Sports
GFA focused on playoff encounter amid South Africa complaint to FIFA
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says they are not perturbed about the South African Football Association (SAFA) complaint to the world’s football governing body, Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) over a request to replay the last Group G encounter in the African qualifiers.
he Black Stars edged the Bafana Bafana in Group G to book a place in the next round but SAFA feel aggrieved with regard to the manner of defeat they suffered at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, therefore, petitioned FIFA on the issue.
A statement released by the GFA on Thursday morning has expressed shock over the allegation being leveled against them by the South African counterparts, something they deemed as “shocking, irresponsible, and outright disrespect.”
The statement said the Black Stars are currently focused on their next encounter in the playoff scheduled to be played in March next year.
“The GFA wishes to state clearly that we would always operate within the FIFA Regulations and focus on our next match which is a play-off against any of the qualified teams we may be paired against.
“As a good sporting Association, we know that Bafana Bafana gave it their all but lost to a better team (and must be forthright to tell the South African public this). We wish Bafana Bafana and our colleagues at SAFA better luck next time,” the statement said.
It added that it had received correspondence from FIFA and would respond appropriately within the ambit of the FIFA Regulations. -GNA
The management of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has assured its supporters that steps are being taken to appoint a substantive head coach following the team’s recent poor performances.
In a statement issued by the club’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku Esq., the board acknowledged concerns raised by fans over the absence of a permanent coach and the team’s current form.
He said the club understands the high expectations that come with representing Asante Kotoko and admitted that recent results have been disappointing.
“The Board is actively working to appoint a competent substantive head coach whose philosophy aligns with the long-term ambitions of the club,” he stated.
Mr. Duku explained that the club is taking its time to ensure the right candidate is selected, adding that management remains committed to restoring the team to its expected standards.
He apologised to supporters for the team’s recent performances and assured them that decisive steps are being taken to improve results.
In the meantime, he called on fans to remain loyal and continue supporting the team in the remaining matches of the season.
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most successful football clubs, has faced increasing pressure from supporters following a string of poor results in recent games.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports journalist, Dan Kwaku Yeboah has expressed mixed reactions to the decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to part ways with former Black Stars coach Otto Addo, describing it as correct but poorly timed.
Speaking on the development with ghanaiantimes.com.gh ‘s Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, he explained that although the decision to remove Otto Addo may be justified, the timing could affect the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
He noted that the newly appointed coach has only a few weeks to work with the team before the tournament begins, making it difficult to make any significant impact.
According to him, the team has just two friendly matches scheduled in May ahead of the competition, leaving a very short period between those games and the start of the World Cup.
He stressed that it would be unrealistic for any coach to fully understand the squad and implement effective strategies within such a limited time.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah urged Ghanaians to manage their expectations, warning that expecting outstanding performance under the circumstances could lead to disappointment.
He added that football can be unpredictable, and while the team could still perform well, fans should remain cautious in their hopes.
The astute sports journalist concluded that if the team performs beyond expectations, it would be a welcome outcome, but supporters should not put too much pressure on the new coach and players.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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