Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak board member Sowah Odotei denies engaging coach Annor Walker
Former Great Olympics coach Annor Walker addressed Hearts of Oak board member Vincent Sowah Odotei, appealing to become the Phobians’ head coach.
Walker was recently revealed as returning to Great Olympics after leaving Samartex. The former Black Galaxies coach had been extensively associated with Hearts of Oak, and Odotei Walker said that he had repeatedly approached him in his pursuit of the open coaching post at Hearts of Oak.
Odotei Sowah, on the other hand, was taken aback by Walker’s later claims against the club, stating that they were seeking to recruit players before appointing a coach.
“When he (Annor Walker) called me this season expressing his desire to come to Hearts of Oak, I only responded out of respect for his age,” Odotei Sowah explained.
“What is the logic in what Annor Walker is doing? He called me to express his interest in joining Hearts of Oak, and I asked him to send me his CV. However, he continued to pester me every single day. We never engaged him, we never discussed any contract. I have all the chat records, and if he dares me, I will make them public.”
Walker’s previous season’s misbehaviour was also chastised by Odotei Sowah, who stated, “He was fortunate that we even answered his call this season, considering his behaviour and how he embarrassed not only Hearts of Oak but also those who were lobbying for him.”
Odotei questioned Walker’s understanding of the club’s business, stating, “Does he know what we’re doing, that he’s alleging we want to recruit players before appointing a coach?” Is he familiar with the players we’re after, who suggested them, and who is in charge of the technical examination of the players?”
Following a dismal season, Hearts of Oak is planning to rebuild its roster for the upcoming season.
Source: ghanasoccernet.com
Ghana Football
GFA fines Kotoko GHC 80k for property destruction at Dr Kwame Kyei Complex
Asante Kotoko is facing a GHC 80,000 fine from the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for their disruptive behaviour during a match against Nations FC.
The disciplinary punishment is the result of actions that occurred during their matchday 6 match at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Dissatisfied with a penalty call by the referee in the last stages of the game, a group of irate supporters resorted to violent behaviour. In protest, chairs were allegedly smashed, and items were hurled into the pitch. Despite the fact that the game ended in a 2-2 tie, supporters proceeded to vent their rage by destroying artefacts at the stadium.
The inquiry by the Disciplinary Committee revealed a ‘breach of Article 16(c) and Article 16(2)(f) of the GFA Disciplinary Code 2019.’ As a result, Asante Kotoko has been fined heavily, and the money will be given to Nations FC to compensate for the damages caused by the alleged Kotoko fans.
Meanwhile, Kotoko returned to winning ways on Sunday, defeating Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Stadium due to Sherif Mohammed’s penalty kick in the 60th minute.
Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak to play home games in Kumasi following the closure of Accra Sports Stadium
According to Onua Sports, Hearts of Oak have opted to transfer their home games to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following the shutdown of the Accra Sports Stadium due to scheduled Christmas celebrations.
The highly anticipated Ghana Premier League match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, which was originally scheduled for Accra on December 8, will now be played in Kumasi, with Hearts of Oak designated as the home team.
The temporary location change was caused by the Accra Sports Stadium, which was overseen by event organisers for the Christmas festivities. Alhaji Brimah Moro Akambi, a Hearts of Oak Board Member, confirmed the decision, indicating that the Phobians will play their home games at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the rest of the year. However, beginning in 2023, the club is open to evaluating alternative locations.
Hearts of Oak are currently 14th in the league rankings with 12 points. Following the resignation of coach Martinus Koopman, assistant Abdul Rahim Bashiru has been named to handle the squad until a permanent replacement is found.
On Tuesday, they meet the Accra Lions, looking to get back on track after three straight draws.
Ghana Football
Maxwell Konadu released from hospital
Maxwell Konadu, the head coach of Nsoatreman FC, has been released from the hospital following an attack by Bofoakwa Tano fans.
The incident occurred on Sunday, following Nsoatreman FC’s 1-1 tie with Bofoakwa Tano in Week 11 of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
Konadu was rendered unconscious during the assault and was taken to Sunyani Teaching Hospital.
According to a club release, the former Black Stars assistant coach has been fired.
“Our coach Maxwell Konadu has been discharged from the hospital. We thank everyone who said a prayer for our coach during these difficult moments. Efiri Tete Amanaso,” a statement from Nsoatreman FC said on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of one individual engaged in Maxwell Konadu’s attack and beating.
The police are also on the lookout for another suspect who is presently on the run.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned the Sunyani Coronation Park, which serves as Bofoakwa Tano’s home stadium.
Meanwhile, in the matchday 12 games this weekend at Nana Kronmansah Park, Nsoatreman FC will host Heart of Lions.