Elsewhere, Aduana FC would host Berekum Chelsea in a potentially tight contest, while Basake Holy Stars welcome Dreams FC.
Heart of Lions will face Bechem United, and Samartex take on Bibiani Gold Stars in another intriguing fixture. Vision FC will meet Port City today, while Young Apostles host Karela United tomorrow.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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THE 24th edition of the Accra Seniors Tennis Open Championship, organised by the Accra Lawn Tennis Club, is scheduled to take place from Monday, November 23 to Saturday, December 5, 2026, organisers have announced.
Consequently, registration for the tournament has opened, offering professional and amateur players an opportunity to participate in the competition that assembles the best of the aged in the tennis fraternity.
Registration will close on Friday, November 20, 2026, with the draw and viewing for the competition scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026 and Sunday, November 22, 2026, respectively.
Entry fees have been pegged at GH¢150 for the singles event and GH¢200 for the doubles event.
Matches will be played on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The competition will feature various categories, including ladies’ singles, men’s singles, ladies’ doubles, men’s doubles, advanced social singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles.
In the ladies’ singles event, players will compete in different age categories, including those aged up to 39 years.
The men’s singles event will feature players in the 25–34, 35–44 and 55–64 age categories.
For the ladies’ doubles event, participants will compete in the under-40 and 40-and-above categories, while the men’s doubles event will feature players aged 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–69 and 70 years and above.
The advanced social singles and doubles categories, for both men and women, are designed for high-level amateur players seeking competitive matches outside the demands of professional and semi-professional circuits.
The mixed doubles event will also provide an opportunity for players to compete in combined male and female pairings.
The tournament is expected to attract players of different ages and skill levels, with spectators anticipated to witness exciting displays of skill, technique and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
By Benjamin Arcton-Tettey
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