Sports
Decathlon Ghana reaffirms commitment to enhancing Ghana’s sporting industry
Global sports retailer brand Decathlon Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the Ghana’s sporting industry at both grassroots and national levels.
Since its entry into the Ghanaian market in 2017, Decathlon Ghana has partnered with a wide range of organisations across various sporting fields and industries, aimed at giving Ghanaians the opportunity to love their sports more than ever before.
Speaking at the media launch of the company’s 8th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday at the Decathlon store in Accra Mall, Events and Brands Manager at Decathlon Ghana, Thompson Agbodo, stated that Ghana is a rich sporting nation with diverse talents that, when harnessed and given the right attention and support, can showcase the country to the rest of the world.
Sports organizations such as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and its clubs, the Ghana Basketball Association and its clubs, the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG), as well as various keep-fit clubs, have felt the impact of the company’s eight-year presence in Ghana.
While elaborating on how Decathlon’s involvement in Ghanaian football has evolved, shifting from retail to direct partnerships with key events and federations, he revealed their recent involvement in the Women’s Premier League and FA Cup finals at the University of Ghana Stadium, where they recognised standout players with awards.
“We have come a long way; beyond just supplying gear, we now stand shoulder to shoulder with Ghanaian athletes, offering not only products but also visibility, encouragement, and technical support,” he said.
On his part, the Business-to-Business and Reseller Leader at Decathlon Ghana, Mr. Mawuli Kofi Agato, noted that while football remains a focal point, Decathlon’s support extends to less mainstream sports as well.
They are committed to assisting clubs and associations in these areas through affordability initiatives.
“Many football clubs struggle to purchase equipment in bulk. We have significantly reduced costs to help them operate more efficiently. Our aim is to ensure that every sport beyond just football has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.
Ms. Francisca Arhin, Decathlon’s E-commerce Manager, emphasised the use of technology to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, stating that their platforms make it easier for everyday Ghanaians to access quality sportswear and equipment without facing barriers.
To celebrate the anniversary, Decathlon launched a 10-day sports themed event from May 21 to June 1, featuring activities designed for families and sports enthusiasts.
These activities include free equipment servicing and customization, discounts of up to 50% on Adidas products, weekend family games, and free delivery of products purchased within Accra.
She stressed that these activities are part of a broader initiative to cultivate a sporting culture at the community level.
Football is widely regarded as a sport where teamwork, not always individual brilliance, leads to success. This principle likely underpins the notable confidence expressed by Ghanaian soccer fans following the draw for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
So, despite the not-so-impressive performance of the Black Stars, Ghanaians remain optimistic about the team’s chances.
Last Friday’s draw pitched the Black Stars against England, Croatia, and Panama in a group that has been described in several ways. Some say it is manageable; others believe it is a tricky group, while for some, it represents Ghana’s easiest group compared to previous World Cups attended.
In sampling the views of some soccer fans, one retorted: “This is the best group in our World Cup history. England is no match. We may draw with Croatia and beat Panama. We are the favourites in the group.”
At that point, I conceded the lack of the “technical, or perhaps spiritual, eyes” that allow some fans to reach such confident conclusions about the Black Stars’ prospects.
Taking a closer look at the group, England are, without doubt, the strongest on paper with a fourth-place ranking in the latest FIFA rankings. Croatia follows in 10th position, Panama in 30th, and the Black Stars in 72nd position.
These statistics and several other factors make the fans’ overwhelming confidence appear untenable, and it would be wise to join those urging Team Ghana to tread with caution.
Comparatively, England comes to the table with the strongest team not just by virtue of their ranking. They also boast a squad featuring players from top clubs across the globe. Top performers like Jordan Pickford, Reece James, Marc Guehi, Alexander Trent-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, and others can be identified with the Three Lions.
The Croatians also boast world-class players such as Dominik Livaković, Joško Gvardiol, Luka Modrić, Nikola Vlašić, Andrej Kramarić, Ivan Perišić, Toni Fruk, and many others.
Ghana, however, comes with a talented squad that will depend more on teamwork rather than individual brilliance, which the aforementioned teams could boast of.
With all things working together for the good of the Black Stars, Coach Otto Addo will have the luxury of calling on Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Benjamin Asare, Mohammed Kudus, Kwesi Sibo, and other emerging talents.
For Panama, they have a virtually unknown squad with players plying their trade in some respectable leagues. In their final qualifier, they featured Marseille right-back Michael Amir Murillo, Norwich City center-back Jose Cordoba, Slovan Bratislava defender Cesar Blackman, Las Palmas midfielder Edward Cedeno, Pumas UNAM playmaker Adalberto Carrasquilla, and San Diego midfielder Anibal Godoy.
Panama comes as the biggest beneficiary of the CONCACAF decision to host the World Cup, granting three automatic qualifications to the USA, Canada, and Mexico. But this does not make them automatic minnows, as many fans might want to believe.
It would be unrealistic to assume that the Black Stars have the men to outshine England or Croatia based purely on individual talents. But since football thrives on teamwork, Panama—and just like Ghana—can dare to dream against the big boys in the group and rewrite their World Cup history.
By Andrew Nortey
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Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko would hope to return to winning ways this weekend following defeats in their Matchday 13 Ghana Premier League (GPL) games last week.
Both teams suffered defeats on the road, leaving them with 21 points apiece, with the Phobians sitting seventh, two places below Kotoko.
At the University of Ghana Sports Stadium today, Hearts of Oak will attempt a second straight victory when they host Nations FC. The Phobians lost 1-0 to Nations FC last season in this fixture at the Tuba Astro Turf, a game many Hearts fans would want to forget.
Tomorrow, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, injury-stricken Asante Kotoko will hope for a good day when they host 14th-placed Dreams FC. Dreams FC suffered a 4-1 battering last season in this fixture and will be looking for revenge.
Dreams FC, led by Winfred Dormon, a protégé of Coach Zito, will aim to exact revenge on his former boss following that heavy defeat last season.
After going down 2-0 in the highly-anticipated Western Derby against Samartex FC last week, Bibiani Gold Stars return to their base at the Dun’s Park to host Medeama SC in another blockbuster Western derby.
Following their 2-0 victory over Hearts last week, Karela United will trek to the Wenchi Sports Stadium to face Young Apostles.
In other games, Berekum Chelsea will hope to return to winning ways when they host high-flying Hohoe United at the Golden City Park, while Basake Holy Stars FC will host Samartex FC at the Ampian AAK II Sports Arena in Azulewanu.
Swedru All Blacks will take on Vision FC at the Swedru Stadium, with the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park hosting the Bechem United FC vs. Eleven Wonders game.
By Raymond Ackumey
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