ALL EYES ON AFRICA?

 Writer: Ebenezer Zor (ezee)

Africa will be the eye of the whole world as it prepares to stage the 28^th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) starting from January 21 to February 12, 2012 co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea at four stadia-  Libreville, Franceville both in Gabon whiles Bata and Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.

Though some of the stadia are being giving finishing touches, perhaps it might not have any bad omen on the tournament.

There will be pressure on the coaches to bring their technical brains on the table likewise the players to produce excellent results.

Surprisingly, the 2012 AFCON will be without some powerful Africa football power houses as; most successful Pharaohs of Egypt who has won seven titles, West Africa Super Eagles of Nigeria also claiming two trophies to their credit and Cameroon, with four titles since the commencement of the competition.

Due to the absence of these countries not forget South Africa; who then conquer Africa?

Will it be the new converts; Niger, Botswana, one of the co-host countries or the crème de la crème elephants of Cote D’ivoire, the Teranga lions of Senegal or the four times African champions, the Black Stars of Ghana.

Let us take a profile of the participating countries.

GROUP A.

Equatorial Guinea: Interim coach, Casto Nopo and Captain Javier Balboa of the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea would have a lot to show their denizens and the world at large as they attempt to give a good run for their money. Equatorial Guinea currently ranked 151 on the FIFA Coca Cola stands and 42 in Africa is making its first appearance in AFCON since its inception.

Libya: Libya ranked 14 in Africa and 63 on the FIFA rankings is making its third appearances in the AFCON after serving as a runner up in the 1982 when they suffered their biggest defeat against Egypt by losing 10-2. The head coach of the Mediterranean Knights is Marcos Paqueta whiles Samir Aboud is the captain of the side.

Senegal: The Teranga Lions have made eleven appearances since 1965. Senegal, sixth in Africa and 44 on the world rankings did occupy the second place in the 2000 AFCON. Not only that, it was also a quarter finalist at the 2002 World Cup. Amara Traroe is their head coach.

Zambia: The chipolopolo boys of Zambia will be making their fifteenth appearances in the AFCON 2012 come next year. Out of the fourteen showcases, Zambia’s best assessment was runners up in 1974 and 1994. However Coach Herve Renard is the technical handler of the Zambians. Zambia is currently occupying 19 in Africa and 79 slot on the FIFA rankings.

GROUP B

Angola: The name of their national team is Palancas Negras with Lito Vidigal doubling up as their coach. Angola 84 on the FIFA rankings and twentieth in Africa made its first appearance at the Germany 2006 World Cup and served as best quarter-finalist in the 2008 and 2012 AFCON. Angola will be making its sixth appearances in a roll.

Burkina Faso: The Les Estalon (stallions) after seven appearances (first in 1978) will have a taste of the AFCON summing up to eight appearances. The Stallions ranked 13 in Africa and 62 on FIFA rankings best result was manifested when they took the fourth place during Burkina 1998 AFCON. Paulo Duarte is their head coach.

Cote D’Ivoire: Chelsea’s striker and captain of the elephants, Didier Drogba will lead their charges to upset the applecart for the upcoming AFCON. The Ivorians have made two appearances at the World Cup; first in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. Aside that they have appeared 19 times in the AFCON (first in 1965) and winners of 1992 Confederation Cup. Francois Zahoui heads the technical bench. Gabon and Equatorial will mark their twentieth appearances. They are currently Africa’s number one and 16 on the FIFA rankings.

Sudan: The falcons jediane of Sudan will also be making their eight appearances at the AFCON 2012 (first in 1957) with its best result in 1970. Head coach, Mohamed Abadall and Captain Haithim Mustapha will have a lot to show the entire world. Sudan is being ranked 112 on the FIFA rankings and 27 in Africa.

GROUP C.

Gabon: The Panthers of Gabon made their first appearance in the year 1994. In all, it has made four appearances since the inception of the Africa Cup of Nations. Within these appearances, Gabon’s best result was reaching the quarter-finals of the 1996 South Africa competition. Coach Gernot Rohr would lead his outfits to chance for continental silver during their fifth appearances in a few weeks time. Gabon is ranked 17 in Africa and 77 on the World rankings.

Morocco: The 1976 AFCON winners, the Atlas Lions of Morocco will battle for the ultimate in their fourteen appearances come January where the tournament kicks off. Already, the Moroccans have made four appearances at the topflight FIFA World Cup. Morocco on the African standings is 11 and 60 on the FIFA rankings.

Niger: The senior national team of Niger, Mena,  ranked 98 in the world, 24 in Africa would under the sway of Coach Harouna Doula Gbade will also not live any stone unturned as they make their first ever appearance for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea showpiece.

Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles is the pseudonym of the Tunisian senior national team. The Tunis ranked seventh in Africa and 59 on world standings has made fourteen appearances and won the 1978 phase of the Africa Cup of nations. Meanwhile, it  has made four appearances in the FIFA World Cup. Would Coach Samir Trabelsi and Captain Aymen Mathouthi shock Africa?

GROUP D.

Ghana: The four times African supernova headed by Coach Goran Stevanovic, Captained by John Mensah will be in contention for their fifth Africa penultimate with some weeks ahead of the 28^th edition of AFCON. Ghana ranked 27 on the world rankings and second in Africa made its first appearance in 1963 equaling seventeenth participations in all. The senior national team, the Black Stars of Ghana is making their eighteenth appearance. The Black Stars participated in both 2006 and 2010 World Cup respectively.

Botswana: Aside Niger, Equatorial Guinea, the Zebras of Bostwana will participate in the AFCON for their first time in so many years. Botswana, during the Glo Awards in Accra, Ghana, was crowned as the best national team of the year. It means that Coach Stanley Tshosane and Captain Mompati Thuma would not rest till they get the ultimate. Bostwana is currently occupying 96 slots on the FIFA rankings and 23 positions in Africa.

Guinea: Would head coach Michel Dussuyer guide the National Elephants of Guinea to their first ever title after making nine appearances so far in the tournament since its introduction? Guinea is 18 in Africa and 79 on the FIFA rankings.

Guinea’s best result was the second place it booked at the 1976 edition.

Mali: The Eagles, as the nickname of the Malian senior national team under the auspices of Coach Alain Giresse and captained by Mahamadou Diarra after the country placing second in the 1972 phase and making sixth appearances so far, might change the terrain as they prepare for their seventh participation in grand style. Mali occupies the 67 slot on the FIFA standings and 15 positions in Africa.

MY QUEEN (POEM)

 By Ebenezer Zor (Ezee)

My queen is like a shadow

 It follows me everywhere i go
 My queen is like a light
 Which always bright my path.
  My queen is like a shining clouds

There forever     

My queen is like a red rose
 Filled with sweet fragrance.
   My queen is like a news
  That i listen to always     

My queen is like a judge                                             

That keeps me in her love prison.

I THINK (POEM)

By Ebenezer Zor

I think of your kisses while you are away,
I think of your smile every seconds
I can not forget the first day i met you,
You appeared in my life as an angel,
I think of the day i can say i do.

I think of the day we will be husband and a wife,
I think of the day we will sleep on the same same bed,
To be together for life,
Is a moment I always expect,
All the time.

NSS - GOOD OR BAD

NSS - GOOD OR BAD

“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer” Proverbs 16:9 NLT.



Mr. Zor

Being a temporarily bachelor  for the rest of ones life is not worthy of emulation, not say a psychological trauma for most men. If one could not understand himself, how can such person comprehend the dealings of nature?

Never did I thought of going to the interior part of this our peaceful country, Ghana for a mission.

I have always being optimistic about spending all the moments right in the nation’s number one city, Accra.

On the contrary, when I checked the placements on the internet, at a spot my optimism was truncated.

I was posted to Wa, the regional capital of the Upper West Region to undergo a voluntary patriotic national assignment as the National Service Scheme as being called for all graduates from the tertiary and willingly applicants across the country.

In fact the posting made me asked this multiple million dollar questions- Do I deserve it. Why Me? Is the NSS being subhuman towards me, and many more.

My mind progressively reminded me of a saying that;”To be successful in life, one must expect the best and prepared for the worst” , made me blanked out the above questions.



Mr. Zor



However my posting to the Nadowli Sampina Junior High School (JHS) in Wa on the National Service Scheme catapulted me as pupils’ teacher.

I had no choice than to kowtow to the demands of the secretariat since it general serves as the heaven gate towards employment in the years ahead.

JOURNEY.

At exactly 9:00 pm on Monday, October 3, 2011, I boarded an O.A travel and tour air condition coach with a 14 inches plasma television from circle-Accra to Wa, Upper West.

On the way to the said geographical location, the coach with passengers was given a police escort with the notion of cracking down the antics of criminals when it springs up.

For me, it was a thirteen hours peregrination to Wa. My journey to Wa highlighted some sceneries, places like Techiman, Nkwakwa, Mole park and several hidden towns and tourist sites.

Then, the next day I was in Wa around 10:00 am. As it has been structured, I went to the regional national service secretariat to fill some requirements.

IN WA.

Meanwhile there were over two-hundred national service personnel from other part of the country to undergo the registration. I must confess that it was a tiring and unprofessional on the part of workers as the place was totally disorganized.

The national service personnel have to queue for several hours for the appointment letter to be endorsed by the regional director due to insufficient work force.

In spite of such a welcoming frustration, I passed through the mill to have my letter of appointment stamped and a photography snapped for identification cards (ID).

Fortunately and unfortunately, being a stranger coupled with the fact that there was no chance for me to get a vehicle to Sampina, through  a friends effort in Bolgatanga, i passed out the night with his friends in a hostel.

These good Samaritans were Eric and Yaw both students of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Wa.

The next morning, I boarded a cabby to the Wa lorry station and join a bus popularly known in the national circuit as ‘kuffour bus' to Nadowli where I have been posted to practice the service.

Initially I was supposed to visit Sampina JHS to have my forms stamped by the headmaster before handing over to the district for another registration. In any case I did the reverse.

By so doing, I registered again at the Nadowli district service secretariat when I bought a fuel in the sum of 7GH¢ for a motor cyclist to ride me to and fro Sampina JHS to have the forms endorsed by the headmaster.

Suddenly, I came into contact with the assistant headmaster, Mr. Timothy Anchiihe Balee who assigned his signature on my documents in place of the headmaster. That day was Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

Again I confess that it was a hectic moment for me when I did not know whom to turn to immediately after the registration at the district.

Coincidentally the Lord revealed five angels to take me to the said place. They were the driver, conductor, the assemblyman and two P.T.A executive members.

Dramatically the conductor did not spared me as he commanded to pay 10GH¢ for my luggage. I must say that the presence of these denizens of Sampina inspired and instilled into some spectrum of confidence as a practicing pupils’ teacher.

ARRIVAL

Upon my arrival at the town, I was taken to the Sampina Naa (chief) where after series of verbal salvo I was given an accommodation.

After spending some weeks as a temporarily bachelor, I went to the Wa market to purchase some foodstuffs to put my culinary skills to test.

I fully started teaching forms one to three classes Social Studies and English on Monday, October, 10.

With somw pupIls'

Apart from my teaching onus, I was their chaplain and Physical Education (PE) master.

Aside this, the saying ‘God time is the best’ materialize on October, 24 when  another national service personnel from the University of Ghana Legon, Mr. Ebenezer Nana Okyere Akrofi joined me as room mates at Sampina.

We used part of our time to visit the Black Volta which separates Ghana from Burkina Faso.

Black Volta

I was on the rest of the waves as I did expect such moments to transpire.

PROFILE OF SAMPINA-SAAN

Sampina is a town under the charikpong community with its distict as Nadowli. Nadowli is made up of twenty-five communities. Sampina consist of six towns. Namely Saan, Naribu, Base, Kuo, Ka kala including Sampina.

SAMPINA-SAAN CHPs ZONE

Sampina-Saan CHPs zone ling between charikpong as a sub district to the south and to the east boarded by the Black Volta. The communities are linked by feeder roads and footpaths.

LANGUAGE

The main languages spoken are Dagaare and Wale.

OCCUPATION

Ghana's longest traditional beer, Pito

The natives of Sampina mostly farmers, fishermen and pito brewers. The dominant crops cultivated are millet, maize, rice, bambara beans and groundnuts.

RELIGION

The people are mainly traditional believers, Christians and few of them Muslims.

BUILDINGS

The apartment

All buildings in the communities are put up with either mud bricks and roofted with zinc and wood.

HEALTH FACILITY

Sampina-Saan CHPS Zone

There are two health facilities; charikpong health center and Saan-Samlina Community Health Protection Services (CHPs) zone managed by trained health persons.

SCHOOLS

Sampina JHS

There are three (3) day care centers, two (2) primary schools, two (2) Junior High Schools (JHS) and one (1) vocational school.

RESOURCES

Sampina-Saan communities have the following resources like gold, diamond and others.

WATER

Mr. Zor

Sampina has got more one bore holes supplying the denizens with water.

CHALLENGES

The biggest challenge there is the poor lighting system. The town has no electricity power when wire cables have been laid through out the place. Again there are less recreational facilities and this is not auguring well for them.

                                                                            soundbite                      

                                                             footage

To be continued.

POEM: I ASK NATURE

I ask nature to give me a second chance and it gave me mercy

I ask nature to give me a day and it gave me a week

I ask nature to give me someone special and it gave me a sunflower

I ask nature to search for you and it gave you to me

When I ask nature to give me a friend,  it gave me a darling like you.

By Ebenezer Zor

OIL OF INFLUENCE-2011

 

 

Time and Date	Monday, July 25 · 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Location	Accra, Ghana
More Info this a very powerful program u cannot miss it for anything, be my VIP AND BE THERE,THE LORD WILL MEET U THERE.......SHALOM

 

 

CANAF 2011 LAUNCHED

By Ebenezer Zor & Naa Kwaamah Ankrah

The third edition of the Cup of African Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF) was launched on Tuesday at Alisa Hotel in Accra under the theme “Let’s be passionate about our passion.”

But the success of the event will depend on the kind of support it enjoys from the media and to that end, Mr. Francis Adjetey Sowah, president of the Amputee Football Federation of Africa (AFFA) has appealed to the media to contribute their quota to promotion the game of amputee football which has gained international recognition.

Addressing newsmen at the launch in Accra, Mr. Sowah, who doubles as the Ghana Amputee Football Federation (GAFF) chairman said “Football is a good platform to promote the laudable concept of bringing Africa together to share common goals and aspirations”.

Ghana, represented by the ‘Black Challenge’, won the maiden edition hosted by Sierra Leone but failed to participate in the second edition hosted by Liberia due to financial constraints and hoped that Ghana will makes amends with the hosting of the next edition slated for October, 15-25, 2011 at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium.

Out of the 12 nations expected to participate in the 10 days soccer fiesta, only five nations, including Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Niger and Angola have confirmed their participation, Mr. Sowah, adding that the GAFF is in still holding discussion with others like South Africa, DR Congo, Algeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Mali.

He said as a part of the preparations to ensure that Ghana hosts and wins CANAF 2011, the National Amputee Team, the Black Challenge will engage in some international matches in July to put the team in shape for the October tournament.

The GAFF boss commended the government for the tremendous support offered to the national association that saw the Black Challenge to become the first African country to ever reach the quarter-finals of the Amputee World Cup in Argentina.

Launching the event, the CEO of Krypton Ghana Limited, Mr. Neil Armstrong Mortagbe intimated that the media should allow the theme of CANAF to reflect in their reportage.

He opined that the Ghana Amputee team can upset the apple-cart in the tournament and called on Ghanaians to patronize the event to support the team.

In a solidarity message, the CEO of the Emperor Gaza International Foundation, a sponsor for the event, Mr. Prince Charles Sackeyfio stated that, CANAF 2011 will be an opportunity to lend support to the less privileged in society, saying, “Who have through one incident or the other been denied the privilege of leading a normal life as any other person”.

“We decided to lend a hand to the GAFF not only to organize CANAF, but also to create a platform that would pave the way to see the welfare of the playing body of the team.

“Emperor Gaza International Foundation, a Non-Government Organization (NGO) seeks among others, to promote the can do spirit in the youth and people with disability, to play a pivotal role in the development of their skills and the community” he noted.

The function was attended by a representative from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Mensah and representatives from All For One Supporters Unions, Bob Okala and others.

Source: Ghanaian Times.

Article: Welcome Tema Youth and Bechem United

I write to add my voice to the victory qualification of premiership returnees Tema Youth and new entrants Bechem United into the elite league next season.

Two seasons after being relegated, Tema Youth defile all odds to topflight following an annihilating 4-1 win against D’ International in Sekondi in the Zone 3 of the middle league.

Interestingly, after a long spell at the Poly tank division one league, Bechem United looks poised for the 2011/2012 season after beating Guan FC 2-0 at the Tema artificial turf.

Both teams have proven that, the division one league clubs are forces to be reckoned with if given any chance to compete.

Undoubtedly, the likes of Berekum Chelsea official crowned 2010/2011 Glo Premier League Champions and dethroned league champions Aduana Stars have shown their prowess in the seasons so far.

However, if not anything at all, the managements of both Tema Youth and Bechem United should tread the course of their predecessors (Aduana and Berekum Chelsea) in order to have a good run for their money next season.

I wish them a better stay in the topflight and best of luck to all the clubs from division one next time.

Ebenezer Zor

Accra.

LAST STRAW FOR STRUGGLING FOUR.

By Ebenezer Zor

Source : Sporting Times

With Real Tamale United (RTU) and BA Stars already relegated to the second tier of Ghana Football, as many as five cubs will battle to survive the remaining relegation slot in the final round of the 2010/2011 Glo Premier League season.

Wa All Stars, Berekum Arsenals, Mighty Jets, King Faisal, as well as Ashanti Gold currently languish in the relegation zone and a loss by any of these teams in the 30^th Week fixture will head them straight to the Division one league.

Ash Gold, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Dwarfs, will play host to already crowned league champions, Berekum Chelsea at the Len Clay Stadium in a very crunchy duel. A win for Chelsea will be disastrous for the “miners”.

Refreshing Liberty Professionals, after thumping Asante Kotoko by 3-2 in their own backyard at the Bara Yara Stadium last Sunday will welcome Kwesi Nyantakyi’s club, Wa All Stars, at the Carl Reindorf Park in Dansoman.

A loss to All Stars may not pose any severe threat to the scientific soccer lads but a loss to Liberty could spell doom for the All Stars.

Alhaji Grusah’s King Faisal will come to face with Accra Hearts of Oak at the Bara Yara Stadium in a match predicted as the top fixture of the Week. Hearts will need nothing but a win to keep their hopes of participating in the prestigious Top 4 competition alive.

However, a loss by King Faisal will be suicidal for them since they currently occupy the third relegation slot on the league table. Both teams lost their previous league matches and will go all out to turn the clock around.

Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs will travel to the Akosombo Stadium to play as visitors to Tudu Mighty Jets in another show piece. A win for Dwarfs will bid farewell to the Tudu boys from the elite division of football in the country.

At the Berekum Golden City Park, the Berekum Arsenal will battle it out with New Edubiase. The Gunners will need a win at all cost since a loss to New Edubiase could sink them to the relegation zone.

Already relegated sides, RTU will host dethroned league champions, Aduana Stars, at the Tamale Stadium while BA Stars travels to the den of lions to play as visitors to Kpando Hearts of Lions.

With the top four competitions and a CAF confederation slot up for grasp next season, the Porcupine Warriors will travel to the Tarkwa Park to test their strength against second place on the league table and tactically disciplined Bashiru Hayford’s side, Medeama SC in match which promises to be fireworks.

 A win over Kotoko, will end the dream for the top four competitions while a loss by Medeama will dash their dreams of participating in the CAF confederation cup for the first time.

Lamptey seeks revenge

Junior Walaga Promotions in collaboration with the Ghana Boxing Authority will stage its next promotion at Lebanon House on June 18, 2011.

The event will witness two national and a Commonwealth light middleweight championship involving Ghanaian boxers.

The main bout on the bill will see Obodai Sai, known among his fans as “The Miracle” exchanging punches with Joseph Lamptey for the Commonwealth light middleweight strap.

Sai comes into the fight with a record of 14 wins without a blemish as compared to that of Lamptey, who has fought 14 times, with 10 ending through the short rout and three losses and a draw.

Lamptey's losses includes a unanimous decision defeat to Sai when they clashed for the national title nearly two years and is remains very ambitious to avenge that painful defeat.

But Sai has intimated that the June 18 clash will only offer him the opportunity to establish his dominance and superiority over Lamptey.

Isaac Selom will square it up with Ishmael Tetteh for the national middleweight title.

Both pugilists will come into the fight with a record of 14 wins, four losses, one draw for Selom and 24 wins, six losses, two draws for Ishmael respectively.

In another fierce contest, Razak Nettey and Herbert Quartey will test their strength for the national super bantamweight title. Quartey alias “sensational” boast of a record of 13 fights with four wins by way of knockouts, six losses and drawn none against six fights, two by way of knockouts and a draw for Nettey.

The opponents for Samuel Kotey Neequaye and Osumanu Akaba for the Lightweight and Super featherweight contest will be announced later.

By Ebenezer Zor

Source: Ghanaian Times.

Netball contest marks AU day.

The Greater Accra Regional Netball Association in conjunction with the Dangme West District on Wednesday organized the first netball tournament in Dodowa to mark the African Union (AU) day.


The tournament dubbed: " Africa Freedom Day" was to unearth young talents for the national netball ladies team.


Asafoatse Boadi VI, in his speech address before the commencement of the competition urged all the participating teams to give out their best and show good sportsmanship on the field of play.


Participating teams were Fair point ladies club of Kpone-on-sea, Prampram complex stars of Kaneshie-Accra, the Greater Accra Stars and Greater Complex stars.


In all play all competition, Greater Accra Stars emerged us winners of the first edition of this tournament, netted 98 goals to surpass second position Fair point ladies to clinch the penultimate- a trophy and a cash prize.


Elsewhere, Prampram ladies were presented with a cash prize for occupying the third position with 24 nets while Greater Complex Stars took the fourth place with 9 nets in all.


Bernice Taylor and Larnuel Veronica both from the Greater Accra Stars were adjudged the best players of the tournament.


Reverend E.D. Niikoi, president of the Netball Association of Ghana (NAG), in an interview with Times Sports said: "The tournament was organized to inculcate into all and sundry the  essence of Africa Union (AU),  make young ladies develop  interest in netball and to revive the sport as well".


He explained that, netball has not received much attention as compared to other sporting disciplines, adding that "It is about time to revamp netball in the country".


Reverend Niikoi announced that Ghana will host a netball competition starting from the 10-16 of July and the All African Games (AAG) starting form the 3-15 of September in Maputo, Mozambique this year.
 
Mr. Niikoi, appealed to the Dangme West District to make the tournament permanent in Dodowa and that same vein called for support from corporate bodies to salvage netball in the country.


"We need massive support from government and other sports stakeholders to run a netball league system in the country" he added.


Among the personalities present at the occasion were the umpires- Augustina Fugah of Sege Senior High Technical School, Fred Kporha of Accra, Eugene Tetteh of Amasaman, Felix Ocran of Kpone-on-sea, Esther Worname of Ga East G.E.S , Mr Samuel Owusu Anhwere, Mr. Nieo Dzah and Kofi Asamoah Acheampong, deputy Technical Director of the Netball Association Of Ghana, Accra.


Story by Ebenezer Zor & Matilda Emefa Avudoahor

Source: Ghanaian Times 

Kwabena Yeboah: Time to call Hayatou’s bluff

CAF President, Hayatou

I find it shocking that at a time the world is getting sick and tired of tyrannical rule, CAF President Alhjaj Issa Hayatou believes the way forward is arbitrariness and despotism.

Will somebody remind Hayatou of the fate of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, and Hosni Mubarak of Egypt who ruled with absolutism and literally terrorized their own people for three decades. Oh yes, the sheer power of the masses blew them into smithereens at the right time.

“Big Daddy” brother Gaddafi is only buying time in Libya. The human nature simply abhors tyranny and absolutism, the reason our own Jerry John Rawlings’ influence is beginning to wane in his “own” National Democratic Congress (NDC). The fact that personalities Rawlings “nurtured” and “nourished” today openly reject him and treat him so disdainfully only teaches us the days of tyrants are always numbered.

Does Hayatou get this? Why on earth would the CAF President believe he has the authority to disband the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) because as he put it the “sub-region is facing organizational issues”.

The CAF boss spearheaded the move at a meeting in Cairo last Monday, sparking speculations the attempt is aimed at weakening WAFU’s growing influence in the political context of Africa football.

With allies Amos Adamu and Anjorin Moucharafou booted out of the WAFU hierarchy, Hayatou finds it most appropriate to disband WAFU. Perhaps also to teach Kwesi Nyantakyi the interim President of WAFU who is not particularly a “favoured boy” the true colour of power.

By Hayatou’s directive, West Africa has now been zoned into two – Western Zone A and Western Zone B. Zone A encompasses Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Zone B is made up of Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso.

Clearly, this makes little sense and decisively defeats the very essence of the Union envisaged by the founding fathers.

When former Presidents Gnassigbe Eyadema and Houphouet Boigny of Togo and Ivory Coast respectively (may their souls find favour with the Good Lord) spearheaded the formation of WAFU, the idea was to foster unity in the West Africa sub-region through the massive influence of football.

Lack of sound leadership and a perilous financial situation viciously conspired to weaken WAFU. Today, every possible step is being taken to revive the sleeping giant. The way forward is not to unnerve and enfeeble the Association by disbanding it and creating two separate fronts. This logic is clearly twisted.

The African Union (formerly the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) has always been confronted with debilitating problems. It would have been extremely weird and illogical to divide the Union’s front because of so-called “organizational problems” as Hayatou puts it. The intelligent thing to do is to identify these “organizational weaknesses” for an appropriate resolution. To disband WAFU as Hayatou has done is to insult the intelligence and vision of the Political fathers of the West Africa sub-region.

I’m not surprised the Ministers of Benin and Togo, Modeste Kerekou and Ajay Maken have decided to convene an urgent meeting of all Sports Ministers in the sub-region to address the issue and call Hayatou’s bluff.

I am also gladdened by the fact that the leadership of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) has issued a statement urging all to allow zonal bodies to operate as they exist. Will Hayatou and his henchmen listen?

Hayatou’s days are clearly numbered and like a drowning man will catch a straw. It’s in the supreme interest of this ageing tyrant to remind himself of the fate of all the despots in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria and Libya.

Don’t overstretch your luck, Hayatou.

Source: Kwabena Yeboah, Africa Sports

Stars dazzle in AU peace match

Michael Essien and his Chelsea team mate Ashley Cole enjoying every bit of the match

The Ohene Djan Sports Stadium Wednesday was turned into a great Cathedral of football as legends descended from around the World to celebrate peace and unity in Africa through football.

It was indeed an electric atmosphere, as Ghana and Chelsea’s Michael Essien, AU Ambassador for Peace, led an array of African Stars - past and present - against an Ashley Cole led World 11 to serve a delectable display of football artistry.

Not even the profound openings from heaven which poured forth its rain could stop the party; fans in their thousands filled the stadium to raptures; cheered at every skill, clapped at every turn and mobbed the Stars present.

Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor, Asamoah Gyan, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Kalusha Bwalya, John Paintsil, Stephen Appiah, Tony Yeboah only to mention but a few stood tall for the African side, whilst Chelsea duo of Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda as well as Quincy Owusu Abeyie, Nigel DeYong and Frederick Ljunberg were impregnable for the World 11 side.

Akin to most charity games, Wednesday’s match was played in an atmosphere of conviviality and recorded a 4-2 score line in favour of World 11.

Kalusha Bwalya, who has lost his speed but definitely not his skill put the noses of the Africans in front early in the first half with a well placed header from a John Paintsil cross on the right.

Didier Drogba who came on in the second half put his name on the scoring sheet with a close range effort.

Malouda, Ashley Cole, Stock Smith, were the scorers for the World 11.

But really, the score line was not that important; the skill and effort by the World and African legends who defied the heavy rains and played in the soggy pitch was what actually underlined their commitment to the cause for peace, human dignity and prosperity to people in the African continent.

Buoyed by musical displays and excellent dance moves from Asamoah Gyan, Samini, Castro the stadium was turned into a carnival atmosphere as fans sang and danced the day away in absolute frenzy.

The players were presented with medallions at the end of the fun filled campaign as Essien lifted aloft the African flame to signify unity on the continent.

The game was witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister Kofi Humadu and former Tourism Minister Mike Gizo.

Former World player of the year Oppong Weah was the coach of the African 11 side whilst Marcel Dessaily coached the World 11 side.


Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Hayatou must protect his integrity

Issah Hayatou, CAF  President

It is a disgrace to hear that the head of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) with other executives has been labelled with bribery and corruption.

When I read from the newspapers that the president of CAF Issah Hayatou with other executives has been bribed with huge sum of money just to support Qatar ’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup, i wondered what the world would say about Africa ?

This is a serious issue which needs to be investigated and not be allowed to die prematurely.

Issah Hayatou being in office since 1988 has contributed a lot to the development of Africa football over the years.

Under his watch, we saw some African countries win the Under-17 Championship, the World Under-20 championship staged in Egypt in 2009 and the 2010 World Cup being held on Africa soil where Ghana progressed to the quarter final stage of that competition.

However if the allegations labelled against him is true, I will advice that as matter of urgency he should immediately resign to prevent any further probe into mismanagement and misappropriate of funds from CAF.

Come to think of it he and his compatriots have brought shame to Africa football. This shows that, it is about time fresh pair of hands regulate the activities of CAF.

In my own perspective, Hayatou should not make himself available to contest for a re-election into office.

Author: Ebenezer Zor

Source: Graphic Sports