Sports
World Cup advice worth its weight
● A thrilling action scene at the 2014 World Cup: Left, Agyemang Badu and Harrison Afful trying to
prevent Ronaldo (centre) from making a move
For many years to come, the gory incidents of Black Stars’ shameful campaign at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, will be indelibly etched on the minds of football’s disciples – especially Ghanaians.
As you may have been aware already, the shamefulness of it was not about the Stars’ ego-shattering first round exit. It had to do – firstly, with incidents that culminated in the ‘bloody’ fight at the team’s hotel between management member Moses Parker and midfield dynamo Sulley Muntari.
Secondly, players deciding to embark on a sit-down strike ahead of the all-crucial third-place game against Portugal were to say the least, ghastly.
The incident hauled a lot of shame to Ghana – earning her rave reviews in the global media.
Indeed, the Brazil media made a lot of fun about the situation, especially when $4million cash was flown from Ghana to the expectant team before the Portugal nerve-jangling third group game.
As one would expect, the players lost focus – and spent the entire night ‘reading’ their money – an appearance fee of $100,000 each. The attention was not about working their fingers to the bone to upstage Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portuguese side and qualify for the second round. Money before country was the players’ clarion call! Embarrassing, it was!
It was against this saturnine backdrop that President of former Division One side (Danbort FC), Mr Daniel Bortequaye, has ‘badgered’ on the GFA to put in place the fitting measures to ensure that the spectre of Brazil 2014 is totally exorcised.
“What happened to Ghana’s image in the Brazil 2014 World Cup must not be repeated and I can only hope important lessons have been picked up by the FA,” he said, insisting that the Black Stars could have gone beyond what was achieved at the South Africa 2010 World Cup (quarter-final), if we had done things right.
With less than three months to the Qatar World Cup (November 19), we need no one to remind the current players to be guided by this horrible story and ensure they exhibit the best behaviour possible.
There is no scintilla about the fact that the global media will have its eye on the Black Stars in November; not only for its spectacular football, but would be looking out for some of the controversies that swallowed up the 2010 quarter-finalist, into opprobrium.
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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