Sports
Afriyie not ready for Kotoko job
Mr. George Afriyie, former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), says he is not ready to take up the Chief Executive Officer Mantle at Asante Kotoko.
The President of Okyeman Planners Athletic Club has been strongly linked with the CEO job after the George Amoako-led management team was dissolved by the board.
But Afriyie who has vast experience in football administration said he was happy to be linked with the job and still upholds the strong bond between him, supporters, and life patron of Kotoko, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II but cannot assume the Kotoko role due to some other commitments.
”I am blessed to have personal relationships with His Royal Majesty “The Wise King” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Board Chairman Dr. Kwame Kyei.
“They are truly priceless. I am also fortunate to share such an unbreakable bond with some part of the Kotoko fraternity.
“In the aftermath of the GFA Presidential elections, I received several calls from Kotoko faithful urging me to consider taking up the position of the CEO of the club. I still continue to receive such calls and messages on a daily basis.”
“Kotoko is a great club and I would want to serve one day but, I want to state that I have currently taken up a commitment which would not permit me to take up the role.”
“I urge all (both the media and the sporting public) to respect the decision of the Great One-Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who in his wisdom has appointed the board to enact policies and steer the affairs of the club.”
“I am of the strong conviction that the board is made up of highly competent individuals who have unquestionable expertise to make the right choices for the club,” Mr. Afriyie said in a statement.
This puts Nana Yaw Amponsah in strong contention for the Kotoko job with the board set to announce a new management team in the coming days. –GNA
Sports
Black Satellites intensity training ahead of WAFU B Championship
The Black Satellites are gearing up for the WAFU B Under-20 Championship in style.
They played two friendlies on Thursday, as part of their preparations, taking on Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities and winning 2-1, thanks to Jerry Afriyie’s double.
The team also defeated SMAC Soccer Club 2-1, with Ali Umar and Yussif Musah scoring the goals.
Coach Desmond Ofei is leaving no stone unturned as he intensifies preparations for the WAFU B Championship.
The team’s ultimate goal is to make a return to the U-20 Cup of Nations, a feat they last achieved in 2021 in Mauritania.
The Black Satellites have been on a roll, having won the 2023 African Games men’s tournament by defeating Uganda at the Accra Sports Stadium.
With momentum on their side, they’re poised to make a strong showing in the WAFU B Championship.
As the technical team finalizes their squad selection, the players are surely feeling the pressure to perform.
The competition for spots will be fierce, but it’s exactly what the team needs to stay motivated and focused on their objective.
The WAFU U-20 Championship is scheduled to take place in Togo from October 17 to 31, 2024.
Sports
Former Ghana Coach Oko Aryee goes home on October 12
Former Ghanaian football coach Oko Aryee will be laid to rest on October 12, 2024, at the Resurrection Methodist Church in Adenta, Accra.
He passed away on August 12, 2024, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy as one of Ghana’s best football coaches.
Coach Aryee made history by becoming the first Ghanaian coach to qualify a national team for the FIFA World Cup not once, but twice.
His impressive career milestones include qualifying the Under 16 team for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 1991, alongside Sudan and Congo Brazzaville, and masterminding the Senior Women’s national team’s (Black Queens) second appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States in 2003.
Throughout his coaching career, Aryee also led several prominent Ghanaian football clubs, including Accra Hearts of Oak, Tema Ghapoha, Real Tamale United, and AshantiGold SC.
The Ghana Football Association and the entire football community have extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, widow, and children.
Some of Coach Aryee’s notable achievements include:
· First Ghanaian coach to qualify a national team for the FIFA World Cup
· Qualified the Under 16 team for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 1991
· Led the Black Queens to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2003
· Coached prominent Ghanaian football clubs, including Accra Hearts of Oak and AshantiGold SC
Coach Oko Aryee’s legacy extends beyond his impressive achievements, as he played a pivotal role in nurturing and developing some of Ghana’s most talented footballers.
His exceptional coaching skills and guidance helped shape the careers of:
· Samuel Osei Kuffour (Bayern Munich and Ghana legend)
· Mohammed Gargo (former Black Stars player)
· Nii Odartey Lamptey (former Aston Villa and Ghana player)
· Yaw Preko (former Ghana international)
Among others, these talented players benefited from Coach Aryee’s expertise, mentorship, and vision. Under his guidance, they honed their skills, gained valuable experience, and went on to achieve great success in their careers.
Coach Aryee’s Impact on Ghanaian Football:
· Developed talented players who became pillars of Ghana’s national teams
· Inspired a generation of coaches and players with his innovative coaching methods
· Contributed significantly to Ghana’s football growth and international recognition
· Left an enduring legacy that continues to influence Ghanaian football
The Ghanaian football community will forever be grateful for Coach Aryee’s dedication, passion, and commitment to developing the sport. His influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
May his soul Rest In Peace!
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