Kojo Poku Mahala accuses Kotoko new coach Fabin of taking bribes during previous era

The former forward has made a damming allegations against the re-appointed manager, insisting he took bribe during his first stint with the club

Former Asante Kotoko striker Kwadwo Poku ‘Mahala’ has slammed the club’s decision to appoint Paa Kwesi Fabin as the new coach, just a week to the start of 2017-18 Ghana Premier League season.

According to the one-time poster boy of the Kumasi giants, Fabin’s selection was influenced on several occasions through bribes and that led to a player mutiny against him, which finally brought his sacking in 2010.

The former Heart of Lions boss was confirmed as the new manager in a one-year deal to replace Steve Polack after the club’s elimination in the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup by Congolese side CARA Brazzaville.

“I don’t think the sacking of coach Steve Polack is going to solve the problems at Asante Kotoko because the playing body is also largely part of the woes,” Poku told Silver FM.

“I understand that humans can change [from worse to good and vice versa] but Fabin is not a good coach.

“Paa Kwesi Fabin takes bribe a lot and his selection of players is easily influenced through that. This is because I remember during our time with him at Kotoko, and even during my school days [at OKESS], that was what he was doing,” he said.

He added: “He always receive bribes to pick players and that’s the gospel truth. I even orchestrated his sacking from Kotoko.

“I remember there was a game which Alex Asamoah was aware that he will start because he was part of the team’s preparations throughout that week but he was eventually not used. Rather, Fabin opted for Baffour Gyan who only arrived in camp a day before and that brought confusion.

“Asamoah questioned that decision and the coach told him he won’t play in his team again so I reported it and that brought about his exit.”

AshesGyamera understands that Fabin has been tasked to win the Ghana Premier League and defend the FA Cup title won by Polack, as well as develop young talents for the club.

Ghana FA’s ten-year contract with StarTimes is ‘madness’, says former Ghalca vice Koomson

 

The Fire Club’s management member believes the contract between the football association and Chinese television station StarTimes don’t make sense

Aduana Stars management member Isaac Koomson has added his voice to the growing concerns from Ghana Premier League clubs following StarTimes decision to move clubs from their homegrounds ahead of the new season.

According to StarTimes’ communication director, Eli Kondoh, they want to have a better coverage in the upcoming campaign and will therefore pick only four venues for televised matches including Len Clay (Obuasi), Baba Yara Sports Stadium (Kumasi), Nduom Park (Elmina) and Anyinase which is the home of newbies Karela United FC.

However, the decision hasn’t gone down well with the clubs and they have vehemently opposed it.

“I don’t blame StarTimes that much but those who obliged to sign the deal,” Koomson told Hot FM.

“Even the five years we initially heard was ridiculous since it was their first time dealing in Ghana, yet, some people went ahead and signed ten years.

“That is total madness and look at where we are now. StarTimes don’t have Ghana game at heart because no sensible thinking human being will propose such thing (change of venues) for our rising league without having a second look at the economic benefits and reasons behind why certain people are investing in the game,” he said.

Koomson added: “People are not investing in the game solely because of money but for their communities and they should know all these before they come out with such proposal.

“How can you propose venues for television coverage in the upcoming season and leave out the Nana Agyeman Badu Park? A venue that can host international matches and can guarantee you a full capacity during games, they should come again.”

Ghalca boss Fianoo slams GFA president Nyantakyi; he travels more than a pilot

 

The head of the league club’s association believes the country’s football chief and his deputy don’t have the game at heart currently

Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman Kudjo Fianoo has launched a scathing attack at Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi and his vice George Afriyie, following their recent travels.

According to Fianoo, the top hierarchy currently seek their personal interest at the detriment of the local football. The duo were absent during the launch of the 2017-18 Ghana Premier League season.

According to reports in the local media, Nyantakyi is currently in Europe with Caf president Ahmad Ahmad and Afriyie is also doing his own business, although, people from the latter’s camp have insisted he is still in the country while, other sources say he was in Asia but currently in Liberia.

“The current Ghana FA leadership have no interest in Ghana football again. The FA president [Kwesi Nyantakyi] himself travels more than pilot,” Fianoo told Asempa FM.

“Things must be done to improve the state of football for a proper development in the future. Also, we must tell ourselves the truth,” he added.

Although, Ghana Premier League will kickoff on March 4, there have been issues with league centres as television right holders StarTimes, insists clubs must move from their homegrounds to designated grounds for better coverage.

AshesGyamera understands that Wafa’s home game against Asante Kotoko on opening day in Sogakope has been moved to Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

#CONFIRMED: Sellas Tetteh named as Tamale City FC new coach

 

The experienced gaffer has been tasked to qualify the fast-rising club to the top-flight next season

Former Ghana coach Sellas Tetteh has been announced as the new coach of Tamale City FC until 2019, the club have confirmed the news.

The 61-year-old prior to this appointment, was named as the head coach of Ghana’s female senior national team but he turned down the opportunity. He was in charge when Ghana became the first African country to win Fifa Youth Championship in 2009.

“Tamale City FC are delighted to announce that the club have agreed terms and put pen to paper with coach Sellas Tetteh for the celebrated coach to become head coach of the ambitious Tamale-based club on an initial one (1) year deal with an option for extention for a futher year,” a club statement read.

Sellas Tetteh met Tamale City FC players and backroom staff

“The coach was flown to Tamale in the company of a director of the club Lepowura Jawula and immediately signed the deal with the CEO Mr Jones Alhassan-Abu.

“Soon after signing the contract, an elated Sellas Tetteh expressed his appreciation to the directors of the club for giving him ‘the unique opportunity to become the first head coach of the club and thus be part of an exciting project that has all the trappings of being a game-changer in the country’s football landscape’,” the statement added.

According to AshesGyamera‘s sources, Tetteh will only have a contract extension of he is able to qualify the club to the Ghana Premier League from Zone 1. He must shrug off competitions from giants B.A United, Bofoakwa Tano, Berekum Arsenal and Techiman City FC who have all tasted life in the top-flight before.

Tetteh’s first real test in charge of Tamale will be an away game against NEA Salamina on Sunday on opening day of 2017-18 season.

David Duncan descends on Kotoko’s former management, labels them ‘jobless gang’

The former Porcupine Warriors has launched a scathing attack at the club’s former top hierarchy after labelling him as ‘a mistake’

Asante Kotoko former boss David Duncan has taken the past management to the cleaners after one member described him as the worst of all decisions taken during their tenure.

According to Solomon Ofosu-Ware, during an interview with New Mercury Radio in Kumasi, the club’s decision to appoint Duncan to succeed Didi Dramani in 2015 was a big mistake.

And, Duncan didn’t take that comments lightly as he described it as laughable, insisting that none of the management members during that time, including Samuel Opoku Nti, George Kennedy, Edmund Ackah, Ofosu-Ware and Kwaku Ahenkorah had a better job or profile prior to their stints with Kotoko.

Duncan was sacked after he failed to win the 2015 Ghana FA Cup title as well as seeing Kotoko eliminated from the Caf Confederation Cup by Algerian side MC Eulma. Also, under outspoken coach, Kotoko recorded three defeats, one win and two draws in six games, in the 2015-16 campaign, their worst ever start to any season since they were languishing at the bottom of the log with six points.

Asistant coach at that time, Michael Osei, was appointed to takeover until further notice before he was sacked for Zdravko Lugarosic.

Kotoko have sacked seven coaches since 2013 and Steve Polack was the latest to be shown the exit door last week, with his place taken up by Paa Kwesi Fabin.

Asante Kotoko name Paa Kwesi Fabin as new coach

The Porcupine Warriors have officially announced the appointment of the former Ghana U17 coach as new manager

Asante Kotoko have named Paa Kwesi Fabin as the new coach until 2019, replacing Steve Polack who was sacked last week.

The former Berekum Chelsea boss failed to qualify the Kumasi-giants to the group stage of the Caf Confederation Cup, after he saw the club being eliminated from the competition by Congolese side CARA Brazzaville in the preliminary round.

Fabin has now been promised another one year by Kotoko top hierarchy if he is able to win the 2017-18 Ghana Premier League and defend the FA Cup title which they won under Polack.

Fabin is now the eighth coach appointed by Asante Kotoko since 2013 after Mas-ud Didi Dramani, David Duncan, Michael Osei, Zdravko Lugarosic, Frimpong Manso, Godwin Ablordey and Polack.

Asante Kotoko sack Steve Polack after poor results

0

Ghana FA Cup champions Asante Kotoko have sacked coach Steve Polack after he failed to lead the club to the next of the Caf Confederation Cup.

The English man saw his side losing 7-6 on aggregate to Congolese side CARA Brazzaville on Wednesday adding to their troubles after losing the Ghana Super Cup and Ghalca G8 tournament.

Polack has become the sixth coach sacked by Kotoko since 2013 after joining them from Berekum Chelsea when Frimpong Manso left his role.

Ebenezer Ofori elated after joining MLS side NYFC

 

Ghana midfielder Ebenezer Ofori has revealed that he is delighted to join Major League Soccer side New York City FC on loan from German side VfB Stuttgart.

The 22-year-old opted to join the Blues following lack of game of time in a bid to keep his place in the Black Stars.

“I’m feeling good and happy because I’ve been looking forward to starting this new chapter with a big club like NYCFC,” he said.

“For me, I just want to be part of a successful team this year, to be happy and to play in and win many games as I can with my new team.

“I can’t wait to step out in the Bronx on a gameday and to meet the fans for the first time,” he added.

NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira admitted that he is also excited to have a quality like Ofori.

“I’m really excited to bring in Ebenezer – he’s a young player who is looking to improve, he is really dynamic and can cover ground. He’s really aggressive but he’s good with the ball too. I’m really pleased that we managed to bring him to the football club.

“He’s a competitor, he’s a guy who likes to win, and he’s a strong character. He’s coming to this club to compete with the midfielders we have and, like I always say, that will bring the best out of all of the players we have at this football club,” he added.

Ofori who previously played for Ghanaian side New Edubiase United, once played for Swedish side AIK also, making his debut for the club against Manchester United in a friendly in 2013. He boasts of eight international appearances for Ghana

Kotoko players to bag $400 (¢1,800) as allowances in Congo

The Porcupine Warriors chief has promised to increase the players camping allowances

Asante Kotoko executive board chairman Dr. Kwame Kyei has revealed that he has increased the players and technical team’s traveling allowances from $300 to $400 ahead of the second leg of the Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round against Congolese side CARA Brazzaville on Wednesday.

Kotoko defeated CARA Brazzaville 1-0 in the first leg thanks to Yakubu Mohammed’s late penalty and require to avoid defeat especially with two goals interval, before they can make it to the next of the competition.

Kotoko arrived in Brazzaville on Monday after a transit in Lome, Togo and are expected to hold their first training session on Tuesday evening and with emphasis on penalty kicks.

AshesGyamera understands that coach Steve Polack will select his final eleven for the game after the session.

Ayittey Powers beats comedian Baba Spirit live on TV during a talk show

The boxer couldn’t control his temper on television during a talk show and has gotten himself into another controversy

Ghanaian boxer, Ayittey Powers, was caught on camera beating comedian Baba Spirit on a live TV program on Amansan TV Monday evening, after the comedian allegedly used unkind words tease him.

Known for his jokes, Baba Spirit many at times tease people with words but he was unlucky this time, after Ayittey Powers got angry and started throwing punches left and right like he used to do in the ring.

It had to take the host, crew members including the cameramen and directors to separate the two live on Amansan TV.

Powers before the unexpected incident said: “If I know like you people will invite this guy, like I won’t come,” but Baba Spirit replied him….”What can you do” and that responds got the boxer irked.

It will be recalled that Baba Spirit vowed to beat Powers like a woman in August 2017 and that might have brought up the unfortunate incident on TV.

AshesGyamera understands that, although some section of Ghanaians believe it was a prank, the Police are still investigating the issue and will come out with their findings soon.