Sports
Not a disgraceful campaign
BRIGHT-EYED and bushy-tailed, they stormed Algeria under some contentious circumstances, with only a handful predicting something good could emerge from the potentially harrowing trip.
That was the impression emblazoned on the minds of thousands of Ghanaians – even including dyed-in-the-wool Kotoko faithful when the Asanteman club stormed Algeria for their return fixture against ES Setif.
Fact is that, Kotoko did not succeed in the northern African adventure by way of qualification into the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup competition. It was always going to be a Himalayan undertaking. We all knew that after they slumped 1-2 in the opening leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, a week earlier.
But in spite of the grueling challenges they encountered with regard to the trip that saw them arrive in Algiers less than 24 hours to the game, Kotoko plundered into the evening full-of-beans – and bravely battled the Algerian league leaders to a nail-biting barren scoreline.
Reports suggested that the Ghanaians even blew a couple of swash-buckling opportunities which, if exploited, would have sent the cavilers running for cover.
Indeed, Kotoko may have been out; but they were not a busted flush! They were good exponents of the game and were not embarrassed.
Credit to the team for returning with heads held high, but more important, chieftains of the Asanteman contingent must sit up and see how best they can build from the Algerian debacle. Truth is, the performance of the club – even in the Accra defeat, was commendably stimulating.
They lost because they took their eyes off the ball after stealing the lead; very typical of Ghanaian teams.
What Kotoko need at the moment – just like Hearts of Oak, is a dose of unity, focus and sense of purpose dashing into the future.
Hearts recently lost the services of their Serbian coach Kosta Papic, who left the club in the lurch to join South African side Blackpool – citing managerial interference in his job.
Consequently, disgruntled supporters of the club flew into ‘tantrums’ and badgered on management as they demanded the dissolution of the Board among other proposed measures to put the Phobians back on track.
Matter-of-factly, Hearts have not clinched the Premier League diadem since the feat of 2008/09 season – but in their attempt to put things right, the supporters need to be very wary and not behave like a bull in a China shop.
Be that as it may, it is time for supporters of both Hearts and Kotoko to be careful not to blow their stack but put in positively far-reaching measures to help their club’s management teams to succeed.
That is the only way to break the back of the beast in the midst of the tempest!
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
Sports
Follow official procedures when making donations to the club – Hearts of Oak to fans
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has reminded its supporters and well-wishers to follow official procedures when making donations to the club.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the club said it appreciates the continuous support shown by individuals and groups toward its teams, including the Senior Boys Team, Auroras, Oak Ladies and Royal Oaks.
However, management expressed concern over unsolicited donations and public fundraising activities outside the club’s structures.
It noted that while goodwill is welcome, all forms of support must be routed through the Supporter Liaison Office at the club’s secretariat.
According to the statement, the welfare of the teams is the responsibility of management, and any attempt to bypass established protocols undermines transparency and accountability.
The club stressed that donations not channeled through the official process would not be accepted by team officials or coaching staff.
Hearts of Oak assured supporters that it remains committed to building a united club culture based on professionalism, discipline and respect.
It also encouraged stakeholders to work with management to uphold the dignity of the club.
The club urged the public to contact the Supporter Liaison Office through the secretariat for inquiries and support,
By: Jacob Aggey
Sports
Armwrestling: Immigration, Prisons meet African champions
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in separate ceremonies have welcomed officers of both security institutions who recently returned from Abuja, Nigeria after participating in the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, and the leadership of the Service, were present to congratulate the champions, Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals) and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze), on their impressive performances.
The champions presented their medals to the Director-General, and shared their experiences and insights with the top officials.
During the meeting, the Director-General of the GPS, Mrs Baffoe Bonnie, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of sports for inmates.
She noted that sports could play a significant role in rehabilitation and pledged to support the development of armwrestling within the prisons service.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of the GIS, CGI Samuel Basintale, commended his members – Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver) and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne, for the feat.
Mr Basintale promised to provide support for the development of armwrestling within the service, including training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship.
The African Armwrestling champions from the security services won a total of 20 medals out of Ghana’s 55 medal haul.
They expressed gratitude and promised to continue promoting the sport and inspiring others to take up armwrestling.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President for Ghana Armwrestling Federation, was thrilled by the promise and continuous collaborations and support for the development of armwrestling in Ghana by the security services.
—GNA
