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Swedish pole vault star Mondo Duplantis Crowned Laureus Sportsman of the Year

By Kwame Bediako

Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis has been named Laureus Sportsman of the Year. Duplantis, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, received the prestigious award at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards. The ceremony, attended by many of the world’s top athletes, highlighted the significance of his achievement.

The award was presented to Duplantis by tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, the 2024 World Sportsman of the Year. The moment underscored the camaraderie and mutual respect among elite athletes in the global sporting community.

Duplantis’s recognition comes on the back of a remarkable season. In February, he broke the men’s pole vault world record for the eleventh time, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His consistent record-breaking performances and dedication throughout the season earned him widespread admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike.

This win also marks a historic milestone for field events. Duplantis becomes the first male field athlete to claim the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award. Until now, only one other male track and field athlete — Usain Bolt — has won the accolade, making Duplantis’s accomplishment even more significant and a testament to his exceptional abilities.

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Kotoko Names Karim Zito as Interim Head Coach and Technical Director

Kotoko Names Karim Zito as Interim Head Coach and Technical Director

By Kwame Bediako

Asante Kotoko SC has announced the appointment of Abdul Karim Zito, a former player and coach, as its interim head coach and new technical director.

Zito brings extensive experience from both club and national levels, including guiding Dreams FC to a historic CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and leading Ghana’s U-20 team to victory at the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

This transition follows the club’s decision to part ways with former coach Prosper Ogum, who was dismissed due to a decline in team performance. The move aims to stabilise and strengthen the club’s technical setup during this transitional period.

Supporting the technical team further, Prince Yaw Owusu has been appointed as Assistant Coach. Owusu boasts over twenty years of coaching experience across Ghana, Sudan and the United States, with a notable track record at clubs like Medeama SC, Inter Allies, and Khartoum National Club.

He has also worked with Ghana’s national youth teams, nurturing talents who have gone on to play for top European clubs, including AC Milan and Fiorentina.

Malik Jabir, who previously served as technical director, will now take on the role of technical advisor. His new position will involve providing strategic guidance to ensure long-term stability and growth for the club. These appointments reflect the club’s commitment to building a robust and experienced technical leadership team.

The changes at Asante Kotoko are part of an ongoing effort to improve team performance and overall club success. With Zito, Owusu, and Jabir in key roles, the club is positioning itself to benefit from their expertise and achieve sustained success both on the pitch and in its strategic ambitions.

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Kotoko Names Karim Zito as Interim Head Coach and Technical Director

Kotoko SC Names Karim Zito as Interim Head Coach and Technical Director

By Kwame Bediako

Asante Kotoko SC has announced the appointment of Abdul Karim Zito, a former player and coach, as its interim head coach and new technical director.

Zito brings extensive experience from both club and national levels, including guiding Dreams FC to a historic CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and leading Ghana’s U-20 team to victory at the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

This transition follows the club’s decision to part ways with former coach Prosper Ogum, who was dismissed due to a decline in team performance. The move aims to stabilise and strengthen the club’s technical setup during this transitional period.

Supporting the technical team further, Prince Yaw Owusu has been appointed as Assistant Coach. Owusu boasts over twenty years of coaching experience across Ghana, Sudan and the United States, with a notable track record at clubs like Medeama SC, Inter Allies, and Khartoum National Club.

He has also worked with Ghana’s national youth teams, nurturing talents who have gone on to play for top European clubs, including AC Milan and Fiorentina.

Malik Jabir, who previously served as technical director, will now take on the role of technical advisor. His new position will involve providing strategic guidance to ensure long-term stability and growth for the club. These appointments reflect the club’s commitment to building a robust and experienced technical leadership team.

The changes at Asante Kotoko are part of an ongoing effort to improve team performance and overall club success. With Zito, Owusu, and Jabir in key roles, the club is positioning itself to benefit from their expertise and achieve sustained success both on the pitch and in its strategic ambitions.

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Eintracht Frankfurt Partners with Accra Lions

Eintracht Frankfurt Partners with Accra Lions to Nurture Ghana’s Next Football Stars

By Kwame Bediako 

Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt has announced a strategic partnership with Ghana Premier League side Accra Lions, set to begin in June 2025. This collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening the global presence of both clubs and fostering deeper connections within the football community across continents. The partnership was officially unveiled through a joint statement, emphasizing their shared commitment to youth development and international growth.

The primary goal of this alliance is to promote the development of young football talent from Ghana and provide them with opportunities to showcase their skills on the European stage. Eintracht Frankfurt, renowned for its focus on nurturing young players, will offer training support, mentorship, and scouting opportunities to the Accra Lions. Conversely, the Ghanaian club will benefit from the expertise, infrastructure, and exposure that a top-tier European club can provide, opening pathways for promising players to advance their careers.

Both clubs expressed enthusiasm about the mutual benefits of this partnership. Officials from Eintracht Frankfurt highlighted their desire to tap into Ghana’s rich football talent pool, helping to identify and develop future stars. Meanwhile, representatives of Accra Lions emphasized their ambitions to elevate their status and competitiveness through this collaboration, which also aims to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between German and Ghanaian football cultures.

Beyond player development, the partnership aims to incorporate community engagement and social responsibility initiatives. Plans include youth outreach programs, coaching exchanges, and educational projects designed to promote sports participation, health awareness, and social development in both countries. This holistic approach underscores their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football pitch.

As the partnership takes effect in mid-2025, it is expected to create numerous opportunities for young athletes, coaching staff, and fans. By building this international bridge, Eintracht Frankfurt and Accra Lions are setting a precedent for future collaborations that prioritize talent growth, cultural exchange, and community development. This alliance promises to be a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of football stars and strengthening global football ties.

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Eintracht Frankfurt Partners with Accra Lions

German’s Eintracht Frankfurt Partners with Accra Lions to Nurture Football Stars In GH

By Kwame Bediako 

Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt has announced a strategic partnership with Ghana Premier League side Accra Lions, set to begin in June 2025. This collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening the global presence of both clubs and fostering deeper connections within the football community across continents. The partnership was officially unveiled through a joint statement, emphasizing their shared commitment to youth development and international growth.

The primary goal of this alliance is to promote the development of young football talent from Ghana and provide them with opportunities to showcase their skills on the European stage. Eintracht Frankfurt, renowned for its focus on nurturing young players, will offer training support, mentorship, and scouting opportunities to the Accra Lions. Conversely, the Ghanaian club will benefit from the expertise, infrastructure, and exposure that a top-tier European club can provide, opening pathways for promising players to advance their careers.

Both clubs expressed enthusiasm about the mutual benefits of this partnership. Officials from Eintracht Frankfurt highlighted their desire to tap into Ghana’s rich football talent pool, helping to identify and develop future stars. Meanwhile, representatives of Accra Lions emphasized their ambitions to elevate their status and competitiveness through this collaboration, which also aims to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between German and Ghanaian football cultures.

Beyond player development, the partnership aims to incorporate community engagement and social responsibility initiatives. Plans include youth outreach programs, coaching exchanges, and educational projects designed to promote sports participation, health awareness, and social development in both countries. This holistic approach underscores their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football pitch.

As the partnership takes effect in mid-2025, it is expected to create numerous opportunities for young athletes, coaching staff, and fans. By building this international bridge, Eintracht Frankfurt and Accra Lions are setting a precedent for future collaborations that prioritize talent growth, cultural exchange, and community development. This alliance promises to be a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of football stars and strengthening global football ties.

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Ghana Sports: Kotoko part ways with Coach Prosper Ogum after dip in form

Ghana Sports: Kotoko part ways with Coach Prosper Ogum after dip in form

By Kwame Bediako

Asante Kotoko has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum following a series of disappointing results that have seen the club drop from top position to fourth place in the league standings.

Recent heavy defeats to Accra Lions and Nations FC marked a challenging period for the team, prompting the decision to make a coaching change ahead of key upcoming fixtures.

Despite the recent setbacks, Ogum’s contributions to the club remain significant. He previously led Kotoko to a league title in the 2021/22 season, a victory that rekindled memories of the club’s glorious past and reignited hope among supporters for sustained success. His return in 2024 was met with optimism, but challenges both on and off the pitch prevented the team from maintaining that momentum.

This season, Kotoko played 28 league matches, earning 13 wins, 8 draws, and suffering 7 defeats. The inconsistency in performance ultimately prompted the club’s Interim Management Committee to reconsider their strategy. Recognizing the importance of the upcoming MTN FA Cup semi-final against Berekum Chelsea, they believed a coaching change was necessary to improve the team’s prospects.

In an official statement, the club confirmed the departure, saying, “Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has this afternoon parted company with Head Coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum. This decision was reached following constructive discussions between both parties, with a shared understanding that it is in the best interest of the club at this time.”

The statement also expressed gratitude for Ogum’s dedication and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The club urged supporters to remain calm and continue backing the team during this transitional period. Further updates are expected soon as Kotoko looks to regain their form and push for success in the remaining fixtures of the season. The decision marks a new chapter for the club as they aim to restore their competitive edge.

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