ENGLISH FA CUP SET FOR A RETURN

FA Cup final set for August 1 after virus delay

The FA Cup final is set to take place on August 1 after the English Football Association announced provisional dates to finish the competition on Friday.

After the Premier League revealed they plan to resume the season on June 17, the FA Cup has now returned to an English fixture list thrown into chaos by the coronavirus.

The FA Cup was halted before the quarter-finals because of the pandemic, but tournament organisers hope to complete it alongside the Premier League.

The four matches in the last eight will be played over the weekend of June 27 and 28, with no decision reached yet on whether these will be played on a home-and-away basis as normal or at neutral venues.

Leicester take on Chelsea, Newcastle face holders Manchester City, Sheffield United play Arsenal and Norwich meet Manchester United.

The semi-finals will be played on July 11 and 12, with the intention being for those matches and the final to be played at Wembley as usual.

All the ties will be behind closed doors.

The news will be a boost to the FA from a financial perspective, with its chief executive Mark Bullingham warning in April of the governing body suffering losses of up to £150 million ($184 million) as a result of the disruption caused by the health crisis.

"The competition has been an integral part of the English football calendar for nearly 150 years, and we'd like to thank the Premier League executive and clubs for their support in scheduling the remaining matches during this unprecedented time," Bullingham said on Friday.

"This has been a difficult period for many people and while this is a positive step, the restart date is dependent on all safety measures being met. The health and well-being of players, staff and supporters remains our priority."

SOURCE: PULSE NEWS

BOLOGNA FACES COVID-19 QUARANTINE TREATS

Serie A's Bologna face quarantine threat with potential positive virus case

Serie A club Bologna announced on Wednesday a member of their coaching staff might have tested  for coronavirus which could lead to quarantine.

The Italian top-flight has been suspended since March but the league wants the campaign to resume on the weekend of June 13-14 after group training restarted in mid-May.

The announcement comes on the eve of a meeting between Serie A and the Italian government which will determine the fate of the season.

"Pending further investigation, the team as a precaution will resume training individually and at different times tomorrow without the use of indoor areas," a Bologna said in a statement.

"If the positive case is confirmed, the first team and staff will be put in quarantine," it added.

On Thursday, Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora will advise representatives from the country's football federation and league if the health conditions are right to return to action.

SOURCE: PULSE NEWS

MOURINHO EXPECTS NO CRAZY TRANSFERS AFTER COVID-19

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has warned that the transfer market will look drastically different due to the coronavirus fallout, saying football will not be ready for "crazy numbers".

Spurs bought Steven Bergwijn for £27 million ($33 million) from PSV in January, while also breaking their club record to sign Tanguy Ndombele for a reported £54 million last year.

But Mourinho believes the Premier League and other leagues around the world will need a different approach to cope with the financial impact of COVID-19.

"It is normal you are going to have a different market," the 57-year-old told Sky Sports.

"I don't see the world, and especially the football world, ready for some crazy numbers we are used to having and some crazy investments that sometimes some clubs and some leagues are used to doing.

"But my first question after that is: 'When will the transfer window be?' Because I don't think it will be July-August any more, it will obviously have to go further than that."

"If you ask me what I want in my club, I would like my club to be what I know it is going to be: sensible, balanced, not going to spend rivers of money, and we are trying to respect the situation, not just of football but of the world and society overall."

The Premier League has set Wednesday, 17th June, 2020 for a return to action.

Top-flight clubs are expected to approve phase two of training on Wednesday as they inch closer to a restart after the postponement of the Premier League in March.

The Bundesliga has already resumed and Mourinho is itching to get playing again.

"Honestly, since the moment Bundesliga started, the Portuguese league and Spanish league announced a date to start, I think it is the most difficult moment for us, because we want to play," he said.

"It is hard to see other countries playing football and we don't do it."

SOURCE: PULSE NEWS

ARSENAL CONFIRM NEW SIGNING

Arsenal have confirmed a new signing - to their medical team.

Flo Newton has been appointed first-team doctor to Mikel Arteta's side.

She has been working with the senior setup on occasion since the summer where she joined them on their tour of the USA. 

Her appointment was officially confirmed today by the Twitter account of the Arsenal Performance and Research Team.

The message read: "Huge welcome to Flo Newton who has officially joined as first-team doctor.

"Flo is a familiar face to all at Arsenal having worked as part of the Academy for a number of years.

"Flo will work alongside [head of medical services Dr] Gary [O'Driscoll] and the rest of the team."

I WILL NEVER RETURN TO ARSENAL

ARSENE WENGER- FORMER ARSENAL MANAGER

Arsene Wenger has claimed he will never return to Arsenal Football Club - not even as a spectator.


The Frenchman spent 22 years in charge of The Gunners, becoming the longest serving manager in the club's illustrious history.


 During his time at the helm, Wenger led Arsenal to their standout 'Invincible's' domestic season in 2004, their only Champions League final to date(2006), and their stadium move from Highbury to The Emirates.


Many regarded Wenger as more than just a manager at Arsenal, given his involvement in everything from youth policy to transfers and beyond.


 Yet despite retaining strong links with the club, and being strongly revered as a fan favourite, Wenger insists he has turned his back on Arsenal's home for good.


 Speaking on beIN Sports, Wenger said: "Would I return to the Emirates Stadium? I always said to myself that I would be leaving Arsenal completely.
That's the decision I made."


 Now working as FIFA's head of global football development, Wenger still enjoys legendary status, but the 70-year-old did have to endure some opposition to his management towards the end of his tenure.


 There is little argument that for all his success with Arsenal, the club's recent decline began on his watch.


But he remains insistent that his efforts were only ever in the best interests of Arsenal. He added: "I managed the club for 1,235 games, I've had good and bad times there, but we always tried to defend the club’s values. And I think we managed to do it."


 Wenger may have to break his own promise on a return if reports are true that Arsenal are considering erecting a statue of him outside the stadium.


And his admission over not returning to the club may come as a surprise to fans given he only recently admitted he watches every Arsenal match on TV, and is still concerned about their future.


He told talkSPORT earlier this month: "I worry about the club still a lot and I watch all of the games. "I believe there is a culture in the way to play football at Arsenal that I want to be respected. "And I hope Mikel [Arteta] can get that back."


Author: EVENING STANDARD

CHELSEA'S POSTER BOY- HAKIM ZIYECH

Hakim Ziyech is undoubtedly a purely talented footballer who in the view of many football lovers, is ready to take the world stage by storm.

The former Ajax superstar has paid his dues as an emerging talent and many will argue he is well groomed to assume world-class status. 

Hakim has set the Eredivise on fire literally with his excellent finishing, dribbling, long passes, technique and ability from freekicks.

Chelsea FC spent an amount of forty millions euros (€40M) (plus bonuses to be paid) to sign him(Hakim Ziyech) from Ajax Amsterdam.

Hakim Ziyech- Chelsea's poster boy

In fact, he could have played for the Dutch national team because he was born in Dronten in Netherland. 

The attacking midfielder who was born on 19th March, 1993 however chose to play for the Moroccan national team over Holland.

The skillful Hakim who stands at 5feet 11 inches was selected among the twenty(20) best players in the 2018/2019 UEFA Champions league season.

He played a key role in a young Ajax team with like of Frankie de Jong, Captain Mattias de Light, Van de Beek, goalkeeper Andre Onana amongst others only for them to loose to Tottenham Hotspurs in the dying embers of a crucial UEFA Champions league semi-final clash they would not love to remember. 

Hakim Ziyech played his youth football for Real Dronten (2001-2004), ASV Dronten (2004-2007) and Herenveen (2007-2012).

His senior breakthrough came at Herenveen where he netted fourteen(14) goals in 36 appearances from 2012 to 2014.

This paved way for him to join FC Twente where he appeared 68 times scoring 30 goals between 2014 and 2016.

The biggest move  for him in Holland happened when Ajax poached him from FC Twente and and he rewarded them(Ajax) with 38 goals in 111 appearances most often cutting in from the side of attacking midfield to wreck havoc on defenders who dread to face him.

With his move to Chelsea, coaches and players in the English top-flight have to fashion out a way of dealing with this mercurial player.

The earlier opposition teams start strategizing against his style of play, the better for them but be rest assured of the excitement he will bring to the EPL.


Credit: wikepedia.com

I ALMOST JOINED LIVERPOOL- MICHAEL ESSIEN

I ALMOST JOINED LIVERPOOL IN 2002 – ESSIEN

It is a modern player’s prerogative to change his mind.


That has been one of the tricky things about completing football transfers.


Club administrators usually keep their cards to their chest until all this done before the final reveal and this as Michael Essien revealed in is recent interview proves it quite evidently.


Essien in an interview revealed that he was very close to joining Liverpool back in 2002 – just a year after he had moved to play his football for French side, Bastia.


The midfielder at the time was one of the most promising players in Europe and had many suitors.


“In my second year, I had a lot of teams who were interested in me.  I was close to signing for Liverpool when Gerrard Houllier was their manager,” Essien revealed in an Instagram Live interview with South African journalist, Carol Tshabalala.


Liverpool’s manager then, Gerrard Houllier, who as a Frenchman, was interested in players from the Ligue 1 and had identified Essien as a perfect candidate to bolster his midfield.


The Ghanaian midfielder confirmed meeting Liverpool’s manager at Melwood that year before opting to stay on at Bastia for another year.


“I even went to Liverpool to meet the coach and we had a talk.


I came back to Bastia. All these clubs were coming in like PSG, Marseille but I said to Bastia that I did not want to move.  They did not want to sell me at that time. They wanted me to stay for another year which was fine for me. I did not want to stress myself with that so I just let it go till I finished my third year.”


Essien joined Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2003 and became a cult hero at the Stade Gerland before moving to Chelsea two years later.


He made 71 appearances for the club.


Author: Yaw Ofosu Larbi|3news.com|Ghana

BORESA KAMALDEEN WRITES

BORESA KAMALDEEN'S OPINION ON RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS AMIDST COVID-19

Ghana Education Service is nursing plans to resume academic work in our various educational institutions.

I am tactically not in support of any plan to reopen schools. It will spell doom for us as a country.


The coronavirus pandemic spreads through contact.


Practically, we need to observe social distancing to curb its spread.


In our various institutions, there's massive massive overcrowding and congestion.


In our second cycle institutions, overcrowding is evident in the classrooms, dining halls and dormitories.


Social distancing, which is a cardinal protocol in limiting the spread of the pandemic, would not be dully observed in our overcrowded schools.


The pandemic is not showing signs of decline.


Why must we then be nursing plans to resume academic activities?


We would be aiding in the spread of the coronavirus pandemic if we kowtow to this plan by GES.


Teachers would be at the suffering end should we accept that proposal.


We have no adequate measures to ensure that students returning from home are tested and screened to ensure they are not carrying the disease.


I see the call of stakeholders to reopen as a premature request.

The disease has kept soaring and showing no sign of abatement.


For the sake of public safety and health, we should defer such a plan and focus on fighting for the utter elimination of this global enemy.


If it means forfeiting the entire academic calendar, so be it.


It's better to have the entire academic calendar lost , than to risk the lives of others.


We teachers are not ready to risk our lives and the lives of our students.


Hospitals and polyclinics are not adequately resourced to handle more cases of the disease.


Why should we be pushing an agenda that would jeopardise the health of a larger population, when our health institutions are not well equipped and resourced to handle?


AUTHOR: BORESA KAMALDEEN

WAS UNAI EMERY REALLY LEFT ALONE AT ARSENAL ?

WAS UNAI EMERY REALLY LEFT ALONE AT ARSENAL ?

Former Arsenal Coach, Unai Emery has hit back at Arsenal with claims that he felt betrayed by his former club.


In a report sighted by mybssports.blogspot.com and published by metrosports, the Spaniard who also coached the likes of Paris Saint Germaine(PSG) and Sevilla fired back at the Arsenal board for the lack of any proper backing.


They’d say: “We’re with you” but in front of fans and the dressing room they couldn’t protect me," Unai said. 


Clearly, Unai Emery was not enthused by the 'double-faced' treatment meted out to him by Arsenal. 


He needed to be assured of a hundred percent support both in the board room and outside of it but he feels he did not get.


Unai needed a shoulder to lean on- at least in his own words but there was none.


‘ Arsenal they weren’t able to, maybe because they came from Arsene Wenger, who did everything.  Truth is, I felt alone," said Emery.


Unai Emery was extremely successful at Sevilla and he will go down as one of the most successful coaches in Europa league history after winning that competition three times in a row.


Unai was relatively successful at PSG- after winning the French Ligue 1, but failed woefully in the Champions league after letting a 4-0 advantage slip against Barcelona in one of the most dramatic nights of Champions league football.


So was it only about Arsenal not backing him or the gaffer was not just up to the task and has to cover up with excuses ?


Coming to Arsenal, the fans had high hopes of annexing a silverware, especially in Europe where Arsenal have always flattered to deceive.


Arsenal lost to Barcelona 2-1 in Paris in the Champions league grande finale in 2006 and since then have never come close except in recent history when they lost to Chelsea in the Europa league finals- something the gunners will argue they don't really want.


Emery had a huge task to win some silverware and do that really quick.


He brought in highly-rated Ivorian forward, Nicolas Pepe from Ligue 1 but as many will argue, he(Unai) failed to get the best of out him(Pepe).


David Luiz was signed from Chelsea to augment the Arsenal defense and questions remain as to whether it was the right choice by Unai.

The question most Arsenal fans are asking is, why would a coach sign his own players, fail to get the best of them, then turn back and blame the board for letting him down ?


Maybe it could be true, because the Arsenal board have always being accused by a cross-section of the Arsenal fans as not being forthcoming when they needed to in the transfer market.


Former Arsenal captain, Robin van Persie rightly pointed it out that he felt the quality around him was not good enough and had to leave for Manchester United.


Whiles others may blame the board for not performing their duties, what about the players ?


Mezut Ozil was one player who was reported to have fallen out with Unai Emery.


In fact, when Emery signed on for the Arsenal job, Ozil was one of the seniormost figures in the dressing room and a lot was expected from him(Mesut) as a leader.


Was Ozil able to leave up to expectation or the gaffer was just not able to communicate his ideas and views to the players ?


During the tenure of Unai, there were a lot of reports as to his inability to communicate his ideas to the players.


This was always going to be difficult because every coach must be able to communicate clearly what he wants his players to do in training and on the field of play.


Whatever the case, Unai Emery feels betrayed by Arsenal and he has said that in clear terms and whether or not he was betrayed, only time will tell.


By Vigour Edem Vigor



Please direct all enquires to ben.soglo1@gmail.com

NIGHT STREET SOCCER MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY

The Night Street Soccer League in Ho will Mark it's first anniversary on Monday, 18 May 2020 with pictographs on social media. 

 

The photograph which will be displayed  online would demonstrate  precautionary measures as part of efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

The League is an initiative to help curb social vices amongst the youth in the Ho Municipality.

 

Every Thursday night, Patrons, both young and old converge at the Nfodzo Park at Anlokodzi, an area noted for notoriety among it's youth. 

 

Team's from six communities namely Vanakpoe, Anlokodzi, Bankoe, Housing, Anagokodzi, and Barracks took part in the maiden Five-A-Side Community Football League. 

 

Players displayed astonishing football skills trying to find the back of the net in a 5 feet goal post which is usually difficult scoring at any giving angle.

 

 

This does not only serve spectators the joy and excitement that come with watching football but rather exhibits the glamor from the beautiful game. 

 

Vanakpoe FC, winners of the maiden edition accumulated 19 points after ten-match days after going past rivals Bankoe FC with a goal difference as both teams finished the league with 19 points.

 

In the Volta region, football is the most revered sport, clubs like Voradep FC, who were 1992 FA Cup winners and Kpando Heart of Lions domination in the Ghana Premier League in the 90s and 2000s respectively brought some form of excitement to indigenes reasons why the Night Street Soccer League which has a community attachment was embraced by all.

 

The Night Street Soccer League also came at a point where football was missed in Ghana and the Volta region due to the Tiger Eye PI investigative piece the ”Number 12” which brought football games in the country to a halt.

 

 

ACHIEVEMENT

 

The initiator of the Night Street Soccer League, Tilda Elinam Acorlor, three-time GJA Volta region sports journalist of the year enumerate the success story of the initiative.

 

"Overly achieved, if you should ask me” she said. 

 

"The people of Anlokodzi embraced the league, other invited communities embraced it, folks and spectators were awesome and always made it a point to be present at the games venue on Thursday evenings just to catch a glimpse of a night community 5 A-side league". She added. 

 

" Our aim was to organize a football league in the community to change the narrative and negative perception about the people and truly we used football to achieve that". Miss Acorlor said. 

 

 

DIFFICULTIES

 

"It was difficult getting sponsorships for the maiden season, getting sponsorships is a regional challenge, we are hopeful our second season would get the necessary backing that we are expecting," she said. 

 

NEXT SEASON

 

"As we await the deadly pandemic, coronavirus to leave us, hopefully the Night Street Soccer League will return bigger and better than last years’ 

 

THE ANNIVERSARY

 

Due to the ban on football activities following the President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo’s directive stopping social gatherings and sporting activities, Management have decided to mark the day with pictographs on social media illustrating precautionary measures in a bid educate the masses on the need to stay safe.

 

"A photoshoot will take place at the Nfodzo Park, where a demonstration will be made on frequently handwashing with soap under running water or the use of alcohol-based hand rubs among other safety protocols”.

 

Miss Acorlor added, ”in the mean time I would like to urge the public to use face masks all the time and cover thier mouths and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue, when coughing or sneezing, and throw away the tissue into a closed bin”

 

"Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms”.

 

”Go to the doctor if you have a fever, cough, or feel that it is difficult to breathe and how to wear and dispose of face mask".

 

 

The next season of night street soccer in Ho is expected to kick start in earnest  immediately the president gives the green light for sporting activities to begin. 

 

Management intends to increase the number of participating teams next season.

Source: www.kickgh.com

UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH WAEL GOMAA

UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH WAEL GOMAA

Africa has been blessed with a host of fantastic footballers who have performed marvellously both on the continent and outside of it.

 Taribo West, Samuel Osei Kufour, Marcel Desailly (Ghanaian-born Frenchman), Jerome Boateng (Ghanaian-born German), Victor Onyewu (Nigerian-born American), Jay-Jay Okocha, Kalusha Bwalya, Abedi Pele, Ibrahim Sunday, Mohammed Aboutreka amongst others. 

Indeed, Africa is a blessed continent of pure footballing talent and today, my attention has been drawn to Wael Gomaa by my friend and brother Mawuena Kaledzi (Arsenal Costa). 

Who is Wael Gomaa?

                                                                        Wael Gomaa

Wael Gomaa is a retired Egyptian football legend who was born on 3rd August, 1975 in El Sheen, Gharbia in Egypt.

He made 114 appearances for the Pharaohs, scoring once as well appearing in the famous Al-Ahly jersey 241 times netting on 11 occasions.

He stands at six(6) feet and featured consistently at centre-back for the Egyptian national team (PHAROAHS) and Al-Ahly (THE UNDISPUTED CONTINENTAL MASTERS). 

Infact, Wikepedia.com refers to him as the best Egyptian centre-back in history and one of the best players in African football history.

Walid Ziani, a colleague sports journalist, asks an important question as to whether there is any other player who has been underrated as Wael Gomaa. Clearly, he is not satisfied with the manner in which Gomaa has been eulogised.

Mybssports.blogspot.com therefore takes this day to celebrate this great player who has been extremely successful both at club and international level.


NATIONAL TEAM CAREER
Gomaa was pivotal in the Pharaoh's African Cup of Nations Egypt 2006, Ghana 2008 and Angola 2010 .


He appeared in every match for the Egyptian side in those tournaments, defending against top European league players such as Drogba, Eto'o, Manucho and Lomana LuaLua.


Gomaa has been chosen by CAF in Best Africa XI three times, in 2006, 2008 and 2010.


Gomaa participated with Egypt in FIFA Confederations Cup and appeared in every match for the Egyptian side.

Wael Gomaa made his 100th International appearance for Egypt; when Egypt played against Uganda on January 8, 2011 in the 2011 Nile Basin Tournament.


During the tournament, he scored his only international goal with the ball bouncing off his leg following a corner kick against Kenya in the semi final and Egypt went on to win the match 5–1.

Gomaa made his international debut on 26 April 2001 in a friendly match against South Korea. 

CLUB CAREER
Due to his magnificent performance in 2000–01 Egyptian league season, he signed with Al Ahly after Egypt Cup final match with Ghazl El Mahalla against Al Ahly.

He made his debut for Al Ahly in a friendly match against Real Madrid in August 2001. 

His official debut was in the match against Angolan side Petro Atletico in CAF Champions League 2001 on 12 August in Luanda.

He is known as an excellent header, good reading for passes, who has the ability to score from corners and free kicks. 

He scored with a header for Al Ahly in the final match of CAF Champions League 2008 against Cotonsport Garoua of Cameroon.

In 2006-2007, he had pre-season trials with Blackburn Rovers with a view to a January transfer but a deal could not materialise.

On 26 May 2014 Wael announced his retirement from football.  (SOURCE: WIKEPEDIA)

EVANS DUNYOH WRITES.

This is my humble analysis and projection of what will be happening in the Education sector moving forward.


First of all, we know that the current gold track students in form two in Senior High Schools did only two months out of the four months required to complete the first semester.


 They should have continued in January 2020 to complete the semester but this was truncated in order to enable the current form threes have an intervention class leading to their WASSCE.


 The fact is that as we speak, the second year gold students still have six months left to complete the second semester, and for that matter, the academic year.


 We know that the ban on social gatherings may be lifted only after May 31, 2020.


Even if school resumes on June 1, 2020, it will take up to the end of November 2020 for the second year gold students to complete the academic year.


 However, we know that the 2020/2021 academic year will begin at the early part of September 2020.


So it implies that the current academic year cannot be completed before the next one begins.


 By extension, the form two students will be repeating form two next academic year.


If this happens, all classes below them must also be repeated, including the basic schools.


Also, should the ban on social gatherings be lifted after May 31, 2020, the earliest that WASSCE for school candidates can start is possibly June 15, 2020.


This means that the exam will end around August 25, 2020.


Also, it means marking and recording of the said exam will end around the end of October 2020.


So students who will be going to the universities can go from November 2020 onwards.


 This is also hardly likely to be possible, since the academic year usually starts around August /September.


 By extension, the current form threes too are less likely to write their WASSCE and progress to the tertiary institutions this year.


 This implies that the current form threes will also be repeating form three next academic year.


 Which also means that the universities will also not have first years come next academic year, even if their continuing students are able to complete the academic year and move on.


So my conclusion is that all students in Ghana, especially the pre tertiary students, will be repeating their current classes next academic year.


 Thank you.


Authored by Mr Evans Dunyoh.

GHANA FOOTBALL AND COVID-19, THE WAY FORWARD.

MY TAKE: GPL AND COVID-19.

The global pandemic, Covid-19 continues to wreck havoc in all aspects of our daily lives and all sections of the economy.

Sports in general and association football in particular has been greatly hit.

The major leagues in the world such as the English Premiership, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, French Ligue 1 amongst others have all not been spared.

The top-flight league here in Ghana is still in a limbo, whether to  continue or discontinue the season.

The executive council of the GFA and all the relevant stakeholders have been deliberating on this pressing concern to see the way forward for our domestic football.

It must be pointed out that it is not only the so-called football people who have been hit hard.

The fans, players, coaches, media, refeeres, sachet water sellers, newspaper vendors, the waakye sellers, the groundsmen and other individuals who are directly or indirectly connected to football have all experienced a fair share of the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Some will argue that the health ramifications may be too severe to handle if the suspension on the league is lifted.

The French Ligue 1 for example has officially drawn down the curtains on their league and declared their champions whiles the Bundesliga intends to resume on 5th May, 2020.

There is a popular saying 'You cut your coat according to your cloth' and Ghana, I think must take decisions based on our perculiar situation.

In an interview on TV3, the spokesperson for the FA, Henry Asante Twum made it clear that they have officially notified the Confederation of African Football(CAF) that they(GFA) cannot take a decision without adhering to the directives from government as CAF were seeking clarity on Ghana's situation.

"We have given CAF an update and we have requested for two weeks by which time we will come up with a firm plan and decision going forward. "

VARYING OPINIONS.
In an interview monitored by mybssports.blogspot.com on Asempa FM, the General Manager of Accra Great Olympics, Mr Oloboi Commodore posited that the league should not be cancelled for fear of possible legal battles.

"I side with the people who say we shouldn't cancel the league because it will bring legal issues unless that is the only way we can resolve our issues " said Mr Commodore.

His views were echoed by Former Ashgold CEO, Mr Kudjoe Fianoo who was of a firm belief that it was too early to call for the termination of the league , in an interview with Kumasi FM.

"This is not the time to think about terminating the league", he said.

Even with that, all stakeholders need to be consulted to reach a concensus before finally agreeing to call the season off " Mr Fianoo said.

In a sharp contrast to the views expressed by Commodore and Fianoo, respected medical practitioner,  Dr. Prince Pamboe said, "The Corona virus being a dangerous pandemic has caused many sicknesses and deaths in a short time over the world."

"All major events have been called off or postponed including the major sports leagues and the 2020 Olympic Games."

Clearly, Dr Pamboe is proceeding on the side of caution and it is understandable because he is in the 'kitchen'.

It remains to be seen if the suspension of the league which took effect on 16th March, 2020 will be lifted or otherwise.

To conclude, let it be known that, what ever the verdict is, it must be in the collective national interest.


 [Story by Vigour Edem Vigor]



 Please direct all enquires to ben.soglo1@gmail.com.

CELEBRATING ARSENE WENGER, TWO YEARS DOWN THE LANE.

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF ARSENE WENGER.

FIFA heavyweight and former Arsenal coach  Arsene Wenger will be remembered in the annals of football history as one of the best coaches the beautiful game has ever had. 

It needs to be pointed out that no single write-up can enumerate the achievements of this great man and I'm not exaggerating. 

Born, Arsene Charles Ernest Wenger on 22nd October,1949, he took over the reins of Arsenal after Bruce Rioch parted ways with Arsenal. 

MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS: 

Wikepedia.com vividly captures his major achievements as changes to player scouting, player's training,diet regimens,revitalised Arsenal and aid in globalisation of the sport in the 21st century.

PLAYING CAREER

When it comes to his professional playing career, he represented FC Dutlenheim from 1963-1969, Mutzig from 1968- 1973, Mulhouse where he scored 4 goals in 56 appearances.

He also featured for French side Strasbourg. 

MANAGERIAL CAREER

Wenger had a humble beginning at FC Nancy where he spent six seasons from 1981-1987.

He also managed Monaco from 1987-1994 before sujourning to Japan to manage Nagoya Grampus Eight 1995-1996. 

All these experiences prepared him to land the big job at Arsenal where he lasted 22 successful years. 

ARSENAL CAREER

Arsene Wenger won the English Premiership in the 1997/98 season as well as 2001/2002.

He produced the enviable record of managing the only premiership team to go 49 matches unbeaten to lift the golden trophy in 2003/2004.

 Wenger is arguably the master of the FA cup. He won the FA cup in 1997/98, 2001/02, 2002/03, 2004/05, 2013/14 and 2016/17. 

The Wengerball originator also has the Community Shield firmly in his archives. 

He won this prestigious FA charity trophy in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2014, 2015 and 2017. 

HONOURS

The Arsenal legend also swept the Premier league manager of the season in 1997/98, 2001/02 and 2003/04. 

BBC also honoured him for his marvelous job in 2002 and 2004 naming him sports personality of the year. 

He was also named world manger of the year in 1998. 

NOTABLES PLAYERS 

The list of players Wenger discovered cannot be over-emphasised. 

Patrick Viera, Tony Adams, Ray Parlour, Nicolas Anelka, Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, Kolo Toure, Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey amongst a host of other fantastic players. 

One of his favorite quotes 'The main reason for coming is that I love English football,the roots of the game are here. I like the spirit round the game and at Arsenal, I like the spirit of the club and it's potential'

The quote above still rings a bell in the ears of many an Arsenal fan. 

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[Write up by Vigour Edem Vigor]

 Please all enquires should be directed to ben.soglo1@gmail.com

TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN GHANA, THE WAY FORWARD.

The relevance of technical education in the development of the nation Ghana cannot be over-emphasised.

If Ghana will one day develop to meet the standard set by the likes of Germany and Japan as far as industrialisation is concerned, then the focus should be on technical and vocational education.

Germany, Japan, South Korea amongst others have made huge investments in the field of practical training and expertise.

 It is rather unfortunate that in Ghana, despite all the efforts being made by successive governments,we are yet to have a paradigm shift.

 As stated earlier in the write-up, successive governments have made huge investments in the field of technical education and they must be commended highly.

However as the proverbial Oliver Twist, we will always ask for more.

The likes of Apostle Sarfo Kantanka have made tremendous impact as far as engineering and re-engineering is concerned and need to be encouraged to do more.

Anytime I see this man on TV or read about him in the papers, my heart is filled with joy because he has really made a name for himself as far as technology and its related issues are concerned.

The academia has also played a fantastic role in churning out world class products who can compete at the highest level in industry and beyond.

It is for this reason that industry and academia must continue to collaborate more effectively and efficiently to raise the next generation of technologists and engineers to put Ghana on the path of massive industrilisation and development.

Kudos to all the individuals, both known and unknown who are fighting tooth and nail to make our motherland a better place for all of us.


[STORY BY VIGOUR EDEM VIGOR]



Please all enquires should be directed to ben.soglo1@gmail.com

BABY JET TAKES ON SWAG PRESIDENT IN TENNIS CRACKER.

BABY JET TAKES ON SWAG PRESIDENT IN TENNIS CRACKER. 

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana(SWAG) and celebrated sports journalist Mr. Kwabena Yeboah will lock horns with Black Stars general captain Asamoah Gyan in a lawn tennis cracker.

This was revealed in a video sighted by mybssports.blogspot.com and published by @Ehansoni1 on his Twitter page.

The Black Stars legend who was born on 22nd November,1985 had featured for Ghanaian Premier league side Liberty Professionals.

 He played for the Dansoman-based side in the 2003 premier league season netting 10 goals in 16 appearances.

Baby Jet, as he is affectionately called, had also donned the colours of former English Premiership side Sunderland FC scoring 11 goals in 36 appearances. 

Baby Jet has vowed to give the ace journalist a good run for his money. 

Kwabena Yeboah has been the face of football commentary in Ghana and Africa as a whole for over two decades. 

The writer as he is affectionately called, has been an inspiration to many a sports journalist in Africa and beyond and will be poised to show Gyan where power lies on the tennis court. 

GFA executive committee member, Samuel Anim-Addo who also appeared in the video together with the duo used the opportunity to urge all Ghanaians to observe the stipulated protocols regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.

It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious on the D-Day.

[Story by Vigour Edem Vigour]

Please all enquires should be directed to ben.soglo1@gmail.com

Read more »

ACCRA HEARTS OF OAK SIGN NIGERIAN STRIKER

Reports reaching mybssports.blogspot.com indicates that Ghanaian Premier league heavyweight, Accra Hearts of Oak have signed Nigerian striker Ademola Kuti.

Confirming the story on their official Twitter page, the club said 'Hearts of Oak is delighted to announce the signing of striker, Kuti Ademola.'

'The lanky Nigerian professional has signed a two year contract with the club' the Phobian twitter page wrote.

Born in the  Nigerian city of Lagos on the 25th of June,1998, the striker Danjuma Ademola Kuti started his professional career with local club Lobi Stars where he netted once in three(3) matches.

The striker who stands at 6feet 4 inches had his international breakthrough when he finished as the third highest scorer in the UAE Pro-league with 21 goals in the 2017/18 league season with Fujairah FC(source:wikepedia)

Ademola will be expected to spearhead the Phobian attack which has failed to sparkle so far in the suspended Ghanaian Premier league.

This comes as good news to most Phobians who have complained time without number about their attacking machinery.

The fanbase will therefore expect the well-built striker to hit the ground running once the league resumes after the Covid-19 break.

As to whether the 2019/2020 Ghanaian Premier season will be cancelled in favour of starting a fresh season remains to be seen as key stakeholders are still deliberating on issues in that regard.

[Story by Vigour Edem Vigor]



Please direct all enquires to ben.soglo1@gmail.com

THOMAS PARTEY EYES ARSENAL MOVE

Atletico Madrid midfield maestro Thomas Teye Partey is on the verge of joining Arsenal Football Club.

The enforcer who was born on the 13th of June,1993 has been a core member of the midfield crafted by Argentine Diego Simeone partnering with the likes of Saul and Llorente.

The midfield rock who is 6 feet 1 inch tall started his professional carrier with a local club in Ghana, Odametah FC before traveling across the mediterranean to join Atletico B where he played 28 times scoring three times between 2013 to 2015.

He was sent out on loan twice to Mallorca and Almeria respectively.

These experiences afforded him the much needed mojo to make an impact in the current Atletico Madrid side.

He has featured for the Black Stars 27 times scoring 10 goals in the process.

However with all his achievements in Spain,recent discussions and commentary have suggested that the midfield gem is headed for North London.

Many Arsenal fans around the world are actually excited about this news especially because manager Mikel Arteta sees him as a player who fits very well into his style of play.

In fact TeleFootball reports that 'Parety was high on Arteta's list of targets before football shut down for the pandemic'.

Credible sports website Goal.com reports that 'Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has made it clear that he would like to join Arsenal also quoting the Telegraph', It remains to be seen if this deal will see the light of day.

[Story by Vigour Edem Vigor].



 All enquries should be directed to ben.soglo1@gmail.com

FABREGAS NAMES HIS ALL-TIME CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SQUAD

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has named a star-studded champions league team dating back to its(CL) inception in 1992/93.

This was in response to a question posed by Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.

 Born Cesc Fabregas Soler in Spain, the influential midfielder celebrated his 33rd birthday on 4th May, 2020.

 The mercurial player who also featured for Barcelona and Chelsea respectively, succeeded William Gallas as Arsenal captain under controversial circumstances.

 The former Spanish international was also named by Arsenal.com as their player of the season in the 2007/08 EPL season.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmciel was named in post by Fabregas.

In the defensive set-up, former Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole and former Bayern Munich versatile captain Philip Lahm completed the full back positions.

In the heart of defense,Fabregas named his former Barcelona team-mate Gerrard Pique and  former Chelsea stalwart Marcel Desailly.

In midfield, multiple champions league winner Clarence Seedorf was named alongside AC Milan legend Kaka.

Four-time African footballer of the year and ex Barcelona star Yaya Toure were named in a powerful midfield.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi who is also a former team-mate of Fab was named alongside Cristiano Ronaldo who won the Champions league with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Completing the attack was 2006 Champions league hero Samuel Eto'o Fils who netted against Arsenal in Paris.

Welsh international Gareth Bale was named on the bench where Coach Carlo Ancelotti-CL winner as player and coach will steer affairs from.

[Story by Vigour Edem Vigor]


Please direct all enquires to ben.soglo1@gmail.com

SPORTS AND MEDIA FREEDOM

The media landscape has enjoyed, in my opinion, a very congenial atmosphere as far as sports reportage is concerned.

Starting my journey as a young sports analyst, I had the opportunity to express my opinions on various issues ranging from officiating, management, coaching, administration amongst others.

There are times that I felt I had been too hard on the individuals in question at any point in time but it's all for the love of the beautiful game and most importantly,keeping our leaders on their toes.

Today 3rd May 2020, I feel is the right time to acknowledge individuals and media houses who have given me the opportunity to express myself on pertinent issues in the field of sports in particular.

Wisdom Gbemu Shalom(formerly of Denyigba Radio) and Tilda Elinam Acorlor(GBC/Volta Star Radio) readily come to mind as accomplished media personalities who have done so well in the sports journalism arena.

The aforementioned individuals at various points have given me the platform to offer my views especially on matters that concern Arsenal FC.

Thank you my seniors. To the thousands of media men around the world (who I cannot mention today), I say Kudos.


 Happy media freedom day to everyone of us.

 [By Vigour Edem Vigor]