I Was Forbidden By Hearts - Kenichi

Former Hearts of Oak head coach, Kenichi Yatsuashi has revealed that the board stopped him from breaking the news of his departure to the players.

The 45-year-old was relieved of his post as coach of the Phobians after the two parties agreed to part ways mutually, though many hold the opinion that there is some hidden truth behind his dismissal.

But speaking on the GTV Sports+ Inquest show, the Japanese-American cleared the air, revealing that he gave the board two options; either to make his assistant, Yaw Preko, act as coach in his absence whilst he pursued a coaching course away in Japan for 25 days or terminate his contract, but the Togbe Afede XIV-led board chose the latter.

“I didn’t have a chance to talk to the players as it wasn’t clear what the decision of management will be.

“After the meeting with the board, they asked me to hold on with my decision to meet the players and announce that I was leaving therefore I respected their decision.”

“The first time I met the players was on Wednesday morning as the team was preparing for training, as at then, they already knew (I was leaving the club). The only player I could talk to over the phone was the captain, Robin Gnagne, after he tried reaching me on several occasions.”

The spiky-haired coach is not expected to accept a new job until after August, by which time he would have completed a scheduled coaching course beginning in July.

I Was Forbidden By Hearts - Kenichi

GPL Week 11 Review: Hearts Go Top, Yahaya "Terminate" Dreams From 3rd

Hearts of Oak bounced back from their week 10 home loss to Kotoko to beat Berekum Chelsea 1-0 at Golden City Park on Sunday.

It was the first time in four years a visiting team had picked up all points at the Golden Citiy park.

The win thus take the Phobians to the top of the log sheet after Wa All Stars slumped to 3-1 defeat against Techiman City.

At the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Asante Kotoko continued their revival with a convincing 3-0 win over struggling Ebusua Dwarfs.

The Porcupine Warriors before the break took a two goal lead courtesy Dauda Mohammed and Frank Sarfo Gyamfi.

Dwarfs had the opportunity to reduce the deficit and get back into the game in the second half when they were awarded a penalty, but their new signing Gilbert Fiamneyo spot kick was saved by Ernest Sowah.

Dauda Mohammed later in the game registered his brace and Asante Kotoko third goal as Dwarfs were sent packing from Kumasi.

Elsewhere in Dormaa, Yahaya Mohammed ‘terminated’ Dreams FC out the third position with brace as Aduana trumped into a 4-0 win.

Coach-less Inter Allies secured a priceless point in Sogokpe, while Techiman City rose to fourth place after beating league leaders, Wa All Stars at the Ohene Ameyaw Park.

In Obuasi, defending champions were held to a zero-all stalemate by Bechem United to pile more pressure on Bashir Hayford who is beginning to be unpopular among the Miners faithfuls.

Below are the full results

Berekum Chelsea 0 – 1 Hearts of Oak

Asante Kotoko 3 – 0 Dwarfs

Techiman City 3 – 1 Wa All Stars

Ashanti Gold 0 -0 Bechem United

Aduana Stars 4 -0 Dreams FC

Hasaacas 3 – 1 New Edubiase

WAFA 0 -0 Inter Allies

Liberty Professionals? -? Medeama (Postpone)

GPL Week 11 Review: Hearts Go Top, Yahaya "Terminate" Dreams From 3rd

Edubiase Could Have Scored More - Yakubu

The president of New Edubiase FC, Yakubu Abdul-Salam believes his side should have beaten Asante Kotoko by more than a solitary goal.

Prince Antwi scored the only goal of the game, but he had other two glorious opportunities to take the game beyond Kotoko’s reach.

“It’s a good win for us and I want to congratulate the coaches and technical staff for the win.

“We won, but I must admit it wasn’t an easy match. The players were composed despite the pressure from Kotoko. I guess thay played to the coaches instructions.

“I feel that we should have won by more goals, say two or three, looking at the chances we managed to create throughout the game”, Abdul Salam Yakubu told reporters after the game.

New Edubiase have been abysmal this season and the victory over Asante Kotoko could be a morale booster for their next Premier League matches.

“Winning against Asante Kotoko here at a time they’ve won their last three matches, can only boost your morale in subsequent games.

“I know the coaches will work on the aspects we did not do well and improve on that in our next game against Chelsea.” he said.

Edubiase Could Have Scored More - Yakubu

Officials Released For Midweek GPL Games

The Referee Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), have released officials for the Match-Day Eight fixtures of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL).

The midweek fixtures are mouthwatering, and officials are to ensure sanity in the games the Committee has said.

In the Obuasi derby, Daniel Laryea is expected to control affairs on the pitch. Samuel Gyasi will handle the encounter between Hearts of Oak and WAFA in Accra.

Below is the full list of officials:

MATCH: New Edubiase vs Ashantigold

Venue: Obuasi

REF: Daniel Laryea

ASST 1: A.S. Malik

ASST 2: J.B. Smith

4TH REF: Samuel Suker

MC: James Adjei

MATCH: Hearts of Oak vs WAFA

Venue: Accra Stadium

REF: Samuel Gyasi

ASST 1: Alex Anning

ASST 2: Ben Vormawor

4TH REF: Emmanuel Ofei

MC: Ewudzie Sagoe

MATCH: Dwarfs vs Techiman City

Venue: Cape Coast

REF: O.B. Amankwaa

ASST 1: Richard Appiah

ASST 2: Freeman Anwulo

4TH REF: S.K. Mawuli Klu

MC: Andrews Tamakloe

MATCH: Bechem United vs Wa All Stars

Venue: Bechem

REF: Alex Nsiah

ASST 1: Shine Ayitey

ASST 2: Frank Bossman

4TH REF: Adu Poku

MC: GTSK Inkum

MATCH: Aduana vs Hasaacas

Venue: Dormaa

REF: Charles Bulu

ASST 1: F.D. Ocansey

ASST 2: R.N. Dodoo

4TH REF: A.D. Mohammed

MC: Mike Amedior

MATCH: Liberty Professionals vs Chelsea

Venue: Dansoman

REF: Isaac Quaye

ASST 1: Effah Tetteh

ASST 2: Richard Kotey

4TH REF: Amofa Sarkodie

MC: Frank Donakpor

MATCH: Dreams vs Asante Kotoko

Venue: Dawu Park

REF: Ali Alhassan

ASST 1: Alhassan Yahaya

ASST 2: Augustine Akugri

4TH REF: Bernard Dumfe

MC: G.K Tagbolo

MATCH: Medeama vs Inter Allies (Postponed)

Venue: Tarkwa

REF: Awal Mohammed

ASST 1: Eric O. Mensah

ASST 2: Sarfo Adade

4TH REF: Ernest Barfi

MC: Paul Ayamba

Officials Released For Midweek GPL Games

Kotoko Will Retain Michael Osei if...

Kumasi Asante Kotoko will make interim boss Michael Osei substantive coach should he record good results.

Michael Osei was appointed last week to replace David Duncan who was asked to step aside until further notice after a series of poor results.

The former Black Stars midfielder led the team to victory over Liberty Professionals in his first game, and sportscrusader.com has gathered that management intends to keep him should he win matches that will keep the club in a position capable of winning the league.

The Management of Kotoko were asked to sort out differences with the beleaguered David Duncan by Life Patron of the club, the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II on Monday, but management won’t keep him.

It is believed management is ready to agree a payment package for Coach Duncan, and will arrange that in due course.

Kotoko Will Retain Michael Osei if...

Bashir Hayford Given 3-days Ultimatum To Resign

The head coach of Ashanti Gold Sporting Club, Bashir Hayford has been given a three-day ultimatum to resign from his position.

The former Asante Kotoko coach has been at the centre of controversy for the past few days following the poor performance of the team in the league.

It is alleged, he is having an ‘intimate affair’ with a girlfriend of one of his players and they are not on talking terms.

Sports crusader checks revealed that Bashir Hayford believes the girl is very influential on the playing body of his team, thus, his decision to get closer to her to know his team better off the pitch.

However, sources say his explanation was too shallow to be accepted, and added that his decision to have any relationship with a players girl has brought the club into disrepute.

The National Co-ordinating Committee (NCC), has written to the Chief Executive Officer, Kudjoe Fianoo and AngloGold Ashanti, financiers of the club to ensure Bashir leaves by Friday.

Bashir Hayford Given 3-days Ultimatum To Resign

Kotoko Playing Body To Meet Otumfour Today

The playing body of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, will meet the Life Patron of the club, Otumfour Osei Tutu II today at Manhyia.

Porcupine Warriors have had a torrid season so far and the abysmal performance necessitated a meeting between the Asantehene and the Board and Management of the club which lasted for hours.

According to sportscrusader.com sources, issues that unfolded during the meeting necessitated a meeting with the playing body and they would meet Otumfour after training on Tuesday.

It is alleged that, leadership of the playing body received coaching from General Manager Opoku Nti and Operations Manager George Kennedy.

 

Kotoko Playing Body To Meet Otumfour Today

Bashir Hayford Should Leave Now!

The supporters of Ashanti Gold Sporting Club are demanding for the immediate sacking of Bashir Hayford, as head coach of the club.

There’s an alleged mutiny in the camp of the Miners and that has resulted in woeful outcome of results in their 2015/16 Ghana Premier League games.

The team, suffered a second successive loss against Dreams FC at the Obuasi Len stadium, and fans are demanding the immediate sacking of the former Kotoko boss.

“We don’t want to have anything to do with Bashir Hayford again. You are [alleged to be] dating your players girls and wants them to play for you?

“He should go else we won’t come to the stadium in the game against New Edubiase.” Irate fans threatened.

The defeat on Sunday dropped AshGold further on the league table to 12 after seven matches.

Bashir Hayford Should Leave Now!

Former Kotoko Coach Wants A Return

Former Asante Kotoko coach, Talet Uzum has revealed that the club’s managing director Opoku Nti has called him asking him to take over from beleaguered David Duncan as the next head coach of the club.

“I’ve had a call from Opoku Nti to coach Kotoko,” Uzum told Accra based Happy FM.

“I love Kotoko and the supporters also love me so I’m ready anytime,” he added.

This is the second time Uzum has announced his intention to return to the club. After the sacking of Didi Dramani last season, he declared he’ll accept an offer to take over Kotoko.

“I want to come back and coach Kotoko. It’s my desire because I have an unfinished business at the club,” he said.

“Kotoko is a great club with a massive support base and they deserve the best.

“I believe I’m the man to lead this team if I get the opportunity,” he noted.

Former Kotoko Coach Wants A Return

Evans Mensah Going Nowhere - Inter Allies

Inter Allies have rubbished reports that talented youngster, Evans Mensah is set for a move abroad.

Media reports are rife that the 18-year-old will travel to Germany for a trial with Borussia Monchengladbach.

But the club has denied those reports.

Sportscrusader.com source at the club quizzed: “Where did you hear that?”

“It is not true. I am with the team everyday and I will be the first contact if any club shows interest in any of the players in the team,” a club representative said.

Evans Mensah has won three man of the match accolades in Inter Allies first six  games of the season.

Evans Mensah Going Nowhere - Inter Allies

Hearts Will Recover - Polo

Accra Hearts of Oak legend, Mohammed Polo has mentioned that his former club will recover from the heavy home defeat to Wa All Stars.

Hearts high-flying start to life in the 2015/16 Ghana premier league was brought to a halt when they tasted defeat for the first time after going five games without a defeat.

The lost has seen the Phobians fall slightly short of confidence going into match week 7 and this former player, Polo believes should not bring down the morale of the team.

Speaking in an interview to Sportscrusader.com, Polo said, “the pre-season form was a bad one and the good start to the season should serve as a morale booster for the side. It was unfortunate they lost heavily but they should not be down but rather go into the board room review what went wrong and correct all the mistakes.”

Hearts travel to face premier league debutant, Techiman City in match week 7; a cagey game it might be but this is the exact test the Accra based side needs to get back on winning ways.

Hearts Will Recover - Polo

Kotoko Needs Their Own Stadium - Duncan

David Duncan, head coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, has suggested that the club should get its own stadium.

The Porcupine Warriors uses the state owned stadium, Baba Yara in Kumasi for their matches in all competitions for the past five or so decades.

But David Duncan has suggested that the team’s ‘fortunes will be changed drastically’ if they have their own stadium.

“The performance of the team was good but I think if we have our own stadium like they [Aduana] do, Kotoko’s fortunes would change drastically,” Duncan said.

“I do not think any team can beat Kotoko if we also had a stadium like they do here. In that case, we would win every home game,” he added.

Duncan explained that a team with it’s own pitch enjoy undue advantage.

“I’m saying if Kotoko have their own stadium like it is here, I think that Kotoko will win the league as long as they want to,” Duncan repeated.

The former AshGold boss also refused to accept defeat, saying the result was not a fair reflection of the game.

“The performance of the boys was great and fantastic. I haven’t seen anything like this before from the Kotoko players ever since I took over the job,” he added.

Kotoko dropped to the foot of the table after their 1-0 loss to Aduana Stars on Sunday. They will host Liberty Professionals who trashed defending champions AshGold 5-1 at the Carl Reindorf Park on Sunday.

Kotoko Needs Their Own Stadium - Duncan

Matches Against Hearts Are Ordinary - Coach Adepa

Wa All Stars head coach, Enos Kwame Adepah says matches against clubs like Hearts of Oak are ordinary matches. 

The Wa-based club, defied all odds to beat the Phobians at the Accra Sports Stadium on Match Week Six of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League, ending their unbeaten run in this year’s league.

And Coach Adepah who took over the coaching responsibilities of the team, two weeks to the start this season, says the victory is not special.

“Playing against the so called big clubs is not that difficult. They are only surviving by their big name status. As to their players being able to carry that weight is the issue,” he said.

He continued: “In such games, the pressure is always on them. I won’t term such matches as difficult for my team. Playing the likes of Liberty, New Edubiase, Aduana, Dreams FC come with the pressure. On paper and tactically, those matches are more difficult than playing Kotoko and Hearts. I see this as an ordinary match.”

Matches Against Hearts Are Ordinary - Coach Adepa

Photos: Arrival of Hearts of Oak

2015/16 Ghana premier league leader’s, Accra Hearts of Oak have arrived at the Accra Sports stadium to a rapturous supporters cheers as they get set to face second place Wa Alls Stars.

Hearts will stay on top if they avoid defeat against the Wa based team but will see wins for third and fourth placed teams, Berekum Chelsea and WAFA respectively reduce the point difference.

Coach Kenichi Yathsuashi returns to the dug-out after  missing the MTN FA cup clash against Wassaman FC due to illness.

Here are photos of the teams arrival:

Photos: Arrival of Hearts of Oak

Medeama Won"t Sack Strand

Medeama SC is on the crossroads with head coach Tom Strand, but say they won’t sack him.

The 35-year-old has made his displeasure known public after his coaching responsibilities was taken over by Technical Director, Evans Addotey in their two-all stalemate against Asante Kotoko in Kumasi.

He returned to duty for the club’s CAF Confederation Cup tie against Al Ittihad of Libya, and the MTN FA Cup game against Liberty Professionals, but has since refused to attend training sessions.

It is alleged he made certain decisions in the MTN FA Cup tie against Liberty Professionals and was criticized. Tom Strand did not take the criticisms in good faith and his close allies says his attitude is to trigger a sack from Medeama.

But Medeama SC insist he will not be sacked. According to sportscrusader.com sources, the club will rather have him sit at home than let him leave.

They have also promised no amount of money will convince them to release Strand to suitors. The club has warned him against resigning from the post.

Clubs sources says that the club do not owe Tom Strand and his attitude is only pushing them to react, but they will not.

Medeama Won"t Sack Strand

Fianoo Commends Media For Massive Publicity Of The Local League

Chief Executive Officer for Ashgold Cudjoe Fianoo has commended the local media for their improved coverage of the domestic league.

The ace administrator cited the massive patronage enjoyed by his Miners on their CAF Champions league home tie and the general attendance at the various league centres as a testimonies.

The former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Exco member commended spectatoring at Accra Sports stadium and the Nana Ameyaw Park for rebr-anding the image of the league to the outside world.

Speaking to sports crusader, Fianoo said, ” We saw a massive turnout at our Champions League game in Obuasi, but the same cannot be said of Premier League games due to the slow start of Ashgold.

“But generally, spectatoring has improved with Hearts of Oak and Techiman City leading the pack.

“The media has been the catalyst for the improvement, we are seeing in every department of the game now. They have domestic competitions enough competition.

The domestic returns over the weekends after a one week break for the MTN round of 64 matches across the country.

Fianoo Commends Media For Massive Publicity Of The Local League

16-Toothless Ghana Premier League Clubs

The top flight football in the country, the Ghana Premier league (GPL) can boast of 16-teams but same can’t be said of their confidence to stake a claim when it comes to seeking the commitment of the welfare of the various teams from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

It’s mind boggling how teams in Ghana solely rely on the GFA for sponsorship money to help run their day-to-day affairs.

New Edubiase United had threaten to withdraw participation from the league after week three of the GPL, and, this has once again proven to be another false alarm from a Ghana Premier league side.

Majority of the blame in terms of how the club’s would have benefited from ensuring that the GFA managed the league well can be laid at the doorstep of the two most glamorous clubs, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko – glamorous we will discuss later.

A strong statement of intent from Hearts and Kotoko as to the commencement of 2015/16 sponsor-less league would have awaken the GFA who appear to be sleeping on the job in terms of seeking sponsorship for their own flagship product- the league.

The two biggest clubs in Ghana have failed themselves and the remaining 14-clubs and this has been perceived as a trump card for the GFA to have a jolly ride with these clubs.

The GFA is yet to retrieve the remaining amount of monies owned it from the Glo sponsorship deal which collapsed a couple of seasons ago and have done little in terms of the current wrangling with 2014/15 season headline sponsor, First Capital Plus Bank now Capital Bank to win back what is theirs.

16-Toothless Ghana Premier League Clubs

Blame Players For Bad Results - Kotoko Legend

Kumasi Asante Kotoko legend, Joe Carr says the management and technical team of the club are not responsible for the team’s poor performance this year.

The Porcupine Warriors has been abysmal in this year’s Ghana Premier League, and accusing fingers has been pointing at the doors of the management and technical team.

But Joe Carr insist the duty of the management and technical team was to sign the players which they did, so it is up to the players to repay the confidence reposed in them.

“I will never blame the management of the club as well as the technical team. I blame the players for the club’s poor performance,’’ Carr told Kumasi-based radio station, Hello FM.

“The management and the technical team signed the best players, so it is up to the players to perform.

“We have all played for the the team before. During our time we talked to ourselves when we lose a game. The next moment you see us winning, so these players what have they been doing?,” he quizzed with passion.

Kotoko have won only one of their five Ghana Premier League this season, their worst run in 42 years.

Blame Players For Bad Results - Kotoko Legend

Award Winning Bright Adjei Motivated To Score More Goals

Aduana Stars attacker Bright Adjei has revealed he is  drawing a lot of motivation after edging out Luis Suarez for the CNN goal of the week accolade.

The media engulfed Ghana youth international racked home an artful strike for Aduana stars right at the death of the game to share honours in their week four clash with Ashgold, which was eventually voted by fans as the best goal of the week globally.

The exploit of the nimble footed Aduana Stars star forward has forced many fans to keep a close eye on the ongoing GPL season that includes discussion on the international platforms.

The confident speaking Adjei however pledged to even improve on his finishing after drawing lots of motivation from the international lenses channelled on him.

The trickery attacker then followed up the award winning strike with another goal in a painful 7-6 penalty shootouts defeat against Techiman City but has pledged to even fine tune his finishing touches as player.

“Glory be to the Almighty God for helping me win the award.

“The recognition will motivate me to score more goals in my professional career.

“It is always great to score and I am happy to have scored in the FA Cup in particular season”, he said.

Aduana Stars collapsed late into their MTN FA cup last 64 stage after a commanding 2-0 at the Nana Amyaw Park on Sunday to eventually bow out on penalty shootouts.

The 2011 league champions endured a torried start to the start but has since regained their swagger on the domestic scene.

Award Winning Bright Adjei Motivated To Score More Goals

Hearts Made Impossible, Possible - Kenichi

Accra Hearts of Oak Head Coach, Kenichi Yatsuhashi says his team exceeded his expectations in their 2-3 win over Inter Allies.

The Phobians went two goals down courtesy of Frederick Boateng and Gockel Ahortor with barely half an hour to end proceedings, but rainbow lighten the Tema Sports Stadium and thunder followed, striking the ‘Eleven Is To One’ to second home league defeat in 26 matches.

Yatsuhashi lacked the adjectives to describe how he felt after the win and gave credit to his team for making the ‘impossible possible’.

“We struggled in the first half, things didn’t go our way as we planned, and I have to give a lot of credit to our opponents. They are a very strong side and I think they deserve the credit,” the Japanese-American trainer told the press after the game.

“We changed some things in the second half and things were still not going our way, but the players made the impossible possible. It is their win, and not my win.

“There are no words to explain (my feelings for this game). We made some little tactical changes, but to be very fair, either team could have won the game. I think we were lucky today, but to be lucky, we had to make a lot of effort and our players did that very well.” He said.

Hearts Made Impossible, Possible - Kenichi