Sports
Kemeh: Govt must make boxing attractive to youth
A Ghanaian world title prospect, Dodzi Kemeh has urged government to invest in boxing to make it attractive for the youth.
According to him, government can only reap the full benefits of the sports –raising world champions and Olympic gold medalists – after investing heavily in the sport’s development and promotion.
Speaking to the Times Sports yesterday, Kemeh, an IBF Africa super welterweight champion said one of the ways government can support boxing is by providing job opportunities and other income sustaining activities for the boxers so they can concentrate on the sport.
“In my view, boxers can be allowed work in the military, police and other sectors so they could have something to rely on aside boxing.
“That will reduce the hardships that boxers currently face prior and post COVID-19 era and ensure they have something else to rely upon after active sports, “he explained.
He urged the public to support the boxers within their communities, adding that “there is hope for Ghanaian boxers as far as winning world titles were concerned.”
On his career progress, Kemeh remains optimistic about becoming a world champion soon.
The 29-year-old said, his only stumbling block has been the COVID-19 pandemic which has halted boxing and other sporting activities globally.
Dodzi was scheduled to engage in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) Africa Super welter boxing bout on April 11 under ACE Power Promotions event dubbed “Thunder in the Volta.”
However, the fight had been postponed in adherence to government cancellation of public events in the country as a result of the outbreak of the pandemic.
Dodzi who currently holds the IBF Africa super welterweight title, said “but for COVID-19, I would have defended my title and will be looking forward to other challenges ahead of a world title shot.”
“I am still training on daily basis; dreaming to become a world champion for Ghana within a couple of years after boxing resumes, “he stated.
“I have a lot to show the boxing community and Ghanaians would soon see my capabilities on the global stage and will in the end make everyone proud, “he stressed.
Source: Ghanaian Times
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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