Sports
Better times ahead for Stacey
Harry Stacey
“I’m not too mad at the performance, although it wasn’t my best. It’s been a learning experience and definitely building blocks for the future.”
The above was the reaction from one of Ghana’s two representatives in swimming at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Harry Stacey.
As a debutant and relatively a new face as far as swimming was concerned in Ghana, not much was required of him.
So when he lined up in the 100m Men Freestyle event in Heat 4, expectation was modest.
Stacey finished seventh with a time of 51.12 seconds, failing to qualify to the semifinals of the event.
As if that was not enough, the former Marlins Swim Club member’s time could notbetter his national record time of 50.57 seconds over the distance.
Naturally, the performance and disappointing outcome appears to have gone with the wind because ‘Fellow’ Ghanaians are becoming indifferent towards the country’s contingents at such sports festivals.
As a beneficiary of one of the two wild cards granted by World Aquatics, FINA, following Ghana’s showing in swimming at the Accra 2023 Africa Games, Stacey was granted an opportunity to more or less dine with the swimming greats.
He represented no threat to any of the medals at stake because his time comes nowhere near the properly qualified swimmers.
As a young lad coming up, he and Ghana should be grateful for the opportunity and not be so shattered about his performance.
Stacey must be guided by the second part of the quote attributed to him that, “It’s been a learning experience and definitely building blocks for the future.”
That perfectly describes his situation, especially when featuring in an event like swimming, dominated by countries such as the USA, Australia, South Africa and others with competitive advantage.
Instead of crying over spilt milk, Stacey should remain focused on improving his performances to record better times. His dream is very possible, but will take a lot of time, sacrifice and dedication to reach there.
The fact that swimming is yet to chalk any major feat as far as international championships are concerned does not mean that no athlete from Ghana can gain global recognition.
Under our own eyes and noses, South Sudan, a country with a dog’s chance in the world of sport is being discussed on major platforms because of the performance exhibited by its basketball team, the Bright Stars.
They convincingly defeated Puerto Rico in the basketball event at the ongoing Games. Prior to that, they faced almighty USA in a preparatory game before the Games kicked off, losing by just a basket.
Clearly, that is an indication that there could be light at the end of the tunnel for the young and upcoming Stacey who would ride at the back of this opportunity to take the swimming world by storm.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
Ampem Darkoa, Sung Shinning seek crucial wins in Northern Zone of Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League
Ampem Darkoa Ladies return home after shocking exit from the Women’s FA Cup at the hands of Division One side Rootz Sistaz.
Despite this setback, the former champions remain unbeaten in the Women’s Premier League, following a draw with Northern Ladies in their last fixture.
Meanwhile, bottom-placed Sung Shining Ladies, based in Wa, will host Northern Ladies, aiming to secure maximum points and escape the relegation zone.
Here is what to expect in the Northern Zone:
Sung Shining Ladies FC vs. Northern Ladies FC
Sung Shining Ladies FC will host Northern Ladies FC, seeking to bounce back from their FA Cup quarterfinal disappointment. The home side has struggled to maintain leads in recent matches. Northern Ladies FC will look to continue their momentum and move up the table.
Ampem Darkoa Ladies vs. Kumasi Sports Academy
Ampem Darkoa Ladies will shift their focus to the premier league after a shocking FA Cup exit. They remain unbeaten in the league and will look to maintain their run against Kumasi Sports Academy, who are struggling in 8th position.
Tamale Super Ladies vs. Fosu Royal Ladies
Tamale Super Ladies will seek a second consecutive win when they host Fosu Royal Ladies. The Super Ladies are fifth in the table, while Fosu Royal Ladies are fourth. A win could push Tamale Super Ladies into the top four.
Dreamz Ladies vs. Prison Ladies
Dreamz Ladies will take on Prison Ladies in an electrifying encounter. Both teams have shown impressive form, and this clash promises to be a thrilling display of determination.
Supreme Ladies vs. Savannah Ladies
Supreme Ladies will clash with Savannah Ladies at the Bantama Astro Turf. Both teams are seeking to improve their standing in the league table. Supreme Ladies are bottom of the table and will look to pick maximum points at home.
Sports
Hasaacas Ladies face off against Police Ladies in Southern Zone as Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League returns
The Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League resumes this weekend with Match Day 12, featuring highly anticipated clashes. In the Southern Zone, leaders Hasaacas Ladies face off against second-placed Police Ladies in a thrilling encounter that promises to be a highlight of the weekend.
Two points separate the two teams as Police Ladies trail record holders Hasaacas Ladies in the title race. Meanwhile, Halifax Ladies will host struggling Berry Ladies, with the home team seeking maximum points to improve their league standing.
Here is what to expect in the Southern Zone:
Epiphany Warriors vs. LadyStrikers
Epiphany Warriors, currently 4th with 21 points, face LadyStrikers, who sit 6th in the table with 13 points. Despite their standings, LadyStrikers have shown they can compete against tougher opponents following an impressive showing against the top three teams.
Epiphany Warriors are poised to start as favorites, but they must remain cautious of LadyStrikers’ formidable quality.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth with a 5-1 win.
Police Ladies vs. Hasaacas Ladies
League leaders Hasaacas Ladies face Police Ladies, who aim to reclaim the top spot on home turf. Hasaacas Ladies are favorites following their Women’s FA Cup quarter-final heroics. They lead the table with 24 points – two points ahead of their host going into this epic clash.
Halifax Ladies vs. Berry Ladies
New entrants Halifax Ladies, seeking consistency, face strugglers Berry Ladies, who are deeply, rooted at the bottom of the Southern Zone standings.
Faith Ladies vs. Army Ladies
Faith Ladies, with 8 points, host Army Ladies, who are enjoying a strong campaign in fifth place with 20 points. Army Ladies will aim to extend their unbeaten run.
