Sports

‘I don’t like insults’ – Karim Zito explains reason for ignoring Black Stars coaching opportunity

Published

3 months ago

February 23, 2024

Dreams FC coach Abdul Karim Zito has publicly stated that his aversion to insults has deterred him from pursuing the vacant Black Stars coaching position.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has formed a committee, led by Vice President Mark Addo, to identify and appoint a new coach for the four-time Africa champions, whose disappointing AFCON performance led to the coaching staff’s removal.

Despite his significant standing in Ghanaian football, Zito clarified that he did not apply for the coaching role.

Explaining his decision, Zito asserted, “I didn’t apply for the job. I have my reasons, and it’s not because I can’t work. No one was born to handle the Black Stars. I want to be factual; those of us affiliated with Kurt Okraku, including me, are victims of circumstances.”

“One thing I don’t like is insults, that’s why I didn’t apply,” Zito added, underscoring his desire to steer clear of potential controversies and negative criticism.

Renowned for his contributions to scouting and developing talents in Ghana, Zito has previously managed various youth national teams and achieved success by leading Ghana to victory in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.

As the GFA continues its search for the new Black Stars coach, Zito’s decision brings attention to the challenges faced by those affiliated with Kurt Okraku and raises questions about the selection process and the environment surrounding the prestigious coaching role.

Sports

Barcelona optimistic of signing Nico Williams in the summer

Published

4 days ago

May 16, 2024

Melody 911FM

FC Barcelona is hopeful about their prospects of acquiring the skilled winger Nico Williams during the upcoming summer transfer period.

Footballghana has previously reported that the La Liga team is eyeing the Spanish forward with Ghanaian roots to bolster their lineup for the forthcoming season.

Recent updates from Spain suggest that Barcelona’s management is actively pursuing the transfer.

The club is confident in finalizing an agreement with Athletic Club to secure Nico Williams prior to the commencement of the next season.

At present, Nico Williams’ contract includes a release clause valued at €55 million, which FC Barcelona is positioned to activate.

The forward’s exceptional performance over the last year has established him as one of the standout forwards in European football.

During the 2023/24 Spanish La Liga campaign, Nico Williams has contributed four goals and 10 assists across 29 matches.

In addition to Barcelona, numerous leading clubs, including Liverpool, have shown interest in him.

Sports

Tariq Lamptey featured in Brighton’s defeat to Chelsea.

Published

4 days ago

May 16, 2024

Melody 911FM

The Electoral Commission (EC) has reassured the public that the missing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) Kits cannot be utilised to access its system or data.

According to Dr Eric Bossman Asare, the BVRs, which include a laptop, are ineffective on their own and can only be activated by the EC.

Thus, they pose no threat to the integrity of elections, he stated.

Additionally, they cannot be used to register anyone during the ongoing limited voter registration exercise nor do they contain any sensitive data from the EC’s system, he said in an interview with JoyNews’ Evans Mensah.

Dr Bossman Asare stated, “The laptops on their own are insignificant. They are just like the laptops you use at your workplace. We’ve accounted for every single device that we’re going to be using.

“In 2020, when we did the registration, we bought 8,500 of the registration devices. We are not using all of them in this registration.”

“So that means the ones we are using now, we still have some there. So are you saying the EC will come and tell the Ghanaian people that five laptops are missing and we want to use those laptops to register people? Who in the EC is going to do that?” he quizzed.

Sports

Wollacott keeps clean sheet for Hibernian in 3-0 mauling of Motherwell

Published

4 days ago

May 16, 2024

Melody 911FM

Ghana international Jojo Wollacott delivered a fine performance for Hibernian on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, when the team secured a 3-0 victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

The Black Stars goalkeeper was in the starting lineup for his team in their Week 37 fixture.

Guarding the goal for the hosts, Jojo Wollacott made several good saves and maintained a clean sheet at the end of the 90 minutes, helping his team clinch all three points.

Hibernian was ahead by two goals at halftime, thanks to strikes from Myziane Maolida and Martin Boyle.

After the break, Martin Boyle found the net again to complete his brace, sealing a significant win for Hibernian against Motherwell.

Wollacott’s performance in today’s game is particularly important ahead of the June international break.

He needed the playing time to secure a spot in the Ghana squad for the upcoming matches against Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.