Sports
Unraveling riddles behind Laryea, FA turbulence
Laryea Kingston and FA President, Kurt Okraku
Events in three major sports including football and boxing have kept Ghanaian sports faithful spellbound, following attentively their outcomes which would determine Ghana’s participation or otherwise in major upcoming events.
The first is the ongoing West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Zone B U-17 championship at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium which Ghana’s Black Starlets were kicked out at the semi-final stage by a determined Burkina Faso side.
Secondly, the Road to Paris 2024 Boxing Championship in Bangkok, Thailand is one boxing fans are following to monitor the progress of the Black Bombers.
They need to secure some of the 51 allotted places for the Paris 2024 Olympics expected to take place in a few months’ time.
Then comes the Ghana Premier League (GPL) on its last stretch. For the second consecutive time, major traditional and city rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics are heavily involved in an interesting battle to avoid relegation.
That carries enough weight to dominate discussions on the various media platforms for the entire week.
However, a sudden Laryea Kingston outburst after the Black Starlets loss to Burkina Faso turned the scripts and swept the Hearts-Oly relegation discussion under the carpet.
Laryea, no doubt has emerged as one of the respected and confident young coaches and expected to take Ghana football by storm. His exploits with the Right to Dream Academy and the Starlets in a previous adventure made him an obvious candidate for the job.
The target was to land in the finals to guarantee qualification to the CAF U-17 Championship and subsequently qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
But the Burkina Faso hurdle proved too costly; leaving behind a dejected, disappointed, sad and disheartened young talents who obviously looked up to their coach for comfort and some consolation.
On the field of play after the match, they enjoyed that from their coach who inspired them in his play-days with Great Olympics, Hearts of Oak and the national teams.
They were, however, left shocked to the bone by the announcement of the coach’s resignation and the manner it was carried out.
The matter became murkier by an intolerant and emotional acceptance statement from the FA, raising issues over how Laryea handled his resignation when the team had a third place playoff in a few days’ time.
The FA played smart to ‘weather the storm’ by announcing assistants to take over and visited the team ahead of the Tuesday (May 28) bronze medal playoff against Nigeria.
Without knowing the exact issues that got Laryea infuriated, he has been ‘hanged’ already on reasons bordering on his temperament. Yes, I am tempted to side with the judges presiding on the matter handled in a court of public opinion.
No matter what may have angered him, he could have proved his critics wrong by going about his resignation in a decent manner rather than abandoning the team and his post-match duties including the meeting with the team’s management committee which he reports directly to.
Clearly, his action will deny him a platform through which his grievances can reach the FA for solutions.
That, however, does not also exonerate the FA because clearly, it goofed with the tone of its statement and their action creating a platform for a ‘buga-buga’ analysis of the matter.
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.
