Sports
What are we not doing right?
This week has not been very fine for Ghana, depending on where you sit.
On Monday, Ghanaians woke up to Turkey-based Ghanaian international – Bernard Mensah’s starling news temporarily calling time on his international career.
The 26-year-old utility, currently plying his trade for Besiktas JK – on loan from Kayserispor – announced on his official twitter account his decision of retiring from the Black Stars until further notice.
He said he would rather concentrate on his club; the statement coming barely four days to the nation’s AFCON qualifying double-header against Sudan. It is not limpidly clear what might have triggered the unforeseen decision.
He may not be a player of the first water but the utility player has been a decent performer and one of those actors that have been pretty consistent anytime he donned the national colours. Why he virtually ‘walked out’ of the national team raises a lot of eyebrows. There could be more to the story.
Perhaps, he may have been frustrated and disillusioned for not being given enough playing time whenever he reports for Ghana; or there could be something that pushed him into embossing his resolution to the mast.
Mensah was recently used in Ghana’s 0-3 loss to Mali in a friendly international in Qatar, but was subsequently sidelined in the second friendly win against Qatar (5-1), three days later.
Well, some say the player too, may have taken a rash decision and one can only wish him well in his endeavours until he finishes his ‘self-imposed exile’ from the senior national team.
The second issue was rather nettling. It was the rejection of a national team call-up by Ghanaian-German player Jamie Leweling. The 19-year-old had been named in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan, a decision that stunned many Ghanaians who may not have heard about the young man’s exploits in the Bundesliga 2 side, Greuther Furth.
Indeed, we were told everything had been done, paving way for Leweling’s invitation. Sadly, it all proved a lie – and now we have a heavy embarrassment staring us in the face.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, too, had made statements suggesting that all was set for Leweling to mark his maiden appearance for the Stars.
“Jamie Leweling was recommended by the technical director [Bernhard Lippert] of the Ghana Football Association. As a result, CK Akonnor travelled to Germany and watched him (Leweling) two times and some of his videos. And considering all the information that we had, we thought it was imperative to bring him to the team.
“Some of the information were classified but Jamie must come to the team for which reason we gave the coach the green light to bring him,” Okraku told Hello FM.
So, how does an FA boss make such emphatic statements when he does not have the young lad firmly stuck under his grips? Was he wrongly briefed, too? This is ridiculous, not so?
From the look of things, even the national team coach Akunnor, never had any serious talk with the German attacking talent.
How do you make a call-up without having any serious communication with the player as to whether he would love to play for his country of birth? You do not take things for granted.
It is believed the youngster was not ready to apply to FIFA for a nationality switch, wanting to continue his procession with Germany after featuring for the Under-19 and 20 levels.
Leweling, who is being linked with Schalke 04, Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan, we are told, was born in Nuremberg to a Ghanaian mother and was part of the professional squad at the “Kleeblatt” last season – having garnered a regular part of the first team, this season.
Next time, let us get it right before we even rush to the press to make such announcements.
There is an African proverb that says you do not lay the bed when you have not seen the woman.
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
Sports
A walk to honour memory of late Nana Kwesi Gyan-Apenteng
A rare occasion to stay away from the air-conditioned offices, screens and other work demands was presented to journalists and staff of MTN on Saturday when they hit the streets of the capital for its annual health walk.
The participants who form the MTN Media Republic walked and worked out, climaxing it with an intense aerobic session. The entire exercise lasted for close to three hours.
The exercise is held bi-yearly for members of the Republic to make time out of their hectic schedules.
Saturday’s edition had the numbers in hundreds and was dedicated to the memory of a late member of the Republic, Nana Kwesi Gyan-Apenteng, a former Editor, National Media Commission chairman and a Communication Consultant.
He was the Apagyahene of Tafo Eti in the Eastern Region.
Under a decent weather, the members walked from the MTN Ghana office near Ridge and passed through areas such as the National Theatre, Ministries Police Station, Accra Sports Stadium, State House, and Police Headquarters and back to the starting point.
In separate interviews, members welcomed the initiative and called for its sustenance while paying tribute to the late member who showed loyalty and commitment to the group’s activities.
By Spectator Reporter
Sports
A final determined by Adaari?
Analysing an Asante Kotoko goal or penalty with a Phobian lense. It would surely be an exercise in futility. This is because no explanation would sound convincing to a Phobian.
That is an apt description of the scene witnessed after a controversial penalty was awarded Asante Kotoko late in their MTN FA Cup win over Division One League (DOL) side, Golden Kick last Sunday.
That is not to say that fans of the Oak tree are not reasonable, no, far from that; but followers of the game in Ghana would appreciate this analogy, owing to the huge rivalry that exists between them.
Let it also be on record that a few Red fans also expressed reservations over the decision.
Surrounded by numerous Golden Kick fans most of whom were genuine supporters of Hearts of Oak, bitter rivals of Asante Kotoko, referee Latif Abdul Adaari’s decision generated so much debates between them and the Reds faithful.
Interestingly, supporters put up sound arguments with different angles of the action that led to the penalty. Some shared the same videos but saw them differently.
But without a Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Adaari’s decision stood and Kotoko smiled home with a 10th FA Cup victory.
Had there been a VAR intervention, leading to a review and subsequent overturn of the decision, Kotoko fans would have definitely been up in arms, protesting vehemently like the Golden Kick disguised fans did.
But that is the beauty of football; momentarily dividing and the next moment uniting.
But for the controversy which is ongoing, Sunday’s game was by far the finest in the FA Cup finals witnessed in the last decade.
Kotoko were overwhelming favourites and Golden Kick massive underdogs.
However, the winners would be the first to admit that they were involved in a game of their lives.
Coach Karim Zito did not hide this fact. In a post-match interview, he stated “I am not surprised at all. I actually predicted it because it would have been better and more comfortable with a top division side. This is a DOL side with nothing to lose. Getting to the finals of the FA Cup is already an achievement. Playing Kotoko is another motivation. They have nothing to lose but have all to gain if they win.”
But in celebrating Kotoko, it is equally important to commend the effort of the Golden Kick side for their gallantry.
They proved that the class between the GPL and DOL is only vast on paper but slender on the pitch.
The likes of Kelvin Kofi Saaba, Roland Gripman, Owusu Dacosta, Paul Yeboah, Abdulai Zakari and Bless Ege clearly outshone their more experienced Kotoko stars.
Their pace, athleticism, control, dexterity and composure were superb, forcing the Porcupine Warriors to be unnecessarily physical to contain them.
While brooding over a lost opportunity to lay hand on a major silverware, Coach Fiifi Parker Hanson should feel worthy about the good work he is doing with this young generation of talents.
\He may have been undone by a contentious decision but what was seen from his charges will remain in the memory of football fans for a long time.
But the debate as to whether Adaari’s call was precise or erroneous would continue for a long time without answer
By Andrew Nortey
