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Draw inspiration from Medeama-Kurt Okraku tells Samartex 1996
The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has urged FC Samartex 1996 to draw inspiration from the progress made by unfancied Medeama SC and Dreams FC’s in the 2023-24 CAF Inter-club competitions, ahead of their debut Total Energies CAF Champions League campaign.
President Edwin Simeon-Okraku gave this charge to the 2023-24 Ghana Premier League Champions when he visited their training session on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Adjiringanor Astro turf in Accra; as they wrap up preparations ahead of their trip to Cameroon to battle Victoria United FC, in the first leg of the preliminary match of the Total Energies CAF Champions League.
He implored the defending Ghana Premier League champions to learn from the performances of last season’s Ghanaian representatives in CAF inter-club competitions, as they embark on a journey to write their own history on the continent.
Medeama SC, winners of the 2022-23 Ghana Premier League Champions, reached the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in their maiden appearance, while Dreams FC, MTN FA Cup winners for that season, exited the Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup at the semi-finals stage, in an impressive outing by Ghana’s representatives.
President Simeon-Okraku, who is confident about the prospect of FC Samartex 1996, tasked the team to draw inspiration from their fellow Premier League campaigners.
“You are ambassadors of our dear country. You go there as a proud champion. The last time before the most recent that Ghanaian clubs did really well was way back in 2004-2005. That was the Hearts-Kotoko Confederation Cup campaign. And then, last year, Medeama SC and Dreams FC also showed that, if we stay together, we can achieve. That should be the source of your inspiration,” he charged the players amidst applause.
He further “Your colleagues have done it just a few months ago. It’s your turn to go the extra mile to put Ghana back on the map as far as Confederation of African Football Inter-club competitions go. I have no doubt that there’s quality in this team. You are true champions and worthy representatives of our country in Africa. You won the Ghana Premier League on merit. I have absolute trust in the technical team to guide all of you in this adventure.”
He congratulated the team for winning the 2023-34 Ghana Premier League title – a monumental feat for a young Premier League side.
According “I’m happy to have a physical opportunity to say Ayekoo [congratulations] for being champions of Ghana. I think since you won the trophy, I have not been able to be physically present. I really wanted to be at the coronation but circumstances beyond my control didn’t allow it to happen.”
“You should be very proud of your team members. For you as individuals, for the group and for the community. For a team coming to the top flight to become champions not long afterwards is no mean achievement. It’s something that each one of you must be proud of. You achieved that because you stayed together as a team. You worked together as a team and pushed for the top as a team. That’s the essence of teamwork. Football is a team sport. It’s not about one individual.” he reiterated.
President Simeon-Okraku also tasked the players to stay united and fight for each other on the pitch, drawing synergy with the famous Miracle of El-Wak, as they make the trip to Victoria United FC on Wednesday August 14, 2024.
“As you make this journey, know that you’re playing away from home. And this is where you need to stay together. When you go on the turf and it’s tough, you have to stay together. When it’s good, you have to stay together. When the challenging moments come, you have to stay together,” he advised.
Kurt Okraku further noted “That’s where you need to encourage each other. Talk about the miracle of El-Wak where a team had to come back to make it happen. We’ve seen many great feats on the domestic front. You’ve played tough games and won. Put in extra effort to achieve your desired results.”
“So, everything is possible. Just have the belief and trust that the entire country is behind you, the Football Association is behind you. We want to achieve together. We want to win trophies for Ghana. And you are our ambassadors. Go out there and put in your utmost best. Lastly, don’t forget that the Almighty God exists. As you train, as you prepare, pray for God’s guidance and support,” he said.
The Timber giants will travel to Limbe, Cameroon, for the first leg tie, scheduled for Sunday August 18, 2024, before hosting their opponents in the reverse fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The winner will face either ASGNN of Niger or Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic in the second round in September.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
