Sports
‘I went into coaching to avoid slipping into depression’ – Essien
Former Ghana and Chelsea star, Michael Essien, opened up on his decision to go into coaching following his retirement from active football.
Essien, 41, who holds a UEFA License A coaching certificate, has been working as an Individual Player Coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland since 2020.
In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports Editor, Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, at the club’s base in Farum, the former Lyon and Real Madrid star said he never intended to enter coaching after his career, but soon made the decision because he did not want to be at home depressed after his career.
“When I was playing, if you asked me if I wanted to go into coaching, I would say no,” he began.
“But as time passed, I started thinking: I’ve been in football all my life; why not take up coaching and acquire my licenses to still stay in football and be around the players?
“I took this decision to go into coaching because I didn’t want to be one of these ex-players who finish their careers, go home, and start thinking about what they want to do, only to get into depression,” he said.
Essien started his career with Liberty Professionals before going on to play for eight other clubs, including Lyon and Chelsea, where he made the most impact, winning the UEFA Champions League with the latter in 2012.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Sports
Anyone who openly display political group paraphernalia will be arrested-NSA
The National Sports Authority in a statement has issued a strong warning to any persons or group intending to use Ghana’s AFCON Qualifier against Sunday to stage a protest.
According to them the Police will subdue any attempt by fans to use today’s game as an opportunity to display political paraphernalia to send a message, adding that CAF rules prohibit political messaging.
In a statement, they noted that “It has come to the attention of the Authority that some individuals intend to use the game between the Black Stars of Ghana and their Sudanese counterparts as a platform to promote an agenda that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) frowns upon.”
The statement further added that “Any individual or group of persons who openly display any political or pressure group paraphernalia, apparel or placards at the Accra Sports Stadium will be apprehended by the security apparatus who will be deployed in and around the facility. In this regard, football fans are advised to adhere to all the match day security regulations before, during and after the game in order to avoid any form of arrest or sanctions.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Sports
Young Apostles dare Hearts in Wenchi
Ghana Premier League (GPL) debutants, Young Apostles FC, will engage Accra Hearts of Oak in a match day six headliner at the Wenchi Stadium tomorrow.
It is expected to be full of fireworks as both teams struggle to return to winning ways, having fumbled in their last games.
Under greater pressure to deliver the maximum points are the Phobians who have plunge into another winless streak stretching two games after appearing to have found a winning formula.
They had a big chance to defeat a 10-man Aduana SC in the previous encounter but failed to capitalise on the advantage.
They will find it tough again to beating Young Apostle who would take inspiration from colleague debutant, Holy Stars, win over the Phobians in Accra in the opening day games.
The Young Apostles have not been at their best, however, they are very determine to upset the inexperienced, Phobians side.
Defending champions, FC Samartex 1996, host Nsoatreman FC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Basake Holy Stars entertain Karela United at home, while Nations FC host GoldStars FC at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Today at the University of Ghana (UG) Sports Stadium, Accra Lions FC will host Berekum Chelsea in a very tricky tie.
Also, Heart of Lions would be at Kpando to slug it out with Vision FC in what looks like a game of equals.
However, matches between Legon Cities’ and Asante Kotoko and Bechem United and Medeama SC have been postponed.
The postponement was occasioned by Kokako’s travel to the United States of America to honour an international friendly against DC United.
By Andrew Nortey
