Sports
Lepowura Jawula will be missed!
• Lepowura Jawula – A fallen colossus
Precisely a week ago, one of the nation’s and undeniably Africa’s finest football administrators – Lepowura Alhaji MND Jawula, passed on to eternity and was laid to rest 24 hours later in line with Islamic traditions.
The former Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss (1997-2001) gave up the ghost in the United States where he had gone to seek further medical care, having battled a bout of ailment for a while in Ghana.
His expiration came as a huge shock to Ghanaians, especially when he even granted interviews after the Black Stars’ star-crossed campaign at the Qatar 2022 World Cup tournament that ended just last month.
For many, the iconic football figure – and prince of the Gonjaland, would not only be remembered for the rotund voice bottled up in his frame, but for his ability to quickly think outside the box to proffer practical solutions.
It was the chief reason the Confederation of African Football (CAF), especially during the reign of Issa Hayatou (1988 and 2017), would always put him on a committee or two, expecting him to use his vast experience to put things right.
The charismatic Lepowura Jawula is regarded as one of the marquee names in football administration, having chaired the Black Starlets team that won gold at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Ecuador ‘95.
His rule as GFA boss saw the Starlets also finish second and third at the Egypt ‘97 and New Zealand ‘99 World Cup tournaments respectively.
Aside a sundry of positions he once occupied in the game, the 74-year-old Jawula was the chairman of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) Management Committee, and board member of Real Tamale United (RTU) – a club’s whose return to elite football in 2001 he spearheaded – after eight years in the doldrums.
Indeed, even before his passing, Lepowura was a member of the CAF Inter Club Committee – having served as a CAF match commissioner and many other portfolios for several years.
In other aspects of life, those who have walked close to him would tell you how deeply they drank from his reservoir of experience, wealth of knowledge and free-flowing philanthropic nature.
Incontestably, he was the kind who would always advise you to sprint beyond the normal distance, challenge yourself and dash for the jugular whenever the opportunity presents itself.
On two occasions (2008 and 2020), he was at this writer’s book launch as chairman, an invitation he accepted with no strings attached – encouraging him to publish more of such literatures “because tomorrow is not for us.”
Though extremely jovial, he was not the kind of man you could take for granted – as he would stoically hold his ground once he knew he was on the right track.
Today, the tender remains of Jawula – the Lepowura of the Kujolobito Gate of Lepo-Kpembe in the Kpembi Traditional Area in Gonjaland, Northern Region, lie in the bowels of Nashville, in United States of America.
You will be sorely missed, Lepowura. Rest well, King Lepo!
By John Vigah
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!
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
