Sports
Let’s support Kurt to climb up
Life has been cruelly unfriendly to many people; conversely, others have been at the gleaming end of the same rod.
It is often said life is generally unfair. Others say, life is how you make it. Well, it depends on which side of this philosophy you belong.
Admittedly, however, one could be struck by a whammy of misfortune when least expected.
The story of former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, is still freshly etched on the minds of Ghanaians and the world at large.
Nyantakyi, was the First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) – just a step away from becoming the eventual boss, when he was removed from office and subsequently banned, following the Anas Aremeyaw Anas Number 12 Investigations that exposed some heart-rending rot in Ghana and African football.
Some believe the exit of Nyantakyi was a finely-orchestrated one by his ‘avowed enemies’ who could not stand his meteoric rise – from West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B boss, CAF Veep to FIFA Council member, having occupied the GFA seat too for a decade and three years.
It was very pathetic the way Nyantakyi, the man whose administration took Ghana to its first World Cup (Germany 2006) – topping up with two more Mundials (South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014), ended an otherwise illustrious, magnificent career.
Indeed, several experts and disciples of the continental game had predicted Nyantakyi was going to become the first Ghanaian CAF President.
Willy-nilly, it is history now and we can only learn from the bitter past as we plunge into what seemed to be an unknown but bubbling future.
Gracefully, the current President of the GFA, Kurt E.S Okraku, was recently co-opted onto the Executive Committee of CAF, a position that could be made regular in the coming months, all things being equal. It is good news! It is what Ghana needs!
Like Nyantakyi, Kurt was unanimously approved as the WAFU Zone B President, coming on the heels of his election as Ghana FA boss.
Nature has a way of rewarding people; sometimes harshly and other times pleasantly smooth. But whatever happens to you might be an upshot of present or previous engagements, especially with those who appear closest to you.
It is the reason Kurt would have to take a leaf from Nyantakyi’s never-to-be-forgotten experience so he does not fall into that damning pit.
As he silently aspires to work his socks off to the summit of African and world football, he has to be cautious with those he call friends and cronies.
People who will plot his downfall would not descend from space; they are close to him – and dine with him. Of course, there are very loyal ones amongst them and we need no one to tell Kurt who they are!
For now, let us as a people goad Kurt on – give him the needed backing in his quest to climb the higher echelons of football.
The usual attitude of shooting ourselves, pulling ourselves down and killing our own selves must be discarded for the common Ghanaian interest.
Let’s protect him. Let’s guide him. Let’s pray for him for he has few more steps to climb.
PlainTalk With John Vigah
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced minimum monthly salaries for players in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DOL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
According to the Association, the move is part of efforts to improve the welfare of footballers and make Ghana’s domestic leagues more professional and competitive.
The decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GFA and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) ahead of the Association’s last Congress.
One key outcome of that partnership was the introduction of a standard contract for professional players, which has already been implemented by Premier League clubs.
After further discussions with the clubs, the GFA and its partners agreed that players in the Ghana Premier League will now earn a minimum net monthly salary of GHS 1,500.
Players in the Division One League and the Women’s Premier League will each receive a minimum of GHS 700.
The new salary structure will apply to all contracts signed during the next registration window. However, for players already under contract, the new rates will take effect at the start of the 2026/2027 league season.
The GFA explained that the introduction of minimum salaries is a major step toward protecting the welfare of players and ensuring fair compensation for their talent and hard work.
It added that the decision is aimed at raising standards in local leagues, strengthening the value of Ghanaian football, and creating a more professional and sustainable future for players and clubs.
Attention will be at the Golden City Park in Berekum tomorrow as Hearts of Oak lock horns with Berekum Chelsea FC in a Ghana Premier League Matchday 6 game that promises an electrifying atmosphere.
Lying sixth on the league table with two wins and three draws, the Phobians visit a ground that has been favourable to them in recent times. In their last three visits to the Golden City Park, Hearts have amassed seven out of nine points, putting them in strong contention to win.
Head Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says, “The team is making progress in its tactical identity despite the lack of goals, and this is something we are working on ahead of this game.”
Hearts will come face-to-face with former coach Samuel Boadu, whose side lies a distant 13th on the league table with a win and a draw from four games. Coach Boadu is yet to celebrate a victory over the Phobians since joining the Berekum lads and would hope this fixture marks a turnaround.
Ninth-placed Vision FC would trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to play Bechem United, while new boys Hohoe United host Aduana FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium.
Returnees Swedru All Blacks will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Swedru Sports Stadium, with defending league champions Bibiani Gold Stars staying put at their backyard, the Dun’s Park, to welcome second-placed Heart of Lions FC on Monday.
Today at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa, Medeama SC will clash with Samartex FC in a Western derby. Other games scheduled for today would see Eleven Wonders FC host Karela United at the Swedru Sports Stadium, while Dreams FC face Nations FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.
By Raymond Ackumey
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