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“Kotoko continued to pay me for one year after moving to United States,” Stephen Oduro opens up on why he reveres the club

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“Kotoko continued to pay me for one year after moving to United States,” Stephen Oduro opens up on why he reveres the club

The former Porcupine Warriors midfielder has opened up on how the club’s board chairman made sure he was paid even after vacating his post for a year

Former Asante Kotoko midfielder Stephen ‘Tico Tico’ Oduro has showered praise on the club and its board chairman after he was given a preferential treatment.

Although, Oduro left the country in 2018 to visit his family in United States of America, the diminutive midfielder has revealed that the club continued to pay him his salaries as a result of his long service.

“Somewhere at the start of the 2017/18 season when registration was about starting, that was the time Kwame Kyei had just come to take over the club [as Board Chairman], at that time I was still part of the team. Kwame Kyei suggested he wanted me to be a Player Welfare Officer alongside playing till I decide otherwise, which I accepted”, Oduro said in an interview with speaking ghanasportspage.com.


“I accepted, even the plan to play a testimonial match for me came up but due to my own schedules, it couldn’t come on. I personally pleaded with them that I had played for long and my wife and the children had been living abroad for long and at times it even takes two years without seeing them, so I wanted to seize the opportunity to go and visit them. I didn’t even plan on not returning but upon my arrival [here in America] then they [the family] said they won’t allow me to go back [to Ghana]”, he revealed.


“I will thank the officials of Kotoko because when I came to stay abroad and at that time Kwame Kyei was still paying me. He kept asking when I was coming back to help him and the club, so I went back [to Ghana] to spend about three months then later told them I had to return to USA to do something, and that was the time I couldn’t go back again.

“So it lasted for about after one year before they stopped paying me; even with that it took me to tell them that looking at things I’m not sure I can return and that they should replace me.

“Even at that time they kept in touch with me, calling me to come so they give me a job within the club but I rather told them I want to spend some time with the family, then do my coaching course then I later return to probably start from the [technical] bench so I can also help them team with what is left in me”, Oduro added.

Kotoko are in the hands of new management led by young and enterprising Nana Yaw Amponsah and the club seems to be on the verge of winning 2021/22 Ghana Premier League title. They lead the log after the first round with 37 points, seven points better than Bechem United who are in second position.

Fabio Gama & others return as Asante Kotoko announce squad to face Dreams FC

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Fabio Gama & others return as Asante Kotoko announce squad to face Dreams FC

The Brazilian midfielder has been out of action for the past two months but he could make a return on Sunday

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has named a strong matchday squad ahead of Asante Kotoko’s game against Dreams FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

After sharing the spoils goalless with Hearts of Oak last weekend, Ogum is hoping to return to winning ways as his charges return to Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Midfielder Fabio Gama is reported to have been named in the matchday squad and could start from the bench but Stephen Amankonah who joined Kotoko from Berekum Chelsea is conspicuously dropped.

Although, Amankonah has fallen down in the pecking order at the club despite the huge expectations which surrounded his arrival, reports suggest Kotoko are not ready to allow the player leave. Amankonah is believed to have made it known to Kotoko’s top hierarchy his readiness to mutually terminate his contract with the club.

Also, Isaac Oppong is likely to be missed I’m the game together with Patrick Asmah despite the former coming on in the game against Hearts. Reports suggest the duo have picked up an injury at training over the week.

Goalkeepers:

Danlad Ibrahim
Kwame Baah

Defenders:

Christopher Nettey
Augustine Agyapong
Charles Owusu
Yussif Mubarik
Abdul Ganiyu Ismail
Maxwell Agyemang
Imoro Ibrahim
Andrews Appau

Midfielders:

Richard Boadu
Richmond Lamptey
Justice Blay
Sheriff Mohammed
Mudasiru Salifu
Fabio Gama Dos Santos

Forwards:

Dickson Afoakwa
Solomon Sarfo Taylor
Mbella Etouga Thiery
Samuel Boateng
Georges Mfegue

“It’s a painful draw against Legon Cities,” underfire Samuel Boadu blames players’ lack of concentration for stalemate

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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0
“It’s a painful draw against Legon Cities,” underfire Samuel Boadu blames players’ lack of concentration for stalemate

The pressure keeps mounting on the man who just five months ago was hailed as the best coach in the country having guided the Phobians to their maiden league trophy in a little over decade

Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu has blamed his players’ lack of concentration for the 1-1 draw against Legon Cities at the El Wak Sports Stadium on Saturday.

After going ahead in the game thanks to a tailor-measured corner kick by Sulley Muntari which was met by Isaac Mensah, the Phobians failed to add another goal and Legon pulled even deep in additional time.

A mis-kick by defender Korsah gave Osman Amadu an opportunity to bring his side level and he made no mistake.

The defeat means that Hearts are without a win in four games and although they are eleven points behind Asante Kotoko, the gap could be widen should their rivals defeat Dreams FC on Sunday.

“It is a painful draw against Legon Cities because we thought we were done with it just few minutes from full time. Always, [my players] need to be composed and have mental toughness because that cost us a lot,” Boadu said in an interview with StarTimes as quoted by AshesGyamera.com

“It is very bad [we picked two points from six against Legon]. Obviously, this was not what we wanted. This is football,we always stay focus and concentrate till the end of the game. Of you lose a little concentration you’ll be punished. That was what happened to us,” he added.

WATCH|| Samuel Boadu blames his players lack of concentration for draw against Legon Cities

Hearts are now on 26 points and will host relegation threatened WAFA next weekend before they travel to Dormaa Ahenkro to face Aduana Stars

Breaking News: Roman Abramovich steps back as Chelsea owner due to Russia-Ukraine unrest

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Breaking News: Roman Abramovich steps back as Chelsea owner due to Russia-Ukraine unrest

The Blues’ owner has on Saturday announced that charitable foundation trustees will “look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans”

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has suggested that he will step down from running the club’s day-to-day operations in a shock statement released on February 26.

The Russian national has been at the helm at Stamford Bridge for almost 20 years.

And while he did not say he was leaving the Blues, Abramovich appears to be preparing for a less hands-on role at the club.

The Blues’ owner has announced that charitable foundation trustees will “look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans”

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has suggested that he will step down from running the club’s day-to-day operations in a shock statement released on February 26.

The Russian national has been at the helm at Stamford Bridge for almost 20 years.

And while he did not say he was leaving the Blues, Abramovich appears to be preparing for a less hands-on role at the club.

What’s been said?

“During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities,” Abramovich explained in a statement released on Chelsea’s official club website.

“I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

The bigger picture

The 55-year-old businessman first entered English football in 2003, when he took over Chelsea from previous owner Ken Bates.

Under his stewardship, the Blues have become one of the Premier League and Europe’s elite clubs, winning five league titles and twice lifting the Champions League, in 2012-13 and 2020-21.

It remains unclear exactly how Abramovich will be involved with Chelsea after Saturday’s stunning announcement, which comes on the eve of the club’s Carabao Cup final with Liverpool.

It would, however, seem that he will be less involved with the running of the club, having announced that the “stewardship and care” will rest with the trustees of the Blues’ charitable foundation.

Legon Cities 1-1 Hearts: Watch Osman Amadu’s goal which has put Samuel Boadu’s job on the line

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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0
Legon Cities 1-1 Hearts: Watch Osman Amadu’s goal which has put Samuel Boadu’s job on the line

The Phobians have now failed to pick a win after four games in Ghana Premier League after Legon Cities broke their hearts late on Saturday

Pressure keeps mounting on Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu as his side shared the spoils 1-1 with city rivals Legon Cities at the El Wak Sports Stadium on Saturday.

After losing to Great Olympics and sharing the spoils goalless against RTU and Asante Kotoko, Samuel Boadu was in dire need of a win and although Sulley Muntari proved why he is regarded as one of the reasons the Phobians may have an improved performance in the second half of the season, a late equaliser dashed the hopes.

The 37-year-old was handed his third start in a row and despite initially struggling to deal with the poor nature of the pitch, he was able to stamp his authority in midfield.

After a slow start to the game, Hearts had their noses in front thanks to Muntari’s decisive assist to Isaac Mensah by the 16th minute.

The former Inter Milan and AC Milan midfielder sent in a tailor-measured cross from a corner kick which was met by Mensah by the eleventh minute.

However, Legon Cities left it late and pulled even late in additional time. A terrible mistake by Dennis Korsah who joined Hearts from Ebusua Dwarfs last month gave Ousmanu Amadu the chance to score the equalizer.

Hearts, before the game, were trailing Asante Kotoko by twelve points which has now been reduced to eleven. However, Kotoko can extend it too fourteen points on Sunday if they are able to defeat Dreams FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Legon Cities 1-1 Hearts: Muntari’s assist not enough to help Phobians secure victory

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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0
Legon Cities 1-1 Hearts: Muntari’s assist not enough to help Phobians secure victory

The Phobians have now failed to pick a win after four games in Ghana Premier League after Legon Cities broke their hearts late on Saturday

Hearts of Oak shared the spoils 1-1 with city rivals Legon Cities as their ambition to kick start the second round of Ghana Premier League on a good note hit a snag.

After losing to Great Olympics and sharing the spoils goalless against RTU and Asante Kotoko, Hearts were in dire need of a win and although Sulley Muntari proved why he is regarded as one of the reasons the Phobians may have an improved performance in the second half of the season, a late equaliser dashed their hopes.

The 37-year-old was handed his third start in a row and despite initially struggling to deal with the poor nature of the pitch, he was able to stamp his authority in midfield later.

After a slow start to the game, Hearts had their noses in front thanks to Muntari’s decisive assist to Isaac Mensah by the 16th minute.

WATCH Sulley Muntari’s first GPL assist after 21 years in Europe

The former Inter Milan and AC Milan midfielder sent in a tailor-measured cross from a corner kick which was met by Mensah by the eleventh minute.

However, Legon Cities left it late and pulled even late in additional time. A terrible mistake by Dennis Korsah who joined Hearts from Ebusua Dwarfs last month gave Osman Amadu the chance to score the equalizer.

Although, Hearts pressed harder and pushed everyone forward for a late winner, they could not break down the resilient defence of Legon again.

Hearts, before the game, were trailing Asante Kotoko by twelve points which has now been reduced to eleven. However, Kotoko can extend it too fourteen points on Sunday if they are able to defeat Dreams FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium

Watch Sulley Muntari’s first assist in Ghana Premier League; His first in 21 years

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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0
Watch Sulley Muntari’s first assist in Ghana Premier League; His first in 21 years

The midfielder is gradually getting his mojo back as he finally got his first assist for the Phobians after four games

Sulley Muntari once again proved why he is regarded as one of the reasons Hearts can still challenge for the Ghana Premier League title despite a slow start to the season.

The 37-year-old was handed his third start in a row as the Phobians played against city rivals Legon Cities at the El Wak Sports Stadium on Saturday.

Watch and subscribe: Sulley Muntari’s cross to Isaac Mensah

After a slow start to the game, Hearts had their noses in front thanks to Muntari’s decisive assist to Isaac Mensah.

The former Inter Milan and AC Milan midfielder sent in a tailor-measured cross from a corner kick which was met by Mensah by the eleventh minute.

Hearts, before the game, were trailing Asante Kotoko by twelve points and they hope to double their performance in the second round of the season in order to catch up.

Abramovic given ultimatum to condemn Russia president Putin; Pochettino close to join Man United

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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0
Abramovic given ultimatum to condemn Russia president Putin; Pochettino close to join Man United


Sat-26/02/2022

Roman Abramovich and Alisher Usmanov have been told to condemn Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine if they want to avoid repeated calls for sanctions in parliament.(Daily Telegraph)

Marcelo Bielsa is adamant he will not walk away from Leeds mid-season but admits his players’ faith in him has been eroded during their slump in form.(Daily Telegraph)

Interested parties are reportedly on “high alert” over the possible sale of Chelsea.(Daily Mirror)

Mauricio Pochettino is the apparent front-runner to take the permanent manager’s position at Manchester United but there is now rival interest from Real Madrid.(Daily Mirror)

Kepa Arrizabalaga believes he should face Liverpool on Sunday to make up for the heartbreak of being ditched for the Club World Cup final.(The Sun)

Fabrice Muamba believes Christian Eriksen will need to keep his emotions in check as he prepares to make his stunning return in the middle of a relegation scrap.(The Sun)

Jack Wilshere eventually came off the bench to try and light up Danish football – but not before a 10-minute floodlight failure threatened to wipe out his long-awaited comeback.(The Sun)

UEFA are set to terminate their controversial £66m sponsorship deal with Russian state energy company Gazprom.(Daily Mail)

The three remaining European Super League (ESL) rebels, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, will relaunch their doomed project this week with the promise to scrap the original proposal to make certain clubs permanent members, in what is shaping up to another direct attack on Uefa’s pre-eminence in European football.(Daily Telegraph)

Paris St-Germain could make a move for Chelsea’s 30-year-old France midfielder N’Golo Kante in the summer. (Telegraph)

PSG’s Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, 49, has rebuffed advances from Manchester United to take over as boss at Old Trafford as he waits for the chance to take the helm at Real Madrid. (Sport – via Star)

England striker Harry Kane, 28, could once again request to leave Tottenham if Antonio Conte leaves his job as Spurs boss. (Express)

Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, 31, could leave PSG after just one season, with the ex-Liverpool midfielder linked with Atletico Madrid, West Ham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa. (Calciomercato – in Italian)

Arsenal have contacted the representatives of Sweden striker Alexander Isak but want Real Sociedad to lower the 22-year-old’s release clause in order to do a deal. (Sport, via Mail)

Chelsea have the option of triggering a one-year extension to Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta’s deal, which runs out in the summer, but the 32-year-old wants the Blues to match the offers of other clubs if they want to keep him for longer. (90Min)

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, 28, is said to be open to a move to Paris St-Germain, according to former Chelsea striker and fellow Frenchman Nicolas Anelka. (RMC Sport, via Star)

RB Leipzig’s Spanish left-back Angelino could leave the German club in the summer, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Barcelona linked with the 25-year-old. (Calciomercato – in Italian)

Southampton hope they can retain the services of 19-year-old full-back Tino Livramento for at least another season, with Manchester United keen on the England Under-21 international. (Sun)

London rivals West Ham and Brentford are interested in Hull City’s English pair, forward Keane Lewis-Potter and defender Jacob Greaves, both 21. (90min)

Denmark defender Andreas Christensen will not consider a move to another Premier League club out of respect for Chelsea when his deal at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are said to be keen on the 25-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano)

West Ham, Leicester City and Everton have been linked with a move for Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott, with the English 18-year-old also attracting interest from abroad. (Mail)

Aston Villa are said to be open to offers for 24-year-old former England Under-21 defender Ezri Konsa. (Football Insider)

Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Napoli and Italy right-back Giovanni di Lorenzo, 28, as the Spanish champions look for a permanent replacement for 31-year-old England defender Kieran Trippier, who left for Newcastle in January. (Diario AS – in Spanish)

PICTURES: Access Bank hands over new Marcapolo bus to Asante Kotoko

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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0
PICTURES: Access Bank hands over new Marcapolo bus to Asante Kotoko

The fast rising financial institution on Friday officially handed over the much publicized new bus for Kotoko players and technical team

Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah and management members Emmanuel Dasoberi and David Obeng were present when Access Bank officially handed over a new bus to the club on Friday as part of their partnership.

The handing over ceremony which took place in Accra was brief but had enough positives to make Kotoko fans loud and proud.

The Ghanaian giants acquired the 2020 version of Marcapolo Bio Safe bus for their players through sponsorship with Access Bank and it is currently undergoing branding before it is handed over to the players and technical team for their away games.

Demonstrating its leadership in the development of mobility solutions, Marcopolo presents Marcopolo BioSafe, a platform of solutions that brings innovation and technology together to preserve the health and safety of users and facilitate resuming the passenger transport segment, which is strongly impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to James Bellini, CEO of Marcopolo, the new concept brings solutions and products together that promote passengers´ biosafety and contribute to safely resuming mobility, respecting the guidelines of health and government agencies.

“We live in a unique time where innovation and technology are coupled to safely resume mobility. With Marcopolo BioSafe, our objective is to put ourselves as partners of our customers both in Brazil and abroad, giving them the conditions to continue operating and regain the passenger’s confidence in using public transportation”, he explains.

To present the innovations and technologies focused on biosafety that Marcopolo has been developing, the company has assembled a bus with all the new solutions and will hold a roadshow at the main markets served both in Brazil and abroad, to demonstrate the advantages and benefits to customers and users.

“We need to act with urgency and proactivity to spread and foster the application of these important solutions that will collaborate in the safe and healthy recovery of the country. Public transportation is fundamental to ensure people’s mobility and cannot be seen as a bottleneck or a limitation”, James emphasizes.

The executive adds that the Marcopolo BioSafe concept covers models from the Marcopolo, Volare and Neobus brands and shows the company’s high capacity to respond to new challenges.

Nana Yaw Amponsah & Dasoberi feel Kotoko’s new team bus

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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0
Nana Yaw Amponsah & Dasoberi feel Kotoko’s new team bus

The duo are the first officials to have rode in the club’s new bus as pictures flooded the internet on Friday

Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah and management member Emmanuel Dasoberi are the first individuals to have had a feel of the club’s new team bus, according to a picture which was leaked into the media on Friday.

The Ghanaian giants acquired the 2020 version of Marcapolo Bio Safe bus for their players through sponsorship with Access Bank and it is currently undergoing branding before it is handed over to the players and technical team for their away games.

Demonstrating its leadership in the development of mobility solutions, Marcopolo presents Marcopolo BioSafe, a platform of solutions that brings innovation and technology together to preserve the health and safety of users and facilitate resuming the passenger transport segment, which is strongly impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to James Bellini, CEO of Marcopolo, the new concept brings solutions and products together that promote passengers´ biosafety and contribute to safely resuming mobility, respecting the guidelines of health and government agencies.

“We live in a unique time where innovation and technology are coupled to safely resume mobility. With Marcopolo BioSafe, our objective is to put ourselves as partners of our customers both in Brazil and abroad, giving them the conditions to continue operating and regain the passenger’s confidence in using public transportation”, he explains.

To present the innovations and technologies focused on biosafety that Marcopolo has been developing, the company has assembled a bus with all the new solutions and will hold a roadshow at the main markets served both in Brazil and abroad, to demonstrate the advantages and benefits to customers and users.

“We need to act with urgency and proactivity to spread and foster the application of these important solutions that will collaborate in the safe and healthy recovery of the country. Public transportation is fundamental to ensure people’s mobility and cannot be seen as a bottleneck or a limitation”, James emphasizes.

The executive adds that the Marcopolo BioSafe concept covers models from the Marcopolo, Volare and Neobus brands and shows the company’s high capacity to respond to new challenges.

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