Connect with us

Ghana Football

Hearts of Oak fires head coach Martin Koopman

Published

on

Following a goalless draw against Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium over the weekend, the 67-year-old faced rising criticism. In response to mounting rumours, Hearts of Oak issued an official statement on Tuesday evening announcing their amicable split from Martin Koopman.

Hearts of Oak and head coach Martin Koopman have agreed to conclude their five-month relationship amicably.

Koopman, a Dutchman, took over as manager ahead of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.

After ten games, the Phobians are in 11th place on the Premier League standings, with 12 points earned from two victories, six draws, and two defeats.

Following a goalless draw against Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium over the weekend, the 67-year-old faced rising criticism.

In response to mounting rumours, Hearts of Oak issued an official statement on Tuesday evening announcing their amicable split from Martin Koopman.

WhatsApp Image 2023 11 14 at 16.35.29 696x932 1 jpeg

As a result of this situation, Assistant Coach Abdul Bashiru has been named temporary head coach.

Despite the recent draw with Legon Cities, Koopman remained steadfast, claiming, “Listen, I am not afraid of being fired, and that is the first thing.” If I’m terrified of being fired, I won’t be in this business.”

He showed confidence in his ability to work with the team and emphasised his conviction in his coaching talents.

After supporters’ unhappiness led to Matic’s resignation the previous season, Koopman had the challenge of improving the team’s performance.

Koopman formerly worked at AS Vita Club, FC Den Bosch, and BV Veendam before joining Hearts of Oak.

The team, currently under temporary management, is optimistic about the rest of the season.

Ghana Football

CAF Confed. Cup: Zamalek book final spot after crashing Dreams in Kumasi

Published

on

By

Despite producing several excellent opportunities, Dreams FC failed to convert, as Zamalek maintained a comfortable lead at halftime. Mostafa Shalaby scored 15 minutes into the second half to increase Zamalek's advantage to three goals. Despite Dreams FC's late scoring efforts, they were unable to hit the back of the goal, and Zamalek easily defeated them, ending Dreams FC's excellent run in the league. Dreams FC has now turned their attention to the Ghana Premier League, where they have three great games.

Dreams FC’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign came to an end on Sunday afternoon with a loss to Zamalek SC.

The Ghana Premier League team lost 3-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium in the second leg of their semifinal match.

Zamalek took an early lead when Hamza Mathlouthi scored in the 12th minute, capitalising on Dreams’ defensive failure on a set piece.

15 minutes later, Samson Akinyoola increased Egypt’s advantage, putting further pressure on the hosts.

Despite producing several excellent opportunities, Dreams FC failed to convert, as Zamalek maintained a comfortable lead at halftime.

Mostafa Shalaby scored 15 minutes into the second half to increase Zamalek’s advantage to three goals.

Despite Dreams FC’s late scoring efforts, they were unable to hit the back of the goal, and Zamalek easily defeated them, ending Dreams FC’s excellent run in the league.

Dreams FC has now turned their attention to the Ghana Premier League, where they have three great games.

Continue Reading

Ghana Football

Asante Kotoko terminates Fatawu Safiu’s contract due to medical failure

Published

on

By

Asante Kotoko SC has officially terminated Abdul Fatawu Safiu's contract due to medical reasons.

A club statement by Asante Kotoko on Monday evening indicates that Abdul Fatawu Safiu’s contract has been terminated due to medical reasons.

According to the Kumasi-based royal club, the former Al-Sinaa SC striker failed a mandatory medical assessment test as required by the Ghana Football Association, following the announcement of his signing on the registration deadline day.

The returnee striker who joined Kotoko from Eleven Wonders in November 2018, ahead of the 2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup campaign has been duly informed about the health-related issues which could rule him out for a long period.

Below is a full statement by Asante Kotoko

Asante Kotoko can confirm that it has relieved forward, Abdul Fatawu Safiu due to medical reasons.

Asante Kotoko entered into an employment contract with the player in order to meet registration deadlines as announced by the Ghana Football Association, and had to ensure that the player undergoes the pre-competition medical assessment which is the basic and compulsory requirement by the GFA.

This medical assessment was duly done awaiting further tests. The further assessment by the club’s medical team revealed other health related issues which could rule him out for a long period. The club, after being informed about the situation, concluded that continuing an employment contract with the player would not be of full benefit to both parties – the club and the player. Details of the specific medical condition have been clearly communicated to the player.

It is imperative to note that the GFA has rejected his registration, so keeping him would not be in the best interest of the club and the player, hence the decision to end the relationship.

The club wishes Abdul Fatawu Safiu the very best for the future and wish to assure him that he forever remains one of us, and he is welcome to serve in any capacity in the future.

Signed….

Management.

Continue Reading

Ghana Football

Abdul Fatawu returns to Asante Kotoko on a two-year contract

Published

on

By

The forward stated on the club's website: "I am very excited about this opportunity," he stated with a laugh. "Everyone knows Kotoko is my favourite club, and as a kid, it was my dream to play for Kotoko and achieve that."

Abdul Fatawu Safiu has signed a deal with Kotoko until January 2026.

The NC’s special competition’s best player and top scorer in 2019 returns after spells with Trelleborgs FF and FC Trollhättan in Sweden.

Safiu made his debut for the Kumasi-based royal club in the 2018-2019 season, scoring thirteen goals in sixteen games, including some amazing strikes in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The return of the forward is part of Coach Prosper Narteh’s goal of returning to the CAF Champions League.

The forward stated on the club’s website:

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” he stated.

“Everyone knows Kotoko is my favourite club, and as a kid, it was my dream to play for Kotoko and achieve that.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Optimized by Optimole