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“I’m stranded in Kumasi & Nana Yaw Amponsah doesn’t answer my calls”; Former Kotoko coach Johnson Smith cries for help

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“I’m stranded in Kumasi & Nana Yaw Amponsah doesn’t answer my calls”; Former Kotoko coach Johnson Smith cries for help

The Porcupine Warriors former boss says he is stranded in Kumasi after arriving at the club’s secretariat to mutually terminate his contract

Former Asante Kotoko assistant coach Johnson Smith has revealed that he has been left stranded in Kumasi following his decision to negotiate termination of his contract with the club.

Smith was relieved off his duties last month following the sacking of his boss Mariano Baretto. New coach Prosper Ogum Narteh opted to come with his two assistant coaches and that meant Smith’s role wasn’t needed any longer.

The former Karela United coach decided to visit the club’s secretariat to mutually terminate his contract so that he can move on with his life but things didn’t work as he planned.

“I am stranded in Kumasi now,” Smith told Kumasi FM.

“I came to terminate my contract with Kotoko. I went to the secretariat but nobody was there to received me.

“I met only the accountant and he can’t terminate my contract and the chief executive officer is not picking my calls

“I have even called some board members including Ahaji Lamin and he said I should wait till to tomorrow,” he added.

The Kotoko players and technical team are currently in Accra to continue with their pre-season tour ahead of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season. They will leave Accra over the weekend to United Arab Emirates where they are expected to spend two weeks.

Smith previously worked under Maxwell Konadu and he was named as the interim coach when Konadu was sacked in the first round of Ghana Premier League last season.

Reports in the local media suggest that Smith will likely join Bibiani Gold Stars as an assistant coach to Michael Osei as the club prepares to mark their debut in the league.

Former Asante Kotoko striker Bekoe to be unveiled as Montreal FC coach

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Former Asante Kotoko striker Bekoe to be unveiled as Montreal FC coach

The former goal poacher has been appointed as the new head coach of the lower division side and will be presented to the media on Wednesday

Asante Kotoko former striker Eric Kwabena Bekoe has been officially appointed the new head coach of lower division club Montreal FC, AshesGyamera.com understands.

Bekoe, who until last week was the coach for Brong Ahafo club Nsawkaw FC, guided the club to qualify to play in the Second Division sub middle League.

Although, they failed to progress to the middle League final in their bid to win qualification to Division One next season, Bekoe’s exploits did not go unnoticed.

The Accra-based Montreal FC has secured his services and reports suggest that some key players of his former club will also be signed to help him achieve his target in the upcoming season.

Bekoe has been tasked mainly to guide the club secure qualification to the Greater Accra Regional Division Two Middle League next season and also help nurture talents that can be transferred to the European market.

Bekoe became a household name during the 2008/09 Ghana Premier League season where he scored several goals to help Asante Kotoko win the league title.

Also, he became the topscorer of the Caf Confederation Cup as Kotoko reached the group stage of the competition.

He later joined Egypt Premier League side Petrojet and made name for himself before he returned to Ghana to bring the curtains down at Sekondi Hasaacas.

Kotoko to spend two weeks in UAE for pre-season; check players who will travel

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Kotoko to spend two weeks in UAE for pre-season; check players who will travel

The Porcupine Warriors will spend fourteen days at most in the Gulf region as they fine tune ahead of the 2021/22 season

Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko have announced their plans to depart the country to United Arab Emirates for pre-season ahead of the start of 2021/22 season.

Kotoko began their pre-season at the Adako Jachie training ground in Kumasi last week under new coach Prosper Ogum Narteh before they moved to Accra over the weekend.

Last season, the club had a slow start which led to the appointment of four coaches. In spite of these appointments, they failed to win a trophy as they finished second behind Hearts of Oak in the league and were also knocked out by Berekum Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

“We fly to the United Arab Emirates Flag of United Arab Emirates on Thursday for #Preseason21 tour in the lively city of Dubai between 7th – 22nd October 2021,” the club wrote on their Twitter handle on Tuesday.

Since 2007 under former chief executive officer Herbert Mensah where the club toured Germany, this will be the first time Kotoko will be embarking on a trip outside the country for pre-season.

Last year, Kotoko toured the Eastern region and mainly stayed in Koforidua before they landed in Accra as part of their pre-season.

Several new players will be part of the players that will depart the country this week to the Gulf region.

Kotoko are expected to play at least two friendly games before they return to Ghana for the commencement of the Premier League on October 29.

The Porcupine Warriors will open their campaign with an away trip to Dawu to lock horns with Dreams FC before they host Bechem United on matchday two.

They will travel to Accra for the first leg of the Super Clash against Hearts of Oak on matchday seven while the return fixture has been slated for matchday 22 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

PLAYERS LIKELY TO TRAVEL TO UAE:

Goalkeepers:

Razak Abalora, Kwame Baah, Danlad Ibrahim

Defenders:

Ismail Ganiu, Ibrahim Imoro, Christopher Nartey, Andrew Kwaku Apau, Samuel Appiah, Sheriff Mohammed, Maxwell Agyemang

Midfielders:

Richard Boadu, Isaac Oppong , Clinton Opoku, Samuel Boateng, Fabio Gama, Patrick Asmah, Yussif Mubarik, Emmanuel Keyekeh, Mudasiru Salifu, Richmond Lamptey,

Strikers:

Francis Andy Kumi, Evans Adomako, Solomon Sarfo Taylor

Alfred Duncan reveals why Milovan Rajevac dropped him from World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Alfred Duncan reveals why Milovan Rajevac dropped him from World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe

The midfielder has refuted claims that he faked an injury just to absent himself from the World Cup qualifiers

Fiorentina midfielder Alfred Duncan has rejected suggestions that he faked an injury just to absent himself from Ghana’s game against Zimbabwe in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers this weekend.

The midfielder was in an action over the weekend and played 76 minutes when Fiorentina suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Napoli in Serie A.

However, reports emerged that he has turned down the call up to play for Ghana due to an injury relay but Duncan insists that was not the case since he had a chat with Milovan on why he was taking that decision.

Duncan was among the five players that were dropped on Monday together with Wakaso Mubarak, Emmanuel Gyasi, Abdul Ganiu and Tariq Fosu of Premier League side Brentford.

“With regards to my absence from the nation team [Black Stars], I spoke with the head coach of the Black Stars but there was a miscommunication somewhere,” Duncan wrote on his official Instagram page.

“But I don’t remember saying I was injured. Online bloggers academy, get your facts right before putting fingers on a keyboard.

“If I want to refuse a call up, I will do so and not by faking injury,” he added.

The Black Stars opened their camping for the game on Tuesday with almost ever player available. Notable among them include the Ayew brothers, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Kudus Mohammed and Abdul Baba Rahman.

Reports suggest that the game on Saturday could be played at the Len Clay Sports Stadium in Obuasi after Ghana Football Association wrote to Caf for a change of venue due to several reasons.

PICTURES: Andre Ayew, Kamaldeen & others arrive at Black Stars camp

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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PICTURES: Andre Ayew, Kamaldeen & others arrive at Black Stars camp

Several Black Stars players have touched down in the country on Tuesday ahead of the World Cup qualifiers this weekend

Many of the 27 players called up by Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac have arrived in the country on Tuesday for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe on Saturday.

Kudus Mohammed

The team departed Accra around 9:30am and arrived in the Central Regional Capital of Cape Coast at midday to begin their preparations for the cliffhanger.

Daniel Amartey

According to Ghana Football Association, the players will hold their first training at the Cape Coast Stadium at 4pm on Tuesday before they continue on Wednesday morning.

Assistant coach Otto Addo

Five players including Wakaso Mubarak have been dropped by Milovan. The rest include Spezia Calcio midfielder Emmanuel Gyasi, Asante Kotoko defender Ismail Ganiu, Tariq Fosu and Fiorentina midfielder Alfred Duncan.

Ghana are seeking to get back to winning ways following the one nil loss to South Africa in the second Group G game. The Black Stars who began the World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Ethiopia on match day one, sit second in Group G with three points after two round of matches.

L

Ghana is scheduled to play the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a double header with the 1st leg set for the Cape Coast stadium on Saturday, October 9, 2021.

The return fixture has been scheduled for October 12 in Harare where reports suggest that a lot of the first team players may miss that game, especially those that ply their trade in England, since Zimbabwe has been listed among United Kingdom’s red listed countries with serious Covid-19 cases.

Milovan’s disciplinary record will push ‘relaxed’ players to work more, says Ayew brothers PRO

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Milovan’s disciplinary record will push ‘relaxed’ players to work more, says Ayew brothers PRO

The spokesperson for the Ayew family believes the Serbian will bring out the best from the Black Stars players

Fiifi Tackie, spokesperson for the Ayew family, believes that new Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac will succeed because of his disciplinary actions.

The 68-year-old signed a one-year contract with Ghana FA last month to replace Charles Kwablah Akonnor and will play his first game against Zimbabwe in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on October 9.

โ€œThe Milovan Rajevac I know when he makes his decision, it is final and nobody can change his mind,” Tackie said.

“He will give you the chance and if you donโ€™t prove yourself forget it, no matter who you are and we need it.

โ€œThere are some players in the team who are too relaxed. They feel their position is guaranteed and we need some sort of competition. From the goalkeeper to the bench. If Milovan decides that this player is off, thatโ€™s it.

โ€œMilovan Rajevac will be super motivated to do what he did in the past now that he has returned. Letโ€™s use Kwesi Appiah as an example.

“He did a good job in his second stint especially in games against South Africa and Sao Tome. I think Milo will learn from his mistakes,โ€ he added.

Ghana sit second on the Group G of the qualifiers with three points, one point behind leaders South Africa.

According to a research, the Serbian currently sits tenth on the list as he is set to take charge of the Black Stars in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers next month.

Morocco head coach Vahid Halilhodzic is the highest paid African coach as he is paid almost $90,000 while Carlos Queiroz of Egypt and Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi sit in second and third place respectively.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos and Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr are also in the list as they earn $50,000 and $55,000 respectively.

SALARIES of African NT coaches (TOP earners)

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Vahid Halilhodzic – $89K
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ Carlos Queiroz – $85K
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Djamel Belmadi – $65K
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Antonio Conceiรงao – $59K
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡พ Javier Clemente – $59K
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Hector Cuper – $55K
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Gernot Rohr – $55K
๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Hugo Broos – $50K
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Patrice Beaumelle – $35K
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ญ Milovan Rajevac – $30K
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ท Corentin Martins – $30K
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Micho Sredojevic – $24K
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฏ Michel Dussuyer – $28K
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ณ Aliou Cisse – $27K
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ณ Didier Six – $20K
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ด Pedro Goncalves – $20K

Milovan has been tasked to qualify Ghana to the 2022 Fifa World Cup and win 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Cameroon next year.

He will earn $300,000 each if he is able to achieve any of the two targets set for him by Ghana Football Association.

Exclusive: Awako terminates contract with Hearts of Oak, says Oluboi; HERE ARE THE REASONS

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Exclusive: Awako terminates contract with Hearts of Oak, says Oluboi; HERE ARE THE REASONS

The Phobians have failed to keep the midfielder only two months after sealing a deal with him

Hearts of Oak have terminated their contract with midfielder Gladson Awako according to the Chief Executive Officer of Great Olympics, Oluboi Commodore.

The 30-year-old signed a three-year deal with Hearts in August and was expected to help them in their Caf Champions League campaign. However, Awako left the club’s training camp and allegedly insisted that he was suffering from spiritual attacks.

However, a new twist to his issue has popped up as Great Olympics believe the player is free to leave Hearts since they have failed to pay the agreed transfer fee.

According to Oluboi, Great Olympicโ€™s agreement with Hearts of Oak has been nullified after the latter failed to abide by the agreement since Hearts of Oak agreed to pay the transfer fee in two installments.

The first installment was on September 13 and the second was supposed to be paid on October 2 which Hearts top hierarchy defaulted.

โ€œWe had an agreement with Hearts of Oak and they wanted to pay 50 percent. the first installment was paid on the 13th September,โ€ Oluboi said.

โ€œThe second installment was to be paid on October 2. In the agreement, it was said if they fail to pay the money the agreement is nullified or terminated which was signed by Vincent Sowah Odotei.

โ€œHe is currently an Olympics player and must return to us now. Any amount paid is not refundable.

โ€œWe were demanding all the amount from Hearts of Oak before we release the player because we knew this would happen.

โ€œFrom October 2, there is no more agreement with Hearts of Oak. He still has a contract with Great Olympics till 22 October. It is in his contract that if he doesnโ€™t go abroad he will sign for Olympics,โ€ he added.

This comes as a big blow to the Hearts of Oak preparations ahead of the Caf Champions League game against Wydad Athletic Club from Morocco on October 22.

Asante Kotoko sign ninth player Sheriff Mohammed in three-year deal

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Asante Kotoko sign ninth player Sheriff Mohammed in three-year deal

The Porcupine Warriors have announced the arrival of the young defender after he impressed the club’s technical team during his trial

Asante Kotoko have signed Steadfast FC defender Sherrif Mohammed in a three-year deal, the two clubs have confirmed.

The youngster was spotted training with Kotoko’s first team last week in Kumasi before they moved to Accra to continue their pre-season tour.

With defenders Wahab Adams and Habib Mohammed leaving the club, Sherrif became a priority after he caught the eye of Kotoko’s new coach Prosper Ogum Narteh.

“๐‘ฏ๐’†’๐’” ๐’๐’–๐’“ ๐’๐’†๐’˜๐’†๐’”๐’• ๐’‚๐’…๐’…๐’Š๐’•๐’Š๐’๐’ ๐’‚๐’๐’… ๐’‰๐’†’๐’” ๐’‚ ๐‘บ๐‘ฏ๐‘ฌ๐‘น๐‘ฐ๐‘ญ๐‘ญ!!

“We are delighted to announce the signing of versatile midfielder Sheriff Mohammed from Steadfast FC on a three-year deal,” a club’s statement read.

Sherrif scored seven goals last season and made 12 assists in the Zone Two of Ghana Division One League.

He has become the ninth signing by Kotoko this season after Richard Boadu, Samuel Appiah, Isaac Oppong, Richmond Lamptey, Maxwell Agyemang, Clinton Opoku, Augustine Amponsah and Samuel Boateng as new signings at Kotoko.

According to reports in the local media, Berekum Chelsea captain Stephen Amankonah and another striker are also expected to be unveiled in the coming days.

Check out the Black Stars players surprisingly dropped by Milovan Rajevac ahead of Zimbabwe clash

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Check out the Black Stars players surprisingly dropped by Milovan Rajevac ahead of Zimbabwe clash

The Serbian has pruned his squad list ahead of the international break and conspicuously added was the midfielder who captained his club in Serie A over the weekend

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has reportedly dropped five players from the squad that will face Zimbabwe in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on Saturday, according to reports in the local media.

Notably among them include midfielder Wakaso Mubarak who played part in the last two games and even scored the only goal against Ethiopia in Group G’s opening game at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

Wakaso gas been inactive at club level since the 2021/22 Chinese Super League season is yet to start.

Also, Spezia Calcio midfielder Emmanuel Gyasi has been told to stay in Italy despite playing 90 minutes over the weekend in Serie A and even captained his club when they lost 4-0 to Chievo Verona.

Although, Gyasi was called for the last two games against Ethiopia and South Africa, he was unused in both fixtures as Ghana won one and lost the other.

The others include Asante Kotoko defender Ismail Abdul Ganiu, Brentford winger Tariqe Fosu and Joseph Alfred Duncan who played part of Fiorentina’s 2-1 home defeat to Napoli in Serie A over the weekend.

“Twenty Seven players will open camp Tuesday morning to begin preparation for this month’s Match day three and Match day four FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers against Zimbabwe,” a GFA statement read.

“This follows the decision of the Technical team to excuse five players from the squad ahead of the qualifiers. They include, Ismail Abdul Ganiyu, Tariqe Fosu Henry, Joseph Alfred Duncan, Mubarak Wakaso and Emmanuel Gyasi.

“The team is expected to travel to Cape Coast on Tuesday morning โ€“ where they will begin training in the evening for the first game on Saturday.

“Meanwhile, England based right back Andrew Kyereh Yiadom who plays for Reading FC is currently being assessed after picking up a knock on Saturday during a Championship game against Cardiff City and got replaced by Jahmari Clarke in the 80th minute.

“Coach Milovan Rajevac and his men are seeking to get back to winning ways following the one nil loss to South Africa in the second Group G game. The Black Stars who began the World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Ethiopia on match day one, sit second in Group G with three points after two round of matches.

“Ghana is scheduled to play the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a double header with the 1st leg set for the Cape Coast stadium on Saturday, October 9, 2021,” the statement added.

Ghanaโ€™s 27-man squad:

Goalkeepers

Lawrence Ati- Zigi (FC St. Gallen), Richard Atta (Hearts of Oak), Ibrahim Danlad, (Asante Kotoko), Jojo Wallocott (Swindon Town)

Defenders:

Philemon Baffuor (Dreams FC), Andrew Yiadom (Reading FC), Gideon Mensah (Bordeaux), Baba Abdul Rahman (Reading FC), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City), Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo), Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew), Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg).

Midfielders:

Thomas Partey (Arsenal FC), Baba Idrissu (Real Mallorca), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax Amsterdam), Majeed Ashimeru (RSC Anderlecht), Kofi Kyere (St. Pauli), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Steadfast FC).

Forwards:

Andre Ayew (Al Sadd SC), Kamaldeen Suleymana (Rennes), Joel Fameyeh (Orenburg), Yaw Yeboah (Wisล‚a Krakรณw), Samuel Owusu (Al-Fayha FC), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Caleb Ekuban (Genoa), Benjamin Tetteh (Yeni Malatyaspor)

Jordan Ayew must be assessed by his contributions & not only goals, says PRO

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Jordan Ayew must be assessed by his contributions & not only goals, says PRO

The Ayew family’s spokesperson has jumped to the defence of the underfire striker and insists he is having a wonderful season despite his lack of goals

The spokesperson for the Ayew family, Fiifi Tackie, has come to the defence of underfire Ghana striker Jordan Ayew following his poor goal scoring run.

Ayew has failed to score in his last 37 games for Crystal Palace and ten games for Ghana. The situation has raised a lot of concerns about his continuous starting role in the Black Stars setup.

However, his spokesperson believes that despite his failure to hit the back of the net, Ayew brings on board a lot of importance as his general contributions help both Crystal Palace and Ghana to achieve good results.

โ€œJordan Ayew is more of a team player than an individual player,โ€ Fiif Tackie told Ohene Bampoe Brenya on Happy Sports on Happy 98.9FM.

โ€œJordan doesnโ€™t see anything wrong if he tries to assist than to score. I think we should also assess Jordan Ayew by his contribution on the pitch as we do to his goal scoring records.

“It is one of the reasons why Crystal Palace coach Patrick Vieira will continue to use him ahead of others in the team,โ€ he added.


Ayew played only 57 minutes last weekend when Palace shared the spoils 2-2 against Leicester City at the Selhurst Park..

He was heavily criticised by former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry last week following his poor performance in the game against Brighton and Hove Albion where his missed chances proved costly.

Ayew has been named among Ghana’s 23 man squad that will play Zimbabwe in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on October 9 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium and October 12 in the reverse fixture in Harare.

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