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I’m back; Ronaldo pens an emotional message as he returns to Manchester United

Manchester United have completed the signing of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo after his decision to leave Juventus this season.

The 36-year-old was linked with a shocking move to Manchester City but their rivals United swiftly hijacked the deal following a call placed to Ronaldo from former coach Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ronaldo is expected to join United after the international break next week and possibly mark his second debut for the club when the Premier League resumes.

“Everyone who knows me, knows about my never ending love for Manchester United. The years I spent in this club where absolutely amazing and the path we’ve made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great and amazing institution,” Ronaldo wrote.

“I can’t even start to explain my feelings right now, as I see my return to Old Trafford announced worldwide. It’s like a dream come true, after all the times that I went back to play against Man. United, and even as an opponent, to have always felt such love and respect from the supporters in the stands. This is absolutely 100% the stuff that dreams are made of!

“My first domestic League, my first Cup, my first call to the Portuguese National team, my first Champions League, my first Golden Boot and my first Ballon d’Or, they were all born from this special connection between me and the Red Devils. History has been written in the past and history will be written once again! You have my word!

I’m right here!
I’m back where I belong!
Let’s make it happen once again!

PS – Sir Alex, this one is for you…,” he added.

💪🏻⚽️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️🙏🏻

Hearts of Oak to play Adabraka Elders FC in first pre-season friendly ahead of trip to Guinea

The Phobians will continue their fine tuning with a friendly game against the lower-tier side on Wednesday in Accra

Ghana Premier League champions Hearts of Oak will play their first pre-season friendly game against lower division side Elders FC at the Legon Park on Wednesday, AshesGyamera.com can confirm.

The Phobians began their pre-season last week ahead of their participation in the 2021/22 Caf Champions League after several years in the hiatus. They players have gone through several types of drills and beach works to improve their stamina as well as endurance and will now put everything learned into display on the field.

Hearts have been handed a relatively manageable opposition in the preliminary round of the Champions League as they will face CI Kamsar next week. Head coach Samuel Boadu will be hoping that his side overcome the test ahead of them on Wednesday as they continue their preparations with games with low intensity.

AshesGyamera understands that Hearts have lined up one international friendly before they depart Ghana to Guinea to face Kamsar on September 10 at the September 28 Sports Stadium in Conakry.

The return fixture has been billed for September 19 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The winner after the tie will face Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club for a place in the group stage of the competition.

Ghana’s Oku receives $5,000 gift from a Japanese philanthropist after a wonderful display at 2020 Paralympic Games

TOKYO: Japanese philanthropist donates $5,000 to Ghana’s powerlifter Oku in Japan

A Japanese man after watching the Powerlifting competition especially Ghana’s only competitor at the -72 kg class said he was impressed by the composure of the athlete in addition to his performance. 

He later revealed that after reading in the Japanese daily newspaper and reviews on television about the feat chalked up by Emmanuel Tetteh Oku, he was moved to help the young athlete who made his first Paralympic appearance. 

The philanthropist who wants to remain anonymous revealed that he lived in Ghana for more than two years in the 60s and has since been drawn to Ghana.

The NPC president Mr. Samson Deen thanked him on behalf of the athlete and assured him of greater successes. It is on record that Nkegbe Botsyo has made the most Paralympic appearances for Ghana, contesting in the T54 sprint events at three consecutive editions of the games between 2004 and 2012.

Anita Fordjour has achieved the highest ranking of an athlete from Ghana, placing seventh in both T53 100m and T53 200m at the 2012 games in London before the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games which Emmanuel NII Tettey OKU has beaten to take the most mark ever achieved by a Ghanaian at the Paralympic Games. 

The philanthropist who engaged the President of NPC-Ghana, Mr. Samson Deen and NPC-Ghana Secretary General, Mr. Peter Adjei during the presentation also disclosed his interest to “build an indoor Sports Center” for Ghana.

NPC GHANA COMMUNICATIONS

Exclusive: “Medeama have transferred Justice Blay to Kotoko,” player’s father reveals

The Porcupine Warriors have completed a move for their former midfielder as they look for options to bolster their squad ahead of the new season

Asante Kotoko have completed the signing of former midfielder Justice Blay from Medeama, the player’s father John Blay has revealed.

The 28-year-old had a wonderful loan spell with Kotoko in the 2019/20 season but despite pushing for his move to be permanent, things didn’t work as planned.

He returned to Medeama and suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury which forced him to sit out major part of last season.

However, Kotoko have secured a deal with Medeama to have his service as he is recuperating from the injury.

“I can say on record that my son will play for Asante Kotoko next season. This is because I spoke with Medeama owner Moses Armah Parker concerning my son’s future and he told me he has transferred him to Kotoko for the upcoming season,” John Blay told Otec FM.

“I have no problem about that decision so I am looking forward for him to start another adventure in Kumasi. It is never true that Justice Blay has quit football or even has an intention of quitting.

“Blay has started training and he even put up a surprising performance on Monday during a special game he played with friends. I am even shocked about rumours that my son has quit football. Per the kind of performance he put up during the training game, I strongly believe that my son will regain his form and be a part of the Black Stars squad sooner rather than later,” he added.

Medeama, after appointing Ignatius Osei-Fosu as the new coach, have already signed striker Ansu Kofi Patrick and defender Seth Sowah from Berekum Arsenal and Bechem United respectively.

Ghana open 2022 World Cup qualifying camp with only 13 players

There were only thirteen Black Stars players present on Monday as the Black Stars opened their training sessions ahead of their double header in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Ghana’s senior national team began preparations on Monday, August 30, 2021 at the McDan Park in La, Accra ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup Group qualifying games against Ethiopia and South Africa respectively next month.

Thirteen players, including ten foreign-based, out of the 31 players named by head coach C.K Akonnor a fortnight ago, were present to participate in the first training session.

Captain Andre Ayew who recently signed for Qatari giants Al Sadd from Swansea City was present and led the the players through the training sessions. Also present was his junior brother Jordan Ayew as well as Reading defender Baba Rahman.

The rest included defender Jonathan Mensah who is making a return to the team after almost two years away. China-based Mubarak Wakaso and Samuel Owusu as well as Spezia Calcio forward Emmanuel Gyasi reported on time to partake in the training.

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah and midfielder Afriyie Barbie were among the locally based players that were around. The others included Asante Kotoko defender Ismail Abdul Ganiu and Steadfast youngster Abdul Fatawu Isahaku.

The Black Stars will continue their fine tuning on Tuesday and several players are expected to arrive in the country on time to partake in the second session.

Ghana will host Ethiopia in the opening group game on September 3 at the Cape Coast Stadium before they travel to Johannesburg three days later to square it off with South Africa in the next game.

Ghana FA fines Karela United GHc5,000 & lift ban on home grounds after fans destroyed Medeama bus

The much anticipated verdict following the vandalisation of Medeama’s team bus leading to the injury of some players have been released on Monday

Ghana Football Association’s disciplinary committee has found Karela United guilty of three misconducts following their fans’ troubles leading to the vandalisation of Medeama’s team bus in June.

Karela lost 2-1 at home in round of 32 of the FA Cup to Medeama and their fans subsequently smashed several windows of the away side’s 52-seater Benz with objects like bottles and stones. as it was parked inside the Crossby Awuah Memorial Park.

Medeama former player like Eric Kwakwa even picked up some injuries in the process.

“Karela FC was charged on three counts of
misconduct in their MTN FA Cup match against Medeama at the Aiyinase CAM park. Karela FC was charged for breaching Article 33 of the GFA FA Cup regulations, Article 16(1)(c), Article 16(2)(b) and Article 16(2)(f) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019,” a GFA statement read.

“In the said match, Karela FC was charged for failing to ensure the safety of the match officials and players as supporters of club were seenthrowing stones at referees, throwing stones at Medeama Players, and also throwing stones at Medeama SC’s bus.

“The Club was also charged after supporters of the club were seen throwing stones and
causing damage to the glass windows of
Medeama SC’s bus.

“At a personal hearing, Karela FC represented by the Club’s CEO Elloeny Amande pleaded not guilty to all charges. He further explained the incidents that occurred at the Aiyinase CAM Park before, during and after the said match.”

“Karela FC is found guilty of the Charges. The Committee therefore, makes the following decisions:

  1. That after watching the video recording of the match and examining the reports of the match officials, Karela FC is found guilty of the Charges.
  2. That a fine of GHc5,000 is hereby imposed on Karela FC in accordance with Article 6.1(c) of the GFA Disciplinary Code
  3. That Karela FC shall pay for the full cost of repair of the broken glass of Medeama SC’s team bus
  4. That the indefinite ban imposed on the Aiyinase CAM Park is hereby lifted
  5. That Karela FC is warned that any future misconduct shall receive a more severe
    punishment.
  6. That the fine imposed on Karela FC shall be paid to the GFA within 14 days failing which the GFA shall apply Article 15 of the Disciplinary Code,” the statement added.

Hearts of Oak’s Salifu & Boadu win Ghana Premier League Player & Coach of the Season

The young midfielder and his coach were adjudged the best performers in the year under review after a sterling campaign with the Phobians

Hearts of Oak midfielder Salifu Ibrahim has been named as Ghana Premier League Best Player of the 2020/21 season ahead of Gladson Awako, Benjamin Afutu, Augustine Boakye and Diawisie Taylor .

The 21-year-old hard an enviable season and shot to fame after playing 33 matches for both Techiman Eleven Wonders and Hearts.

Salifu started the season with Wonders and won four Man of the Match awards before he joined Hearts in mid season.

His impressive performance under new coach Samuel Boadu helped the Phobians to win their first league title in nine seasons.

Salifu scored three goals and assisted eight goals in the process for both Wonders and Hearts and picked a total eight Man of the Match awards.

Also, Hearts coach Samuel Boadu has been named the Coach of the season after beating competition from Great Olympics coach Annor Walker and Wafa boss Prosper Ogum.

Hearts coach Samuel Boadu with his award

The two winners -Boadu and Salifu- will receive 8,000 and 5,000 cedis worth of Nasco products respectively aa well as have a fully paid weekend for two people each at the Alisa Hotel.

Reports also suggest that Hearts have planned to give them a befitting awards at the club.

The Phobians are preparing to participate in the Caf Champions League as they are scheduled to face CI Kamsar from Guinea in the preliminary round. The first leg will take place on September 10 at the September 28 Sports Stadium in Conakry before they travel to Ghana for the return fixture a week later at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The winner after the two games will play Wydad Athletic Club from Morocco.

Kwasi Sibo joins La Liga side Real Betis from Watford until 2023

The young midfielder has sealed a deal with the Spanish side and will be at the Benito Villamarin Stadium until 2023

Ghanaian international Kwasi Sibo has signed a two-year contract with La Liga side Real Betis from English Premier League club Watford, the two clubs have confirmed the deal.

The 23-year-old, who signed the deal with his agent Tony Appiah, had a good campaign at La Liga B side UD Ibiza last season and caught the eye of Betis scouts. After a careful assessment by head coach Manuel Pellegrini, the club opted to snap him.

Reports suggest that Sibo will have to join the club’s youth side to prove his mettle to Pellegrini before he can join the senior players to play in La Liga.

“New Chapter .. New Home .. New family .. God is the reason. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, another goal to be focus on,” Sibo posted on Facebook.

“Happy to be here and ready to work hard to help this family in all competitions,” he added.

Sibo is a former player of Ghana Division One League side Cheetah FC and has previously had stints with Banants FC in Armenia.

Medeama part ways with Eric Kwakwa and two senior players ahead of new season

The Yellow and Mauve have ended their stay with three of their players as they seek to do a revamp of their squad

Ghana Premier League side Medeama have parted ways with three senior players following a poor season, the club has officially announced.

The players include midfielder Eric Kwakwa, defender Bright Enchil and striker Abass Mohammed who rejoined the club from Asante Kotoko.

Medeama were hoping to at least finish within the top four and and possibly win the FA Cup but they finished fifth in Ghana Premier League and were eliminated from the FA Cup in the semifinals by eventual winners Hearts of Oak.

“We have mutually parted ways with midfielder Eric Kwakwa, defender Bright Enchill and striker Abass Mohammed,” a club statement read.

“We thank them for their services to our club. The club will be making further announcements in due course,” the statement added.

Medeama have appointed a new coach in Ignatius Osei-Fosu to replace Yaw Preko and Yaw Acheampong. They have also signed striker Ansu Kofi Patrick and defender Seth Sowah from Berekum Arsenal and Bechem United respectively.

Asante Kotoko unveil new Jersey for 2021/22 season; check the idea behind

The Porcupine Warriors officially unveiled their new home kits to be used for the upcoming season on Monday but there is some similarities to their third away jersey used last season

Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko officially unveiled their new home jersey produced by Errea which will be used for the 2021/22 season on Social media after hours of waiting.

Unlike last season’s home kit that had pictures of past heroes embedded in the jersey, Kotoko’s new home kit has various adinkra symbols in front.

Some of the symbols are Akoma Ntoaso which signifies understanding and agreement. Also, one can find Adinkrahene which is the chief of adinkra symbols. This means greatness, charisma and leadership.

Moreover, there is Bese Saka which means sack of cola. This symbol signifies affluence, abundance and unity.

Also, the jersey comes with two stars on the left which represent the two Caf Champions League trophies the club won in 1970 and 1983.

More importantly, one can find ‘IFFHS’s African club of the 20th century’ boldly written just under the club’s crest. This clearly shows Kotoko’s dominance in the past which did not go unnoticed. Their consistent performance in the past got them voted as the best club on the African continent by IFFHS.

In spite of these, there are some similarities between the new home jersey and the third away jersey Kotoko used last season.

The club only changed the colour which was green to red and maintained almost all the adinkra symbols. They only added the two stars and the IFFHS award they won to it.

Kotoko until recently were using jerseys from kit manufacturing companies like Mafro, Barex and Strike.