Jason Day Leads Players Championship By Four Shots

Day had four birdies, two double bogeys and a single bogey in his 73

Players Championship third-round leaderboard
-14 J Day (Aus); -10 H Matsuyama (Jpn), K Duke (US), A Cejka (Ger); -9 F Molinari (It); K Chappell (US), R Goosen (SA); -7 C Knost (US), C Tringale (US), J Blixt (Swe)
Selected others -5 R McIlroy (NI), G McDowell (NI), S Lowry (Ire); -3 A Scott (Aus); -1 R Knox (Sco); level P Casey (Eng), I Poulter (Eng); +1 J Rose (Eng)

World number one Jason Day will take a four-shot lead into the final round of the Players Championship, despite two double bogeys in a 73 in round three.

Day, 28, four-putted the sixth hole at Sawgrass on what he described as “the toughest day I’ve ever had to play”.

The Australian played the last 10 in three under to close at 14 under, with veteran Ken Duke in a group of three sharing second.

Rory McIlroy had five three-putts in a 75 to leave him nine adrift.

“There were a few pins out there that I felt were just a little too much on the edge,” Northern Ireland’s world number three said.

Day’s second round 66 gave him a tournament record-low of 129 at the halfway mark, but he said of the third round: “We were out there for nearly six hours today trying to play 18 holes. They made the course pretty much nearly unplayable.”

After a day on which Sergio Garcia six-putted the fifth hole during his round of 77, PGA Tour rules official Mark Russell said the quickness of the greens was not planned.

“What happened was just a perfect storm with the weather,” he said. “We weren’t expecting a wind all day, and humidity 30%, not a cloud in the sky. They just sped up on us.”

Recent Players Championship winners
2015: R Fowler (US) -12 (won after play-off)
2014: M Kaymer (Ger) -13
2013: T Woods (US) -13
2012: M Kuchar (US) -13
2011: KJ Choi (Kor) -13

 

Scotland’s Russell Knox had a disastrous nine on the par-three 17th, sending three balls into the water surrounding the legendary island green.

“It’s such an easy shot when you have no nerves or adrenaline,” said the 30-year-old, who posted an eight-over 80 to drop into a tie for 40th, 13 shots behind Day.

“A pro would never miss that. We should know what we’re doing. But it’s a different story once you’ve hit two in a row in the water. The green felt like it was the size of a quarter.”

Only Bob Tway, who recorded a 12 in 2005, Robert Gamez (11, 1990) and Phil Blackmar (10, 1990), have scored higher on the 17th.

Veteran Duke had no such concerns after carding six birdies in his last seven holes to surge into contention.

“A lot of Open Championships and US Opens are set up a lot harder than this,” the 47-year-old said.

“We just had some wind and the greens firmed up a little bit and got speedy.”

Irishman Shane Lowry, second at the halfway stage, dropped five shots in his first four holes and carded a 78 to slip back to five under alongside McIlroy.

BBC

Jason Day Leads Players Championship By Four Shots

Jason Day Leads Players Championship After Day One

World number one Jason Day equaled the course record to take a two-shot first-round lead at the Players Championship.

The Australian hit a nine-under-par 63 at Sawgrass to move ahead of a group of five players that includes England’s Justin Rose and Ireland’s Shane Lowry.

Lowry picked up seven shots on the back nine to come home in a tournament record 29 strokes.

Masters champions Danny Willett is seven adrift on two under, while Jordan Spieth is one further back.

Rory McIlroy, one of the later starters, was one over after nine holes.

Day, starting on the back nine, began his round with three straight birdies and reached the turn in four under par.

He then added five more birdies when he got to the front nine to equal the course record shared by Martin Kaymer, Roberto Castro, Greg Norman and Fred Couples.

Lowry, 29, has recorded only one top-10 finish this season but joined Rose and American trio Bill Haas, Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale in a homeward run that included chipping in for an eagle-three at the par-five 11th.

Willett and Spieth, both playing their first tournaments since an Augusta duel won by the Englishman, ended up well adrift on a day of low scoring.

Indeed, Spieth took a seven on the par-five ninth, his final hole, after taking five shots to get down from a greenside bunker.

BBC

Jason Day Leads Players Championship After Day One

Pay My Assistants, Players First – Coach Keni To Hearts

Accra Hearts of Oak Coach, Kenichi Yatsuhashi has told the Club’s Board and Strategy Committee to pay his assistants and the players he works with first before he takes his share.

The club has not paid their Japanese-American trainer for two months (February and March) wih his backroom staff and players also not being paid during this period.

Sportscrusader.com sources also revealed that winning bonuses and other promises made to the players and technical team have also not been paid since the league started.

Last week, the Management of the club made an attempt to pay the coach monies owned him, but he rejected those advances and made it clear that he will only take his salary and bonuses after his assistants and players have been paid first.

Coach Keni has also debunked rumours that he is unhappy with his salary of $2,000 a month.

Writing on his facebook wall, he said he understands the situation in Ghana and is happy with the contract he signed with Accra Hearts of Oak and will respect it.

“All I want is to see my players and assistants paid and after, I will take my salary, he wrote, adding that he wants to work with a happy family were trust and confidence exists.

Coach Keni has led Hearts to a promising start to the season and are second on the Ghana Premier League log, three points behind leaders Wa All Stars after seven games.

Pay My Assistants, Players First – Coach Keni To Hearts

SPORTS CRUSADER TEAM OF THE WEEK

The Sports Crusader Team of the Week is an initiative introduced by the fastest growing sports web portal in Ghana to demonstrate how Ghanaian players perform for their various clubs abroad.

To set the records straight, as we have always done, players are selected based on the following criteria:

1. The Coefficient of the league they play

2. The competition they are in (If they are not playing league matches)

3. Consistency

4. The competition they face from other players playing for the same position.

5. The positions they play

6. The number of minutes played in the game, and

7. The contribution of the player to the success of the game.

Rabiu Mohamed played perhaps his best game of the season so far to make a return to the sports crusader team of the week for the first time in months with a brace of assist to his name.

The Kuban Krasnodor defensive screen feasted on the presence of Avrant Grant at the Spartak Arena to pan out classy performance in a 2-2 thriller with Spartak Moskva. The Russia based midfielder is joined in the middle of the pitch by Kwadwo Asamoah who announced his return with another masterful performance at the San Siro to put Juve on the verge.

Samuel Inkoom and Baba Rahman get the nod at the full backs whiles Rashid Sumaila partners John Boye for the central defensive pairing.

Jordan Ayew has been given the luxury of a roaming player behind Assifuah, Andre Ayew and Majeed Waris upfront.

Below is the Crusader Team of the Week and the number of minutes each player played.

Baba Rahman

1. ADAM LARSON KWARASEY- 90’PORTLAND TIMBERS

2. SAMUEL INKOOM -90’ ANTALAYASPOR

3. BABA RAHMAN -90’ CHELSEA

4. JOHN BOYE-90’ SIVASPOR

5. RASHID SUMAILA-90’ AL QADISHIA

6. RABIU MOHAMMED-90’ KUBAN KRANODOR

7. EBENEZER ASSIFUA-90’ FC SION

8. KWADWO ASAMOAH-90’ JUVENTUS

9. MAJEED WARIS-90’ LORIENT

10. ANDRE ANRE-67’ SWANSEA CITY

11. JORDAN AYEW-90’ ASTON VILLA

RESERVES

12. ERNEST ASANTE-90’ STAEBIK

13. MAHATMA OSMAN OTOO-90’ SOGNDAL

14. EBENEZER OFORI- 90’ AIK

15. NANA ASARE-90’ GENT

16. CHRISTIAN ATSU-22’ MALAGA

17. ALFRED DUNCAN -87’ SASSOULO

18. AFRIYIE AQUAH-46’ TORINO

SPORTS CRUSADER TEAM OF THE WEEK

Is Kotoko Ready For A Long Season?

It’s been five weeks into the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season, but the wounds at Kotoko are older than we think.

The Porcupine Warriors have won only one game in their five league matches season — their worst run in 42 years, and the fans are angry at the situation.

A section of the Kotoko fraternity wants head coach David Duncan sacked, whilst others have called for the sacking of Opoku Nti and his administration.

The season is young for Kotoko not to achieve their dreams, but the target is far from reach, as board and management members have become mice and cats.

The politics within the club is sky high and the level of internal scheming to have certain individuals fail at their duties will crumble the team more. There’s a growing distrust between technical team and players.

Some senior members of the playing body have lost respect for management and vice versa.

It is alleged that some of the players are branded enemies of the current administration, whilst others are tagged hunch back of schemers who wants Opoku Nti replaced.

Management of the club were given GHS 15,000.00 for the team’s first two games of the season, but the money was allegedly misused and can’t be accounted for.

About eight (8) players are unhappy with the way the team is divided and that there’s lack of confidence. The scheme to sack David Duncan is on high too, though the decision makers insist he will not replaced.

Will players drawn into accusations and counter-accusations between management and board, technical team and management, Kotoko’s early season fears could grow deeper than initially feared.

From all indications, the internal troubles seem to be far from over and might continue if steps are not taken to reverse the negative trend.

Without this, then the club must be prepared to undergo a long and unpleasant season.

Is Kotoko Ready For A Long Season?

Paris Attacks Still In Players" Thoughts

France manager Didier Deschamps says the Paris attacks are still on his players’ minds as they prepare to return to the Stade de France.

November’s attacks across the French capital killed 130 people, with three suicide bombers dying in blasts outside the stadium as France played Germany.

The Euro 2016 hosts play their first home match since the incident when they meet Russia on Tuesday.

“You don’t forget, but you have to move forward,” said Deschamps.

France captain Hugo Lloris added: “It’s important to return to the Stade de France to find our point of reference and confidence.”

Security at the national stadium will also be on high alert following last week’s Brussels attacks which left 35 dead.

“We have to have confidence in the security officials,” said Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris.

“We have to continue to live and to live our passion together, it’s important.”

Deschamps will watch his team in action for the final time before naming his 23-man Euro 2016 squad.

“We’ve only had friendlies for the past two years, but I’ve repeated to all the players, it is up to them to seize their chances and to give their all for themselves and the team,” said France’s 1998 World Cup-winning captain.

“They have nothing to lose and everything to win.”

France have been drawn alongside Romania, Albania and Switzerland in Group A. Russia are in Group B with England, Wales and Slovakia.

Credit: BBC

 

 

Paris Attacks Still In Players" Thoughts

Togbe Afede XIV Charges Hearts Players To Aim High

Board Chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak, Togbe Afede XIV has challenged players of the club to aim to be the best in the country as they look to improve their careers.

He said this is the surest way they come become super stars in their chosen profession and in a sport that s very competitive.

Togbe Afede XIV said these when he hosted the players, technical team and Strategy Committee to a dinner at his residence in Accra.

The Phobians have made a promising start to the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season, and, sit on top of the standing after four games. They are unbeaten in their games so far and have looked impressive in all of their matches.

Togbe Afede XIV urged the players to build on their excellent start to the season to finish the campaign on a high as the targets a first GPL title in some six seasons.

“The season has only just begun, we have started well and we have the players and technical team that can carry us far this season,” the Hearts Board Chairman said.

He continued: “I therefore urge you to sustain this development by train hard, be disciplined and forge teamwork at all times going into the rest of the games”.

The Board and Strategy Committee he added, “is here to serve your best interests, and, we therefore entreat you to put up the best attitude and win us the games”.

“As fans, what we demand is continuous success which is the only winning bonus we derive you’re your efforts,” he stated.

Togbe Afede XIV Charges Hearts Players To Aim High

Kotoko Rubbish Three-Match Ultimatum Order To Duncan

Kumasi Asante Kotoko has rubbished media reports that management of the club gave head coach David Duncan three matches to salvage the club’s poor start or face the sack.

Kotoko has started the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season poorly, losing two and draw two from the four games played so far.

Management is unhappy with the results recorded considering the massive recruitment the club undertook in the off-season and it paid off in pre-season.

The club held an ’emergency meeting’ on Monday to discuss the way forward to remedy the dismal season.

And reports emanated that Duncan was given 3-match ultimatum, but the club has denied the reports.

Communication Director of the club, Kweku Ahenkorah in an interview with Accra-based radio station, Happy FM said: “During the meeting, there was nothing  like that has been said to the coach. He hasn’t been given any ultimatum.” He said.

“There’s no truth in that. Let it be known that management hasn’t given a directive of that nature to the coach.” Ahenkorah added.

 

Kotoko Rubbish Three-Match Ultimatum Order To Duncan

Kenichi Calls For Protection From Referees

Accra Hearts of Oak head coach, Kenichi Yatshuashi has called on referees to protect his players from needless tackles.

Play-maker Samudeen Ibrahim has played just once in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season and this is due to an injury he picked up in their opening day fixture against New Edubiase United in Accra.

Striker Cosmos Dauda also picked up an injury after scoring the opening goal in Hearts’ 2-0 victory over Medeama SC and these injuries has forced the Japanese-American gaffer to call for the protection of his charges.

Speaking at the club’s open day training session at the Legon Ajax Park, coach Keni said, “a referee missed a violent play against Eric Kumi after he was kicked by an opponent who had no intention to play the ball and these things have to be checked and to help protect the players.”

He added, “there are also players who just simulate just to convince referees with minimal or no contact at all and this act of play must be halted before it affects teams negatively.”

Kenichi will be in the technical area when Hearts return to their favourite Accra Sports Stadium to play Bechem United in Match-Day Four in the Ghana Premier League as the quest to ‘reclaim the lost Phobian glory continues.

Kenichi Calls For Protection From Referees

South Africa Based Ghanaian Youngster Eyes National U-20

South African based Ghanaian defender Prince Awuku has set his sight on picking a slot on the national U20 side after a breakthrough season in Johannesburg.

The Buksburg FC centre back is relishing the prospect of getting his dream call up by the handlers of the Black Satellites team ahead of the qualifiers next month.

The 19 year old former Eastern Rovers utility defender has been a revelation for South African second tier side and has called on management of the Juvenile team to extent their scouting network to the lower tiers as well.

The confident speaking Awuku admitted to the competitive nature of the satellites team but has readied himself to compete for a place at the back given the chance.

The former King Solomon Colts player hailed the handlers of the national teams for their tremendous efforts targeted at assembling the best players in the interest of Ghana football ahead of the 2017 FIFA U20 WYC.

“For now I am looking at doing enough to earn a place in the national U20 side after my breakthrough season here in South Africa.

“My main target for the season is to enjoy my football and probably get a call up to show my worth to Ghanaians.” He stated.

He said, “The handlers of the U20 side have been doing a great job in the past season and I am sure they will continue to make us proud as players with neutral playing grounds.

“I believe kind of league I play in really doesn’t count as I believe in my quality and not the league status.” Awuku told sports crusader.

Awuku passed through the ranks of King Solomon before heading to South Africa for a three year deal with Buksburg FC in the lower tier league.

South Africa Based Ghanaian Youngster Eyes National U-20

Players, Clubs To Appear Before Committee

The following players and club officials are requested to appear before the GFA Players’ Status Committee at the FA’s Secretariat on Thursday 11th February, 2016 at 1:00 pm.

 

C396 : ERIC DUKU (EMMANUEL DUKU) – FANTOMAS F.C (TILL FURTHER NOTICE)

C422 : JOSHUA LARYEA – MEDEAMA S.C ( TILL FURTHER NOTICE)

C436: SAINT STARS F/C ACCRA WEST RFA GT.ACCRA R.F.A Y.F. JUVENTUS (TILL FURTHER NOTICE)

C463 : RICHARD ADDAI – ADUANA STARS

C523: THOMPSON OWUSU MENSAH – KFC SAMOSA

C548 : WISDOM KPORVI KELLY – HEART OF LIONS

C549 : BLESSED ACQUAH – STRIKING FORCE

C550 : EMMANUEL EPHRAIM – MEDEAMA S.C

C554 ; JOSEPH HALM – ACCRA GREAT OLYMPICS

C560 : OSEI KINGSLEY – LIBERTY BABIES

C561 : DANIEL ASAMOAH – SHELTERFORCE F.C

C564 : BABA MUSA – GUAN UNITED

C565 : HAMZA AMPOSAH DODOO – NEW ABIRIM D.C UNITED

C568: ABU GAMEL – TAMALE ALL STARS

C569: AGBENYEFIA KOFITSE – TOP TALENTS

C571: JACOB AYESU – TUDU MIGHTY JETS

C572 : FREDRICK ESSEH KUDAH – EVERPURE F.C

C573: GODWIN ADIEKRAH – YEGOALA

NEW CASES

C576: YAKUBU MOHAMMED – SHEPHERD STARS

C577 : IMAM ABUBAKAR SIDIK – CHEETAH F.C

C578 : JONATHAN MANTEY – OLYMPICS

C579 : SAMUEL ARYEETEY AFUTU – S.C BRAVO BRAVO

C580: ALI IBRAHIM – D’INTERNATIONAL F.C

C581: HENRY TEI – CHELSEA F.C

C582 : AUGUSTINE ACQUAH – ELMINA SHARKS

C583: SAMUEL TETTEH – BAYONIC / RED ROW

C584: ISAAC AMOAH – SPORTING MIRREN F.C

C585 : FRANCIS MENSAH – FAIRPOINT F.C

C586: FRANCIS KOFI – OKWAHU UNITED

C587: CHARLES MANU – B.A UNITED

C588: MICHAEL AMEYAW – SWEDRU ALL BLACKS

Players, Clubs To Appear Before Committee

SWAG Prez shields players from media backlash after G6 Tournament

President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Kwabena Yeboah has pleaded with Ghanaians not to judge the quality of the home based players by the just ended G6 tournament.

The seasoned journalist admitted to the indifferent form of some of the players who featured in the off season tourney but was quick to cite the uncertain training schedule as a binding factor.

Reigning FCPPL champions Ashgold and FA Cup holders Medeama SC endured torrid times in the inaugural edition of the tournament as they crushed out without winning any match.

The SWAG president urged the football family not to descend on the players just by using the G6 as a barometer.

Known as “The Writer” in the football circles, Kwabena Yeboah highlighted on the individual brilliance of some of the players as the positives to feast on.

He cited uncertain training regime as the cause of the poor form from these players during the four day soccer festival.

“Some of the players were absolutely brilliant but a few were a bit rusty. Collectively a number of the teams didn’t do that well. I am not here to be critical of those teams since they did not know when the season was going to start I guess the coaches themselves are confused as to how to prepare their teams.” The SWAG Boss revealed

The veteran sports journalist then urged the football family not to be deceived by the form of the players during the just ended G6 gathering.

“It is difficult to use the G6 to assess most of the teams and I do hope that once the FA announces a firm date for the commencement of the league most of the teams will put their acts together.” He concluded.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko stormed to the G6 title with their impressive performances after a heavy win in the opening fixture against Berekum Chelsea at the Essipong stadium.

SWAG Prez shields players from media backlash after G6 Tournament

Competition for place in Kotoko is now keen - General Manager

Samuel Opoku Nti, General Manager of Kumasi Asante Kotoko has expressed his delight at the quality of the current crop of players in the club.

Opoku Nti said in an interview that, he is proud of the quality of players in the team adding that, it is an indication of the fact, that no one is indispensable in the team.

“We divided our team into two, one for a tournament in Lybia and one in Ghana, and the Ghana team was able to win the competition. That is the kind of spirit we want in Kotoko.

“It means at anytime, we have players good enough and ready to step up and play for the club. I am so happy what we set out to do is working.

“A very good team should have good substitutes and that is the strength of our team now. We are very competitive and ready for the challenge”. Opoku Nti stated.

Kotoko, divided its team into two with one playing the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) G6, and eventually winning the trophy, whilst the other team is in Lybia for a two match friendly against Al Ahly of Tripoli in Lybia.

Competition for place in Kotoko is now keen - General Manager

Liberty Professionals players undergoes medical screening ahead of season

Players of Dansoman based Liberty Professionals have been taken through a rigorous medical screening ahead of the 2016 football season.

The annual exercise took place at the clubs premises under the guidance of a team of medical doctors.

The mandatory exercise is to comply with the player registration process with the January 20 deadline looming.

Thirty players of the scientific soccer lads including new arrivals at the club underwent the medical screen supervised by a medical doctor, a diagnostic and physiotherapist.

The exercise has been made mandatory by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as part of the registration process so as to make sure the playing body is medically cleared to compete in sport.

Liberty Professionals reincarnated from a dreadful start to the season to seal a memorable 5th place finish including a penultimate match day win at the Wa Sports Stadium.

The Dansoman base seasoned top flight campaigners will be without the services of their star man Kennedy Ashia for the first time in many years when the 2016 season kicks off.

Liberty Professionals players undergoes medical screening ahead of season

Revealed: Top five talents unearthed by coach Yussif Abubakari

Former Heart of Lions trainer Yussif Abubakari has revealed top five players who have passed through his hands.

The experienced trainer reluctantly named the most talented Ghanaian players he horned at the infantry stages of their career.

The ex Windy Professional coach is revered for his eagle eye for young talents across the country.

The veteran trainer identified Black Stars flying full back Samuel Inkoom, Abeiku Quansah, Micheal Anaba, Eric Donkor and Thormas Abbey as the best of players to have passed through his grinding mill.

The former Tutor at the Winneba football Academy gave much premium to the above players because of their versatility and self creativity.

The soft spoken trainer tipped the aforementioned players to blossom into future stars just as the rise of Samuel Inkoom into the black stars set up.

In a survey conducted by www.sportscrusader.com ahead of the incoming football season, Yussif Abubakari explained the criterion used in culling the lengthy list of players to have passed through his hands.

The ex Lions trainer mentioned the adaptation to variety of positions, technical and tactical awareness and self creativity as the main barometer for his classification.

Samuel Inkoom playing his first game fir Boavista

He said, “It is extremely difficult to mention just five players from the many players I have since managed as a coach. It will be very very difficult but players like Samuel Inkoom, Abeiku Quansah, Micheal Anaba, Eric Donkor and Thormas are some of the best players I have since spotted at the very early stages of their career.

I spotted them from different places and we worked together at the Winneba College where we qualified as Windy Professional in the Division two league.

The ability to play in varied positions with ease and the technical and tactical awareness make these players stand tall among their colleague. I think there are extremely talented”.

He added “Players like Isaac Twum, Isaac Quansah, and Osman Muntaka are some of the players in the line as well. They are technically sound and I think they can reach higher status like the other players mention earlier. Also, Enock Atta Agyei, Suad Bawa and Wireko Sampson Boampong are some of the young talents I cannot leave out. Watch out for them in the coming season”.

Coach Yussif Abubakari is noted for giving bigger platforms to young players on the local scene highlighted by the likes of Isaac Twum and Isaac Quansah at Heart of Lions last season.

Revealed: Top five talents unearthed by coach Yussif Abubakari

Inter Allies renew contracts of two players

Premier league campaigners, Inter Allies have renewed the contracts of two of their key players, Eliasu Fuseini and Wahab Ackwei.

Fuseini, one of the one of the club’s longest serving players, who has risen through the ranks of the team from the junior side for over five years.

“It’s been a good time all these years here and it feels like home.

“Am delighted for the extension as it shows the trust the club has for so I’ll do my best in returns.” He noted.

Fuseini is a talented forward who is perfect at both foot with fantastic dribbling skills.

Defender Wahab Ackwei has also been rewarded for a strong finish to last season with a contract extension.

Wahab, established himself as a versatile player featuring in several positions last season, from center back through to right back to defensive midfield.

“I’m very happy to have signed a new contract which will keep me here for a longer period.

“Management has shown great faith in me and I’m delighted that the team wants to keep me.” He noted.

Inter Allies renew contracts of two players