The Porcupine Warriors are in good shape as they prepare for the first game of the second round of Ghana Premier League
Asante Kotoko players and coaches are in good shape at their camp ahead of Ghana Premier League second round first game against Dreams FC at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
After completing the first round as leaders with 37 points, seven points above second placed Bechem United.
Kotoko are twelve points better than fierce rivals Hearts of Oak and would to start the second round on a good note.
Apart from Fabio Gama, who is yet to fully recover from an injury he sustained at the start of the season, all the remaining players are fit to feature.
The Porcupine Warriors released their new bus on Wednesday which is expected to be ready for usage very soon
Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko have recently acquired the new version of Marcapolo Bio Safe bus for their players through sponsorship with Access Bank.
The bus, which is a 2020 model, is expected to help the players and technical team during 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.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have accelerated our innovation process even more. In less than two months, we presented three onboard biosafety solutions to the market as a measure to combat the pandemic. And many more will be made available soon”, he says, referring to FIP Onboard, a system that uses dry fog to disinfect the inside of the bus, the protection kit for drivers and fare collectors and the use of UVC light to disinfect restrooms, all installed in this concept bus.
The executive adds that Marcopolo´s BioSafe solutions will continue to be delivered, even after the pandemic is over. “This new scenario is a milestone and we understand that we will no longer be able to go back to how things were before. We will continue to work non-stop to make our models a reference in biosafety because we understand that the demand, in this sense, will remain and will become increasingly higher,” he concludes.
Click to watch how the interior of new Kotoko bus looks like. ||Kindly subscribe to my YouTube channel
The Ghana National Deaf Rugby Team which is currently based in Kumasi the Ashanti Regional capital over the weekend held a training with the National coaches of the Ghana Rugby Federation at the Babayara stadium , Kumasi .
The Team which is to play series of international friendly matches with their Wales counterpart in April as preparations towards the World Deaf Rugby championship in Argentina have the opportunity of training with the National coaches of the Ghana Rugby Federation who move from Accra to Kumasi to help the Team .
The President of the Deaf Rugby Association Mr Yaw Konadu revealed that the Wales game is geared towards preparations of the world championship which will take place in Argentina in 2023 , he also made it known that their Wales counterpart have arranged for series of matches for the Team in the United Kingdom and in all the team will be playing about seven (7) matches before their return to Ghana .
He was happy about the support the Team has so far received from the National Sports Authority , Ashanti Region since the Team started it’s training at the Ashanti Regional capital and as well grateful to the Herbert Mensah led Ghana Rugby Federation for all the support given to the Team . He again revealed that the Team was so happy to receive the National coaches from Accra who came to train them and will again be returning to Kumasi this coming Saturday .
In addition to the training the Team as well met with the Secretary of the Ashanti Regional NSA Mr Owusu Ansah who sat in for the Regional Director of the NSA , Mr Ansah commend the Team and it’s management for the efforts they have put into training so far and as well promise the Regional NSA support to the Team as far as their camping in the regional capital is concerned , he indicated that the Regional Director is committed to the cause of the Team and has promise his full support for the Team .
Mr Wilson Agbesi , the acting Secretary General of the Ghana Deaf Rugby Association Express his appreciation to the Ashanti Regional NSA for all the great support they have given to the team and again appeal to the NSA to continue it’s support for the Team , he as well stated that the Wales game is going to be a great preparations for the team as far as the World championship is concern and it is the target of the Team to do very well in the world championship in raising the flag of Ghana high once again as far as disability sports is concerned .
The Team will continue it’s training at Kumasi till depart to Wales on the 20th of April 2022 .
By Akakpo Agodji (Deaf Rugby Association communications director)
The Ghana Wheelchair Basketball Federation GWBF is set to go to Congress on the 9th April 2022 , with an election time release by the Federations Electoral Committee which was sighted by our outfit and confirmed by the Secretary General of the Federation Mr Wilson Agbesi has indicated that the long awaited congress will take place on the 9th of April 2022.
The Secretary General further revealed that the Federation have a very detailed and comprehensive time as far as the process is concern starting from Regional Elections to the National Congress and they are working hard in making sure they hold a very successful and historic congress .
When ask if he will be contesting his position again , the outspoken Secretary General smile and this is what he said !
‘I think am not surprised about your question at all , haha ! I knew you will surely ask but at the moment my focus is not about either I will be contesting or not , my focus is far from that my main focus at the moment is to make sure together with other board members in making sure that the biggest step back we have as a Federation for some time now which is the IWBF is finally settled as the Ministry had trigger the process of the debt settlement , I think that is my focus now that is what will make me happy at this moment but not about either I will be contesting or not ,let’s leave that for now and tackle the pressing issue at hand . In addition to this my another focus is to see to it that all process put in place as far as the Congress is concern is implemented and done well to the admiration of all of us !
When he was pushed to the wall about he contesting again he again smile and concluded with this ,
My brother ,you don’t just stand up and say you are contesting an election or you are not , a lot of stuff are involved in this , you need to carry out a lot of consultantations before deciding on a step to take so please it is not just a days decision so as I earlier said let’s leave it for now and I believe when we get to the said bridge we then know how to cross it ,haha .
I think you are okay now and don’t worry you will surely know at the right time I will be contesting or not but for now is too early and I will plead with you not to distract my attention from my main Focus at the moment .
The Secretary General was full of smile and in lovely mood throughout our interview with him , below is the final time table for the GWBF congress.
GWBF 2022 Congress / Election Time Table.
From Regional to National .
Monday 28th February – Notice of Election to all Regions.
Thursday 3rd March – Regional Election Nomination Open .
Monday 7th March – Regional Election Nomination Close .
Wednesday 9th March – Vetting of candidates .
Saturday 12 March – Regional Election and Swearing In of Executives
6 . Monday 14th March – Submission of Executives Name to GWBF National.
Monday 14th March – Nomination open for Athletes commissioner Election .
Wednesday 16th March – Nomination close for Athletes commissioner Election .
Monday 21st March – Athletes commission election .
10 . Friday 25th March – Nomination of National Election Open .
11.Thursday 31st March Nomination close for National Election .
12 . Monday 4th April : Vetting of candidates .
13 . Wednesday 6th April – Publication of candidates .
Saturday 9th April -National Congress , Election and Swearing in of Elected Executives .
The two most glamorous clubs have been scheduled to play another game next month as part of Ghana’s Independence Day celebration
Ghana Premier League giants hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have been scheduled to face off on March 4 as part of Ghana’s upcoming Independence Day celebration.
The two clubs met last weekend in Ghana Premier League matchday seven outstanding game and although, it ended in a goalless draw, they would have another opportunity to settle the score this time around.
“Hearts of Oak will battle rivals Asante Kotoko_SC in the 2022 President Cup on Friday, March 4,” a statement by Ghana League Clubs Association read on Tuesday.
“The match will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium at 6 pm. His Excellency President Nana Akufo Addo will do the ceremonial kick-off and presentation of medals,” the statement added.
The former Phobians defender has launched a stinging attack on the Cameroonian strikers, accusing them of not doing anything extraordinary despite the hype around them
Former Hearts of Oak defender Dan Quaye has criticized Asante Kotoko strikers Etuoga Mbella Franck Thierry and Georges Mfegue Rodrigues and says they are nothing more than an “ordinary players” amid the huge hype around them.
Although, the duo have scored fifteen goals combined (Mbella – 11 and Mfegue – 4), same number of goals as compared to Hearts of Oak, Quaye insists that they do not boast of any special qualities.
According to the former Ghana international, the Cameroonian strikers were hugely exposed in the Super Clash against Hearts of Oak las weekend at the Accra Sports Stadium when Kotoko shared the spoils goalless with their rivals.
“When Mfeuge and Mbella met an experience team who has several experience defenders, we all saw how they struggled,” Quaye told Energy FM as monitored by AshesGyamera.com.
LISTEN TO DAN QUAYE’S COMMENTS ON MFEGUE & MBELLA
“This should tell you that in terms of football, there are several forms of qualities. They are not extraordinary players that one can boast of. They are like our [local] players and even our players are far far better than them,” he added.
Quaye further heaped praise on former AC Milan and Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari who recently signed a short term contract with Hearts of Oak.
“Everybody knows that Sulley Muntari is one of the best players in the scene. This is because looking at where he has reached in terms of football, nobody can deny his quality.
“His passes are still good but the only problem is about his weight. You can see that he hasn’t been active for the past three years and that has taken a little toll on him. If he is able to work on his fitness, he will be back to his full potential,” he added.
After the first round of the Premier League, Mbella leads the goalscoring chart with eleven goal, three more than Augustine Okrah and David Abagna Sandan of Bechem United and RTU respectively.
The Porcupine Warriors striker’s performance has not gone unnoticed as he has been shortlisted among three players for the award
Asante Kotoko striker Etouga Mbella Frank Thierry has been shortlisted for Ghana Premier League Player of the Month of January following his splendid performance.
However, the 20-year-old must shrug off competitions from Ashanti Gold winger Yaw Annor and Karela United forward Umar Baahiru.
“Three players have been shortlisted for the Ghana Premier League Nasco Player of the Month award for the month of January,” a GFA statement read.
“Asante Kotoko’s Franck Mbella Etouga has earned a nomination for the top award alongside Ashantigold SC Yaw Annor and Umar Bashiru of Karela FC.
“The winner of the 2021/22 GPL NASCO Player of the Month for January award will be announced on Friday February 25, 2022 live on GFA News.
“The winner of the Award will receive a NASCO Television set and a personalized trophy,” the statement added.
The Phobians boss became the protagonist of an unsavoury incident involving a journalist over tactics and formations
Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu nearly engaged in a heated argument with a journalist who asked him about his choice of tactics and formations used against Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash at Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
With the Phobians going two matches without a win prior to this game, Boadu opted to make some changes in his set up with Obeng Junior and Mohammed Alhassan coming in for Kofi Kordzi and Caleb Amankwah respectively.
The journalist asked Boadu why he opted to deploy a 4-2-2 formation against Kotoko when he had been using 4-3-3 formation in most games which the players seem to have perfected despite initially struggling.
But Boadu denied the suggestions and insisted that he went into the game with a 4-3-3 formation with variations.
“Please, for your own, do you understand the system or not formation? What did you see and what shows we started with 4-4-2 formation later changed to [another formation] against Kotoko,” Boadu quizzed as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.
Samuel Boadu explains the tactics he used against Kotoko ||Max Graphics
“At least, you should have gotten the team list and watch the system on it before you can talk about it.
“We played 4-3-3 with variations. The 4-3-3 formation is not only about lining up players very straight. You can vary it.
“You can play 4-1-2-2-1 and that is the same as 4-3-3. You can play 4-3-2-1 so it is a variation and nothing new,” he added.
Despite Hearts avoiding defeat in their last two games, Samuel Boadu’s charges are yet to win in their last three games and have picked only five points from their last five games.
After the first round of the season, Hearts sit eighth on the log with 25 points, twelve points behind leaders Asante Kotoko.
None of the two sides could win the game but the supporters admitted to have enjoyed themselves following an end to end action
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko supporters admitted to have enjoyed themselves after a goalless draw in the Super Clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Although, there were no goals to celebrate with, several fans who thronged to the stadium shared their satisfaction after the game and believed that the second round fixture slated for Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi will be one for the gods.
Hearts of Oak midfielder Sulley Muntari attracted a lot of fans following the goalless draw against Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Although, Hearts had a better start as compared to Kotoko, with Gladson Awako and Obeng Junior having several chances, they failed to make them count and later had to defend to keep Kotoko at bay.
Midfielder Sulley Muntari was ever present in Hearts set up but he was later substituted after picking up a yellow card to prevent him from seeing red card.
And after the game, fans thronged to where Muntari was and showered praise on him while others sought for permission to snap pictures with him.
Kotoko still lead Ghana Premier League log with 37 points, seven points better than Bechem United who are in second position while they are twelve points better than Hearts of Oak.
The second round of the season starts next weekend with several interesting fixtures.
Although, the Phobians could not defeat their fierce rivals in the Super Clash on Sunday, Sulley Muntari got some love from fans of both sides
Hearts of Oak midfielder Sulley Muntari attracted a lot of fans following the goalless draw against Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Although, Hearts had a better start as compared to Kotoko, with Gladson Awako and Obeng Junior having several chances, they failed to make them count and later had to defend to keep Kotoko at bay.
Midfielder Sulley Muntari was ever present in Hearts set up but he was later substituted after picking up a yellow card to prevent him from seeing red card.
And after the game, fans thronged to where Muntari was and showered praise on him while others sought for permission to snap pictures with him.
Kotoko still lead Ghana Premier League log with 37 points, seven points better than Bechem United who are in second position while they are twelve points better than Hearts of Oak.
![Kotoko players in high spirit in camp ahead of Dreams FC clash [VIDEO]](https://ashesgyamera.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/kotoko-players-in-high-spirit-in.jpg "Kotoko players in high spirit in camp ahead of Dreams FC clash [VIDEO]<br />
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