Accra Pitch Is The Worst Ever

Ghana coach, Avram Grant, has decried the poor state of the Accra Sports Stadium’s pitch, after the Black Stars were held by the Amavubi of Rwanda yesterday, describing it as the ‘worst’ he has ever encountered.

The former Chelsea trainer was not happy with the conditioning and the quality of the pitch, which made the game difficult for his players, in terms of control and executing a final delivery.

In a post-match interview with the press, Grant said; “To be honest, I think the pitch is one of the worst I have ever seen.

“During the match, I asked one of the stadium managers to put water on the pitch, he told me there was no money for fuel, which was unfortunate.

“If we want the best from our players, we must give them the necessary tools to get the best out of them.”

Grant also revealed how ‘very angry’ some of the clubs of certain players were, when their players got injured due to the state of the pitch in the Ghana-Mozambique game at the same venue, some few months back.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are due to play 2018 World Cup Host, Russia, in an international friendly on Tuesday, September 5, 2016.

Accra Pitch Is The Worst Ever

Accra Works Out This April

The April edition of the monthly aerobics session dubbed ‘Accra Works Out’ comes off this Saturday, April 29 at the multi-purpose court of the Accra Sports Stadium.

The event, put together by event powerhouse, Primeval Media, is aimed at enabling employees of corporate Ghana de-stress at the end of each month in an atmosphere of fun, while networking for immediate and/or future benefits.

Families, meanwhile, can join in the fun as it will be a bonding moment, considering the upcoming Workers’ Holiday, in commencing a protracted weekend of fun.

This monthly workout session, instituted over three years ago, has received huge patronage not only from corporate personnel and keep-fit clubs, but sports icons and celebrities like “Rap Doctor” Okyeame Kwame, ex-Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, Naa Ashorkor, Praye Tia Tia (aka Big Jay), Adjetey “Pusher” Anang, M.anifest, Miss Malaika 2014 contestants, Laryea Kingston, Augustine Arhinful, C.K Akunnor, Black Stars assistant coach, Maxwell Konadu, GFA spokesperson Sannie Daara, etc.

Participants will be led by highly qualified instructors through various aerobic regimes, including the famous ‘azonto session’ led by the Azonto Twins, vis-a-vis good music from Cil Soundz to make the exercise fun as always.

There will also be refreshment after the work-out for all participants.

Accra Works Out is free, but participants need to call 0244 53 80 87 to register.

Accra Works Out This April

Video: Watch Hearts Perform "Ritual Phobia Dance"

Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season has adopted a ‘ritual dance’ the team performs after every warm up prior to kick off.

Sportscrusader.com camera’s caught up with the act for viewers to enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJj6wRdduxA&feature=em-uploademail

Video: Watch Hearts Perform "Ritual Phobia Dance"

GHALCA Elections Venue Confirmed

The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), will hold its general elections at the Accra Sports Stadium Media Center, sportscrusader.com can exclusively confirm.

One hundred and ten (110) delegates will convene at the Media Center on Thursday, 21 April to elect new executives to run the affairs of the Association.

The Elections Committee of GHALCA is maintaining the Media Center at the Accra Sports Stadium, where they had the delegates congress in February this year for the elections.

Four candidates, Isaac Wilberforce Koomson, Nana Oduro Sarfo, Kofi Poku and Kudjoe Fianoo are gunning for the chairmanship position, whilst the vice chairman position will be contested unopposed by Alex Ackumey, vice president of New Edubiase United FC.

The vice chairman of the Premier League Board, George Amoako is running unopposed for the treasurer position, Samuel Aboabre and Otuo Acheampong will also go unopposed for the Division Two and One representative respectively.

George Offosuhene of West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) and John Ansah of Ebusua Dwarfs will compete for the Premier League representative post in the Association.

Winners of the various positions in the Association will be sworn into office on 28 April.

GHALCA Elections Venue Confirmed

Cosmos Dauda Rues Missed Chances

Accra Hearts striker, Cosmos Dauda admits his side missed the chance to cement a firm grip on the top spot as they lost at home to Wa All Stars.

The Phobians suffered their first defeat at home and of the 2015/16 Ghana premier league season as they were humbled by Wa based by three goals to one.

Hearts were billed to win though it was not going to be an easy victory over the determined coach Enos Adipa led side.

And Dauda who was late first half substitute has taken to social media to acknowledge the missed opportunity and poor play from the side that has entertained many in this season.

He wrote on his facebook wall after game, “We Tasted Defeat today,Yes we did….but We realised Were we fell short and It’s work in Progress…The Hearts Eleven(11) is a Mighty Thing…We apologise to our Die hard Phobia Supporters…U guys r the Best…WE APPRECIATE THE LOVE U SHOWED US TODAY…God Bless U all…God Bless Our Lovely Club HEARTS OF OAK SC”

Cosmos Dauda Rues Missed Chances

AESL Blamed For Accra Sports Stadium Renovation Delay

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuije has revealed that a delayed report from the county’s engineering experts, Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) on the extent of damage at the Accra Stadium is the cause of the delay in the renovation of the edifice.

The 40,000-seater stadium has not been rehabilitated since its construction in 2007, leaving the edifice with rusted metallic structures and cracked walls making it a death trap.

In its current state, the Accra Sports Stadium is expected to record a high turnout for Thursday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique which has raised some public panic ahead of the game.

But the Sports Minister in an interview with Starr FM in Accra revealed that he has made a suggestion to close part of the stadium for the Black Stars game.

“I made a suggestion that if we have to close that part of the stadium so that we can use the much more secured place we should do it because what is more important is life,” Mr. Vanderpuije said.

“If we have to do it, then it means we have the funding or resources for it. It is not something we have considered. We are still waiting for evaluation of the professionals like AESL. They have to look at the integrity of the stadium and advise us,” he added.

Meanwhile SportsCrusader understands that there is an emergency security meeting currently going on to analyse the situation ahead of the game on Thursday.

AESL Blamed For Accra Sports Stadium Renovation Delay

Black Stars To Train Today

The senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars will start preparations ahead of their AFCON 2017 qualifier against Mozambique today (Monday).

The Black Stars will host the Mamba’s of Mozambique on Thursday March 24 at the Accra Sports Stadium and the technical handlers of the team will start preparations on Monday at 4 PM.

About four of the players invited by Avram Grant are in camp and many more are expected by the close of today.

Full scale training will begin tomorrow at 4 PM.

Black Stars To Train Today

Sports Minister Secretly Visits Accra Sports Stadium

The Minister for Youth and sports, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye last Friday secretly visited the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Minister came with a group of executives reportedly from parks and gardens to assess the poor nature of the green grass laid at the stadium which has not seen

The inspection was a follow up on the state of the playing surface after he had visited the stadium three weeks ago.

 

His visit seems to have had immediate effect on the quality of the playing surface as Sportscrusader.com visit to the stadium showed vast improvement on the playing surface.

Sports Minister Secretly Visits Accra Sports Stadium

Accra Sports Stadium Pitch Prepared For Stars Clash

The pitch at the Accra Sports Stadium is being readied for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2017 qualifier between Ghana Black Stars and the Mambas of Mozambique.

Management of the state facility (National Sports Authority – NSA) has come in for criticism for the poor maintenance of the place but Sportscrusader.com visit to the stadium this morning as the players get ready to train for on Tuesday, March 22, showed vast improvement on the quality of the playing surface.

The pitch is not up to the standard or the quality the players led by captain, Asamoah Gyan are used to but coach Avram Grant will pleased with the level of improvement now then when he last visited the stadium.

Here’s a picture of the current state of the Accra sports stadium

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

The Accra sports stadium playing surface being prepared for the AFCON qualifier

Accra Sports Stadium Pitch Prepared For Stars Clash

Opinion: Accra Sports Stadium Dressing Rooms Under Renovation

Work is ongoing at the dressing rooms of the Accra Sports stadium to get it in shape for the AFCON qualifier between the Ghana Black Stars and the Mambas of Mozambique.

The structure has not seen any renovation for several years due to the popular “lack of funds” syndrome, yet, it seems with the imminent arrival of the Black Stars for the AFCON ’17 qualifier, “funds have been found” to fix and get the dressing room into” acceptable” state.

This attitude justifies the massive importance attached to the Black Stars in terms of branding, motivation, player welfare among others.

Works on-going at the Accra sports stadium

Hearts of Oak useds the same facility as its home grounds and have played two GPL home matches but had to contend with the hot room temperature on those two match days.

This apparent preferential treatment begs the question; “Are the players of the national team any better than those who play in the Ghana premier league?”

 

Drop a comment below if you have any thoughts similar or dissimilar to mine.

Opinion: Accra Sports Stadium Dressing Rooms Under Renovation

Press Release: Media Accreditation Opened For Black Stars AFCON Qualifier

The Senior National Football team, the Black Stars of Ghana will be taking on their Mozambican Counterparts in the AFCON 2017 qualifier on Thursday, 24th March, 2016 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

 

In view of this all media houses and personnel interested in covering the match should send their letters of accreditation and a scanned passport size picture to the National Sports Authority via e-mail publicrelations@sportsauthority.com.gh not later than Friday, 18th March, 2016.

Accreditation for media stations and personnel are as follows:

Radio – one

Print – Two

Television -Five

 

All accreditation letters submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

Press Release: Media Accreditation Opened For Black Stars AFCON Qualifier

The NSA Should Concentrate On Sports Development - Sports Minister

The development of sports across various spectacles in the sporting fraternity has been on a downward trend because of issues regarding financing of the Associations.

This has compelled the Minister of Youth and Sports Honarable Nii Lante Vanderpuye calling on the National Sports Authority (NSA) to focus more on the development of sports in the country than management of the facilities.

Honorable Minister said “it about time we relinquish the duties of maintaining the stadiums across the country from the NSA so that the little money meant for the associations will be channeled into the development of sports”.

The development of sports will help provide job opportunities for the youth who may be talented in one or more sporting disciplines which will further reduce the rate of unemployed youth that is on the increase in the country.

The Minister is scheduled to meet various associations and federations in all various sporting disciplines to enable them deliberate on the issue that will further thrive the development of sports across the country.

The NSA Should Concentrate On Sports Development - Sports Minister

Stadium Will Be Handed Over To Facility Managers - Minister

The poor state of major stadium situated in Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi  Takoradi and Tamale have necessitated the need for the maintenance aspect of this prime edifices to be handed over private individuals who can manage the facility effectively. 

The Minister of Youth and Sports (MOYS) Honorable Nii Lante Vanderpuye hinted on a possible private take over of all stadium as soon as possible when he inspected the facility last week Friday which is gradually deteriorating.

In a media interactive session the Minister said “it about time we offload the maintenance part of the stadium to facility to private companies so that, we can be able to put it to good use”.

The Honorable Minister also emphasized how this handing over of facility will help market and boost the revenue generation of the facility to the National Sports Authority, so that their internally generated funds will have a surplus balance, to enable them to cater for various miscellaneous cost.

The Honorable Minister also assured the general public that adequate measures will be taken as soon as possible, so that they facility will be a safe place to be in the near future.

Stadium Will Be Handed Over To Facility Managers - Minister

Accra Sports Stadium To Be Closed Down Soon

The Minister of Youth and Sports (MOYS) Honorable Nii Lante Vanderpuye has hinted on a possible closure of the Accra Sports Stadium after the Ghana Black Stars game against Mozambique.

The stadium, which is gradually deteriorating has left the facility being juxtaposed as a ‘death trap’ by some sections of the football fans and the media.

In an interview with the media after the inspection of the facility, Nii Vanderpuije said  “we will call of an immediate evaluation of the facility by engineers, upon their recommendation, we will see whether to close down the facility or reduce the intake”.

The stadium which was handed over to the National Sports Authority (NSA) in 2008 to host the African Cup of Nations was not wholly finished, which has led to some metals structure of the stadium gradually corroding especially the ministry side of the pitch.

 

Accra Sports Stadium To Be Closed Down Soon

I Never Doubted Kenichi - Commodore

Former board chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak, Commodore Mensah has said he never doubted the abilities of Kenichi Yatsuhashi to lead the team.

Kenichi Yatsuhashi was appointed to replace Herbert Addo and football connoisseurs questioned the board’s decision to appoint a ‘novice’ to lead such a traditional club and prophesied that he will fail.

Their words were on the right path when the team recorded unimpressive run in their preseason preparations, winning only two matches.

Fans and other board members, notably Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe called for his sacking having previously backed him with claims that ‘long CV’s don’t win matches,’ and that his work can’t bring immediate success.

The former Aspire Academy players development coach has won two matches in succession in the Ghana Premier league against New Edubiase and Medeama SC at the Accra Sports Stadium and Tarkwa T & A park respectively.

And Commodore Mensah, who resigned in December last year after serving for the club for over 30-years, says he always believed Kenichi Yatsuhashi will come good.

“My first encounter with the coach on the board, he left me in no doubt, I was ready to invest my hope and trust in him till I resigned,” Commodore Mensah ttold Starr FM.

“The roles of coaches in clubs are very important and they can’t succeed without the support from the playing body, management and maybe mother luck, with these three things he will deliver,” he noted.

I Never Doubted Kenichi - Commodore

Tackles On Samudeen Cynical - Hearts

Accra Hearts of Oak has described the tackles on Samudeen Ibrahim in their Ghana Premier League opener against New Edubiase as ‘cynical‘.

Samudeen Ibrahim, signed from King Solomon FC, a Division One side on Ghana local transfer deadline day has been a revelation to the Phobians playing body, and he was at his best against New Edubiase in his premier league debut.

The 19-year-old wowed spectators at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday with his quick feet on the ball, but he was subjected to numerous challenges that got him injured.

Last year’s Division One League player of season, was carried out of the pitch when he couldn’t continue, and Hearts of Oak had to soldier on without the services of the diminutive midfielder in the latter part of the game.

Samudeen Ibrahim will undergo a scan before doctors can determine the extent of the of the injury. He joins defender Musah Inusah who has been on the sideline for the past three months.

Updating the Injury situation in camp, the official website of Accra Hearts of Oak wrote: “Hearts beat Edubiase 1-0 in the first game of the season on Sunday, but they had one casualty during the game.

“Man-of-the-match winner Ibrahim Samudeen picked up an injury on his foot after he was subjected to countless cynical fouls by the Edubiase players in the first game of the league season last Sunday.”

Accra Hearts of Oak will travel to Tarkwa for the second league of the season against Medeama SC who suffered a 2-1 loss to league champions, Ashanti Gold at the Obuasi Len Clay stadium.

Tackles On Samudeen Cynical - Hearts

Accra Sports Stadium To Be Rehabilitated

The Deputy Minister Of Youth and Sports Hon. Vincent Oppong Asamoah has  told parliament about the plans of the ministry in entering into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), for the rehabilitation of the Accra Sports Stadium.

 

The Accra Sports Stadium which is also known as the Ohene Djan sports stadium was rebuilt, upgraded and modernized to meet FIFA standards. Work on the stadium was completed in October 2007 and the stadium hosted some of the 2008 African Cup of Nations matches including the finals of the competition which was won by Egypt.

 

The stadium which is has not seen rehabilitation since its refurbishment is gradually wearing down and an estimated cost of GH¢12 million is needed to  fix state the owned stadium the Deputy Minister said.

 

He further emphasized how improving the infrastructure at the stadium is a major priority of his Ministry but the main problem has been the allocation of the funds to project.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has contracted a private firm to undertake the project but the financial details of the project has not been stipulated, the Honorable Minister added.

 

 

Accra Sports Stadium To Be Rehabilitated

Sports Ministry To Enter Into PPP For Stadium Rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports is to enter into a public-private partnership (PPP) for the rehabilitation of the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Vincent Oppong Asamoah, told Parliament on Wednesday that the estimated cost of the rehabilitation was GH¢12 million.

He said the budget for the ministry’s capital expenditure was a little below GH¢1.5 million, therefore the ministry did not have any choice than to enter into PPP to raise the needed funds for the rehabilitation of the stadium.

Mr Asamoah was answering a question by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North, Mrs Freda Akosua Prempeh, on the steps being taken by the ministry to improve infrastructure at the Accra Sports Stadium.

She said the iron gates and seats of the stadium were broken and the walls faded.

Priority project

Mr Asamoah said for three years, the ministry had designated the rehabilitation of the Accra Sports Stadium as one of its priority projects but it had not had any funds allocated for that project.

Mr Asamoah also said the ministry submitted a proposal on the PPP to the Public Investment Division of the Ministry of Finance, which had been approved.

Consequently, he said, the ministry had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private company but it had not made any financial commitment.

 

source: Daily Graphic.

Sports Ministry To Enter Into PPP For Stadium Rehabilitation.

Don"t Compare Our Football Pitches To Europe

Stadium is part of the package offered to football consumers. The field, the facilities, the pomp and pageantry as-well-as the game itself, all combine to give the football fan a satisfying experience.

 

We all know that clubs and their supporters are closely aligned with their stadium, which is the cauldron of powerful memory and community. FIFA is aware of the value a football arena can bring to the game and has set standard that a stadium must be upgraded to before it could host FIFA tournament.

 

Football pitches in Ghana have been deemed ‘not fit’ for the beautiful game as the patchy nature of the grass makes the playing surface uncomfortable for both players to display their talent and for fans to watch matches as the playing surface looks more of either  potato field.

 

The quick development and interest in foreign league keeps gluing Ghanaian football loving fans to the television than visiting league venues during league games but the recent comparison of stadiums like Old Trafford, Camp Nou, Emirates just to name a few to Accra sports stadium, Kumasi sports stadium and the other  league venues has got Emmanuel Dassebre, manager of club licensing board worried.

 

 

He said, “It is a gradual process and we must understand the situation in this country. We have a huge infrastructure gap and this is not peculiar to football but sports as a whole.”

“We must understand this is our environment and must not compare our stadiums to the Europeans as it is just a matter of time before we get to that level,” he added.

 

The club licensing board recently passed the 16-league centres (stadium) as ready to commence the 2015/16 premier league season.

Don"t Compare Our Football Pitches To Europe

Hearts Is Not Ready To Win The League - PRO

Accra Hearts Public Relations Officer (PRO), Opare Addo has declared the club’s current state does not warrant trophy success but a solid team put together will guarantee success in the near future.

 

 

The 20-times Ghana premier league champions have not won  the premier league since the year 2008 and inconsistency with regards to results under new Japanese-American coach, Kenichi Yatshuashi gives little hope of one of Ghana’s oldest club ending that round of trophy drought.

 

The 2004 CAF confederation champions escaped the jaws of relegation from the Ghana premier league during the 2014/15 season thanks to goal difference and it is that heartache the club is looking to avoid going into the 2015/16 season.

 

The club’s PRO, Opare Addo, has called on the fans to be patient with the team and the new coach as it undergoes transformation in their quest to restore the lost phobian glory.

 

In an interview with Boss fm, Opare said, “Our team is still rebuilding and it is the aim of management to build the team to a level that consistency becomes its hallmark. Last season (2014/15) Hearts’ performance was not good and this season there has to be vast improvement in comparison to the previous even though the stakes are high and the competition will be keener we hope to be ready when the league commences.”

 

“We’re building a team but that should not be an excuse for us not to compete and at least at winning a trophy. Hard-work will pay off should we win the league title and the FA cup at the end of the season but the foremost aim of the club is to be consistent this season, play very good football, compete in the premier league and should in case we win it will be an extra bonus for us. The fans do agree the team needs some rebuilding and the task ahead calls for all to be united to achieve the aim of building a formidable team,” he added.

 

Hearts play New Edubiase on February 20 when the 2015/16 Ghana premier league commences.

Hearts Is Not Ready To Win The League - PRO