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
Sports
Jerry Afriyie Departs Camp to Rejoin Club in Spain
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the departure of Jerry Afriyie from the camp of the Black Satellites to return to his club base in Spain.
This development is in line with a prior arrangement between the GFA and the player’s club, which had indicated that they would require his return following Ghana’s first two matches in the ongoing tournament.
The Association had to rely on such an arrangement because the tournament is being played outside the FIFA window for release of players.
Jerry Afriyie made a significant contribution to the team during our opening fixtures, playing a key role in securing valuable points that have positioned the Black Satellites strongly in the quest for qualification.
While the technical team and management would have preferred to retain his services for the entirety of the competition, the GFA remains committed to honouring all arrangements with clubs in the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and professionalism.
“We are confident that the remaining members of the squad will build on the foundation laid in the first two matches and continue to push toward our collective objective of success in the tournament,” the statement added.
The GFA has taken this opportunity to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jerry Afriyie for his dedication and service during his time with the national team, and wished him continued success at his club.
“We also thank Ghanaians at home and abroad for the unwavering support shown to the Black Satellites and urge all to continue rallying behind the team as we pursue continental glory,” the statement concluded.
Sports
Black Satellites Hold First Training Session in Ismailia Ahead of Decisive Group C Encounter
Shortly after touching down in Ismailia, Ghana’s Black Satellites hit the ground running with their first training session ahead of Thursday’s Group C fixture against the Central African Republic at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025.
The training, held at the Tolip 1 training pitch, saw a divided workload. Players who started in the team’s second group match against Senegal were put through a light recovery session, while the rest of the squad engaged in a more intensive workout.
The energy on the pitch was positive, with players upbeat and fully engaged as they sharpened their preparations for the showdown at Ismailia Stadium which kicks off at 1800 local time (1500 GMT).
Head Coach Desmond Ofei praised the team’s mindset and professionalism in quickly adjusting to their new environment.
“The attitude today was spot on. The boys understand what’s at stake, and the tempo at training reflected that. We’re building toward Thursday with confidence,” Ofei stated.
With two games down and all to play for in the final Group match, the Satellites are hoping to harness this momentum and passion to secure the win that will cement their place in the quarterfinals.
