Clottey Braces Up for Paquiao

Pacquiao is a very fast-handed, hard-punching southpaw. He uses rapid in-and-out and side-to-side movement to set up stinging punches from angles. Clottey is a quick-fisted, accurate counter-puncher with an excellent left hook. And he has a good jab when he decides to use it. The story of the Pacquiao vs. Clottey fight is going to be about whether Clottey’s pressure and counter-punching can overcome Pacquiao’s foot speed and quick-handed, sharp-punching attacks. Clottey is the type of fighter who needs to be set before he can throw. Pacquiao’s foot speed and movement are going to create all manner of vexation for Clottey, as he’ll have a hard time planting his feet to mount any type of sustained offense. My head tells me Clottey, but my heart tells me Pacquiao. And every time your heart tells you something, it always turns out true. All the best to the two boxers though!

Joshua Clottey wept, openly, earlier this month when a work Visa to the U.S. was denied to his preferred chief second, Godwin Nii Dzanie Kotey.

Kotey is perceived by many in their native Ghana as legendary and a father figure, having been the trainer for former welterweight star, Ike Quartey, of Ghana. Kotey was to be in Clottey's corner for the first time against Manny Pacquiao.

Kotey's presence was sought after Clottey had split with Kwame Asante in a reported disagreement over money -- this after Asante had served as Clottey's chief second for June's 12-round split-decision loss to then-WBO king, Miguel Cotto.

But now, with the biggest fight of his life on the horizon, Clottey was trainer-less.

Enter Lenny DeJesus (pictured above, left, with Clottey), a man Clottey had known of prior to employing DeJeus as the cutman for the Cotto fight.

A resident of the Bronx, the 32-year-old Clottey had seen DeJesus working with other fighters at the John's Gym, a venue he, himself, frequents that is located not too far from Yankees Stadium.

"I knew of DeJeus, but I didn't talk to him. Vinnie introduced me to him," said Clottey, referring to his manager, Vinnie Scolpino. "So he was used as a cut man in my fight with Miguel Cotto because he's been around for a long time. He seemed like a good choice."

Clottey said that DeJesus turned out to be even more of an asset during the fight with Cotto,

"When he was my cut man against Miguel Cotto, he pushed me. He sort of wakes you up, tells me some good things. We established a good relationship during the Cotto fight, so I chose him" to be primary trainer for the Pacquiao fight, said Clottey. "It was an easy transition. He motivates you."

Another advantage, said Clottey, is the fact that DeJesus knows a little bit about Pacquiao, having worked as the Filipino superstar's cut man throughout much the early part of his career.

DeJesus was last in Pacquiao's corner for the latter's March, 2005 loss to Erik Morales at super featherweight (130 pounds), after which Pacquiao won his next 11 bouts, eight of them by knockout.

A southpaw, Pacquiao has gotten more-and-more powerful as his weight has risen, having stopped his past four opponents, David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and, Miguel Cotto, respectively, while weighing 134, 142, 138, and, 144 pounds.

"Does DeJesus know a little bit about Manny Pacquiao? Yes," said Scolpino. "But we also know that Manny Pacquiao is a different fighter now than he once was. We're prepared, but we're preparing for the Manny Pacquiao of today."

Clottey said that his respect for Pacquiao's power is among the reasons he will dethrone him.

"I have more confidence this time around because I'm taking this fight like if I win, I have bigger things ahead. I have so much respect for Manny, so that gives me more confidence because I respect the guy," said Clottey. "I respect the guy because, if he has the chance, he can stop me. So I respect him because of that, and because of that, I'm more confident."

Conversely, said Clottey, it was his lack of respect for Cotto that led to his demise.

"When I went to fight Cotto, I knew, within me, or at least my thinking was, 'I could beat Cotto because I knew Cotto had not faced a guy like me before.' That was my thinking," said Clottey.

"I didn't respect him like he was going to cause any damage," said Clottey. "So, compared to that, I respect this guy, Manny Pacquiao, because he's stopped a lot of good guys. So, I'm giving him respect, and the respect will carry me through the fight."

Clottey, who weighed out at 154 pounds on Thursday, claims to be in the best shape of his life, and punching with more power than ever.

"We're two weeks from the fight, and that's where I want to be right now. I don't want to come down too much or too fast from sparring because that might hurt you," said Clottey.

"I eat a lot of chicken and a lot of fish. It's African food. I don't eat any other meat," said Clottey. "Sometimes, I have salads -- things that make me strong and to wake up in the morning and go jogging, or which can make me go to the gym and work out. I drink a lot of water and I'm very strong in the gym at work."

"This is the best shape that I've ever been in. Because, I know that I've got a really tough fight with Manny, Pacquiao. All that you've seen from my photos is from the hard work of training," said Clottey, who a week ago, already was sparring 10, four-minute rounds with a 30 second rest in between and little if any fatigue.

"You know, I'm always in shape. I train even when I'm not fighting," said Clottey. "I play soccer. So when I start training, it doesn't take long. After a three weeks or a month, I'm strong."

And that, for Clottey, has meant more energy during sparring sessions, and, throughout his training overall.

"I've been trainig to do what I have to do. When the opening's there, I'm going to find them. When he's running, and he's moving around, I'll be able to cut off the ring," said Clottey. "When he stops running, I'll throw punches. And when I throw a punch, and he's there, I will be able to land it."

There are some who have questioned Pacquiao's ability to rise from one weight class to another with power, believing that he is on steroids or some other performance-enhancing drug.

Clottey, however, said that he is not among those who believes Pacquiao is dirty.

"Manny is a good man. He prays a lot. God gave him his power. He is a great champion, and this is going to be a difficult fight," said Clottey. "However, I have a plan: Hard punching, back him up, don't let him take charge. I will pressure him."

Ghana's Squad To Face Bosnia on March 3

Milovan Rajevac has always shown steel and proved he's got fine balls with his team to play Bosnia on March 3. Muntari, Tagoe and Kingston's return were imminent but Derek Boateng, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Eric Bekoe are still missing in the pack. Lets see how well the odds spurn out. Below is a full list of the players to face Bosnia in South Africa.


Goalkeepers: Richard Kingston (Wigan, England), Philemon McCarthy (Hearts), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals)

Defender: Samuel Inkoom (Basel, Switzerland), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim, Germany), Eric Addo (Roda JC, Holland), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek, Egypt).

Midfielders: Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy), Laryea Kingston (Hearts, Scotland), Agyemang Badu (Udinese, Italy), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway) (, Haminu Dramani, (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy), Andre Ayew, (Arles Avignon, France)

Strikers: Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim, Germany), Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland), Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan, Italy)

Rajevac Ditches Mario Balotelli

There is no doubt Ballotelli is a great player given his mercurial artifice, but he'll only would have been a great addition to the Black stars on the condition that he dealt with his class indiscipline, and augment his egregious character with a touch of that saintly humility. If he is to play for Ghana (which he has ruled out) then we must be ready to shoulder with him the uncouth braggadocios and criticisms that will ensue. We must remember he is young and a bit naive, and also stitched on the stench of the amalgam of arrogance and inglorious pride. We do not need more Muntari-like attitudes, but want passion, patriotism and ability. I like him as a footballer, but Ghana needs more than a footballer. We need the exemplary kind to kindle buoyancy and unity within the team and to uplift the spirit of Ghanaians and the hopes of Africans.. sadly, he's chosen not to play for us. Good luck, mate!

Ghana's coach Milovan Rajevac has declared that there is no place in the Black Stars squad for Internazionale striker Mario Balotelli.

Ghana had courted the talented 20-year old whose parents gave him up for adoption at the age of three, but Balotelli quashed any hopes of playing for the West Africans claiming his only desire is to play for Italy.

Rajevac blames the player's snub on Ghana's the eagerness in landing the youngster in the past.

"We are partly to blame. In the past, we made him look like our messiah and saviour. We kept going after him with high powered delegations," Rajevac told Football365.co.za.

"All these, made it seem as though, there won't be any Black Stars without him. But that is not true.

"Everybody knows how Ghana has players in excess and the difficulty sometimes I go through just to have my squad. To put it bluntly, this Black Stars team is spoilt for choice. The team has quality in excess and has no place for guys like Balotelli", he said.

"He was talking as if, the next day, he is going to be allowed to wear the jersey of the Azzurri. It doesn't happen that way. Balotelli has a long way to go. If he thinks by snubbing Ghana he would be winning the heart of Marcello Lippi, then I am sorry, it won't happen."

Rajevac insisted that under his reign, Balotelli will never wear Ghana's colours.

"As long as I continue to be the coach of the Black Stars, Mario will never get to play for my team. We have treated him with very soft and tender gloves in the past. This time, it won't happen. Mario should forget it," Rajevac said.

Inter vs Chelsea- The battle of Africa

In our connected world, millions will watch the biggest clash of the round in Milan this European night, and there will be little doubt of a strong African flavour to the coffee. Across Africa millions will emphatise with the vanquished, but will sooner file behind the victors in their chase for glory a continent away.

On a night when every African football fan should be proud of how much colour the continent's players are adding to the European game, I am sad. Sad because this is a game that has come several rounds too soon.

Whatever happens today at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, and two weeks later at Stamford Bridge in London, at least three of Africa's finest talents, with otherwise real chances of lifting the European Cup, will be out of the race.

It could be the Chelsea set of Michael Essien, Mikel Obi, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba cursing their luck or Inter's Samuel Eto'o, Sulley Muntari and McDonald Mariga cringing in pain.

It is tough on an African football fan like me, but I guess in the end, it is to the successful set of players that Africa will look, and pray for to go all the way, so that on the final night in May, as it was last year with Eto'o and Yaya Toure, there will be more joy and pride on the continent.



The attackers

This clash will pit the finest two predators on the continent, if not the world, in a head-to-head combat. It will be the all-action Drogba against lightning fast poacher Eto'o.

Both come to this match with diametrically opposed fortunes. While at 31 years Drogba has watchers of the Age Clock befuddled with a potential best-ever-season run, Samuel Eto'o appears a ghost of his old gladiatorial self.

The goals have been few and far between for the Cameroon star, with some even speculating he might lose his first option privilege to Macedonia's Goran Pandev who joined Inter in January, and appears to have settled in nicely.

Red-hot Drogba has vented his spleen after another failed attempt at lifting the Africa Cup of Nations, on defenders in England. He has scored in all, but one match, since returning from Angola, racking up 6 goals in 5 games.

On the contrary Eto'o is yet to net for the Nerazzurris post-Angola albeit playing a vital role in their attacking onslaughts.

In Europe Drogba also leads despite serving a three-match ban, with 3 goals in three games, while Eto'o has 1 goal in 6 appearances for Inter.

Nonetheless underestimate this Lion, and you may end up with your guts wrenched out.

Three-time champion of Europe with Real Madrid and Barcelona, Eto'o is a formidable competitor who flowers on the big stage. His poor run in Europe noted, but who is to say this is not the day the Lion is unshackled?

Another African player likely to feature in attack is Ivorian Salomon Kalou who could come in as a second half marauder in Inter's den.

The enforcers

There are other big battles too. Young Nigerian Mikel Obi, who appears to have grown in stature at the London club under Ancelotti, will seek to break Sulley Muntari's rhythm for the Italian champions.

That battle will be fought more in Mikel's end of the pitch, for while the Nigerian is at the based of Ancelotti's diamond, the more experienced Ghanaian is an attacking player with a bullet left foot when he finds the space.

I expect both players to start the match, but while Mikel should last the distance, I foresee Muntari giving way in the second half, possibly, though unlikely, to Kenyan McDonald Mariga.

The 22-year old Mariga has been compared to Mikel, and has impressed since joining Inter from Parma, but whether he can be trusted at this level is highly uncertain.

credit: Kenneth Ezaga

Tagoe Finds Fine Form

Earning his ruined glory bits on the best pages. The "beleaguered" chap needed support and not to be frozen out in such a brazen manner. To have his contract terminated just when he had been signed seemed incomprehensible and numb to say the least. Good to see he is working to hit heights and rightfully, earning the respect of the fans and board alike. Wish him all the best!

Ghanaian striker Prince Tagoe is the new darling boy of German club Hoffenheim after putting in excellent performances for the Bundesliga side since overcoming a threat to his career.

His impact has been so immense since his return that Hoffenheim president Dietmar Hopp says the former Hearts of Oak striker is one of their most important players.

Even the club supporters last Friday unveiled their newly composed song for Tagoe as he helped the club to rally from two goals down to hold Moenchengladbach to a 2-2 draw.

This comes just six months after he was told by officials of the club that his career is over after a fictitious heart report but his agents fought the club in court and his contract was reinstated.

Now Tagoe is serving his Hoffenheim critics particularly club director Jan Schindelmeiser large and copious amounts of humble pie for leading the crude attempt to oust him.

The Ghanaian scored in his debut first team appearance for the club in a German FA Cup match two weeks ago and has since contributed immensely particularly on Saturday when he played a great role in their amazing comeback.

In appreciation of his efforts for Hoffenheim the club supporters happily released the song: “We shall we see thePrince again.”

His performance has not gone unnoticed by the club’s billionaire owner Hopp, who is Germany’s Bill Gates for gaining his riches from the computer industry.

“I know the arrival of Prince will help our club immensely because he is hugely talented,” Hopp is quoted as saying.

Hopp has hailed the Ghanaian for reviving the club’s influential striker Vedad Ibisevic, who failed to find his form until Tagoe arrived on the scene to put pressure on the Bosnian over a starting place in the team.

Tagoe is happy about the praise he is getting from the club and the German media but he remains modest.

"It is only through teamwork that we are able to make things happen for the club and the fans. When I am alone I am nothing. It is all team-work.”

Hoffenheim came from 2-0 down to earn a draw with Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday.

Tagoe was introduced in the 69th minute to assist in the great comeback which earned his team the crucial draw.

Muntari Handed Two-Match Ban

Ghana and Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari has been suspended for two games for hitting out at the referee during a Serie A game at the weekend.


Muntari is reported to have insulted referee Paolo Tagliavento, who sent off Inter players Walter Samuel and Ramiro Cordoba and Samdporia's Giampaolo Pazzini in a game the two sides drew 0-0 late Saturday.

Muntari received the two-game ban for insulting the referee as he was being replaced by a teammate in the wake of the red cards shown to his team-mates.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho was also banned for three matches and fined for his gesture towards the referee during the game.

The Portuguese coach argued with referee Tagliavento after he sent off Inter players Walter Samuel and Ramiro Cordoba.

Sports judge Gianpaolo Tosel said that Mourinho 'repeatedly contested the referee calls with glaring gestures, particularly mimicking (twice) the handcuffs with his wrists crossed, showing them to the public and the television cameras by the pitch.'

Mourinho, was also fined 40,000 euros (54,000 dollars). He had been fined twice and suspended once, for one game, since March 2009.

Argentine Samuel, Colombian Cordoba and Pazzini were suspended for one game, while Argentine Esteban Cambiasso was also banned for two games for trying to punch Samp striker Nicola Pozzi in the changing rooms at half time.

The Serie A leaders were fined 25,000 euros for their responsibility in the behaviour of the fans at the Giuseppe Meazza, plus 5,000 euros for delaying the start of the second half.

credit: Ghanasoccernet

Adiyiah makes AC Milan team

Ghana's rising attacking gem Dominic Adiyiah has been named in the AC Milan team to faced Bari in today's Serie A match. Adiyiah officially joined the Rossoneri in the January transfer window and only began training with the team less than two weeks ago.

The 20-year old shot to fame when he won the Golden Boot and Golden Shoe at the U-20 World Cup in October. His team Ghana also won the title.

Milan snapped him up shortly afterwards, but the move only became official in January.

Adiyiah has been handed the No. 40 shirt and will be in the legendary company of the likes of Ronaldinho, Ambrosini, Beckham, Nesta, Dida, Pato, Gattuso, Seedorf and Inzaghi.

Milan have a chance of closing the gap on Inter Milan to just four points if they win their outstanding two games; the Bari game being one

Sellas Tetteh Appointed Rwanda Coach

Shown class when the need arose, ditched the unconstructive critisms when they hit him in the face by winning the world cup mundial in Cairo and proved to every soccer character out there that he's one of the best in Africa. I can only wish the often sideline manager success with the Rwandan national team. Hope his rich experience will help build a strong and formidable team.

Sellas Tetteh who led Ghana to U-20 World Cup glory in October has been appointed as the new coach of the Rwandan senior, and U-20 national teams.

Tetteh signed a two-year contract, and will consequently be in charge of the Rwandan national team for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers.

The Ghanaian became the first African to win a FIFA U-20 World Cup title when he steered Ghana to success in Egypt.

Rwanda sacked its former coach Croatian coach Branko Tucak in November and have been without a coach since.

Until his new appointment, Tetteh was coach Ghanaian Premier League club side Liberty Professionals.

Milovan Rajevac and Muntari Settle Scores!

An enormous jot of news and one that calls for the champagne bubbles as Milo has finally reined in the errant player. Both parties have shown maturity. Well done Muntari for putting the past behind and looking forward to the future. Well done Milo for showing that you understand the psychological aspect of the coaching job, and using it to solve a critical issue such as Muntari's.


Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari has finally patched up with Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac over a row that threatened his international career, Ghanasoccernet can exclusively reveal to the world.

The duo successfully ended a meeting in Milan on Wednesday to address the disciplinary problems that resulted in Muntari’s axing from Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations squad.

They were seen with smiles beaming across their faces after the meeting with the strict Serbian tactician breaking off his holidays in his native country to finally rein in the errant player.

Muntari later invited the manager over lunch at Inter Milan’s training ground where they were spotted together, exchanging amusing stories and cracking jokes.

The Inter Milan's player smile was the broadest ever seen of him in public as he is not known for smiling.

Ghana coach Rajevac told Ghanasoccernet that the hatchet has been buried as Muntari has shown a positive and different side of himself.

“The problem I had with Sulley is over and not to be remembered again. He has shown me that he is a new person,” Rajeavc told Ghanasoccernet exclusively.

“I saw in him a player with good mentality and willingness to die for the Black Stars. I am very happy with the talks we had.

“He now understands the philosophy that Ghana team wants and I can only praise his humility and the respect he has shown to the people of Ghana,his team-mates, the officials and me and my assistant.

“A meeting was held between a father and his son and what was discussed into details will remain in the family. I am very happy with the new Sulley I have seen.

“I can assure that Sulley will return to the national team tofight for every ball and also restore his image as an important player for us.”

Muntari was dropped from Ghana squad following his absence from camp without permission ahead of an international friendly against Angola last December.

The Serbian tactician followed up with him in his Italian base but Muntari failed to meet his boss to clarify the issue.



Ghana are preparing for the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa in June.

Owusu-Abeyie hits Higher Heights: Again!

What a difference a move makes but there is sometime yet for Quincy. Quick with the ball at his feet, a pacy winger with an eye for goals and a knack for making a meal out of decent full backs, Quincy should get a call-up into the Black Stars with this performance. Getting the riot started for Portmouth against their local arch-rivals, Southamptom is no fluke and a case to get back to his living heights. Until then, a more exacting reckoning awaits as he waits to see if Spartak Moscow would let go of him!

Once a shining star, 23-year old Ghana international Quincy Owusu-Abeyie has had a torrid time since leaving Arsenal for Spartak Moscow in 2006. Since then there have been indifferent spells at Clta Vigo, Birmingham City and Cardiff City.



His current loan spell is with the struggling Portsmouth and the left-sided forward seems to be enjoying life in football once again.



Over the weekend he helped Portsmouth beat Southampton 4:1 in the English FA Cup in fine fashion.



The youngster, who spent nine years in Ajax's youth system, came off the bench in the second half to score Pompey's first goal and set up two more goals.



A fantastic performance for the player who views Portsmouth as his last opportunity to get his career back on track.



"I didn't have any doubts about coming to Portsmouth because this is my last chance to show what I can do in English football," he said in a Ghanafa.org report.



Owusu-Abeyie expressed regrets about moving to Russia after stiff competition in Arsenal , especially with the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott, made it difficult to break in.

"Russia? I was young at the time and it was hard for me to get into the team at Arsenal with so many big names.

"My agent at the time advised me to go to Moscow and now I regret it. I had to go a step back and now I'm trying to go forward again.

"I'm only on loan so it's possible I could have to go back to Moscow at the end of the season, but it is quite difficult for me over there - it's about minus 20 at the moment.

Potent Enough with Our Strike Force?

Ghana's U-20 team became World champions on the back of the deadliest strike force in the competition. Between the trio of Adiyiah, Osei And Ayew they rained goals all through - think about 14 between them in the end. Adiyiah alone scored more goals than Nigeria and over 15 other countires. Now the senior team, first to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, eyes a similar fate. However at the moment its strike force made mainly of Asamoah Gyan, Matthew Amoah and Kwadwo Asamoah (am I missing anyone?) are a far cry in goal poaching from their juniors. Ghana's chances have been consistently rated below Cote d'Ivoire's and for me it's all down to not having a renowned strike force. It's already a bit late in the day, to discover new stars, but who knows, one of the guys, or even Adiyiah, could hit the super performance button before and during the World Cup, like Rossi in 1982 or Schillaci in 1990. However can't see any Drogba or Eto'o coming along, so I wonder, where is the deal? Can Ghana be world champion with just what is debatably the strongest midfield in Africa?

Credit: AfricaPlays

Agyemang Badu signs for Udinese

A great chap with bags of energy and with an excellent box-to-box expertise in the sport. The emerging star has on doubtless occasions amazed his critics with his excellent passing game and an eye for long range shots.Excellent decision by Udinese manager to field him for their crucial encounter with Adiyiah's AC Milan. Guess is, the coach wants to help him adjust faster to the first team and keep his momentum afloat. He's indeed a first class material; the bench cannot contain Badu, he's worth than that.


Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has become the first Ghanaian local player to walk into the first team of a club in the major leagues of Europe.

Badu has been named in Udinese's squad to face AC Milan in the Italian top-flight this weekend just TWO DAYS after joining the club.

Ghana local players normally go through the youth system of a team or are made to adapt to the European style by playing with the second team before they are promoted.

But Badu overly impressed officials of Udinese in his first day of training on Wednesday that they have named his in their 20-man squad for the game.

The fact that he has been considered for the clash against giants AC Milan on Friday means he is highly rated.

This is an indication that Badu has cemented his reputation as an influential player and one to be taken seriously for the future.

Badu secured the work permit to play in the Itlaian top-flight on Monday and Udinese's decision has placed him in the Ghanaian history books.

The 19-year-old arrived in Italy on Wednesday morning to begin his career with Udinese following an excellent showing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola last month.

His agent Goran ‘Super Agent’ Milovanovic secured the lucrative deal with Udinese after the youngster helped Ghana win the U20 World Cup in Egypt late last year.

The Super Agent is credited for securing lucrative and big clubs for Ghanaian players, ensuring that they will get regular playing time.

With Udinese exhausting their quota clubs across Europe including Paris St Germain and German side Hanover contacted the Serie A side for a loan deal for Badu.



But another foreign player was dropped from their list to make way for the Ghanaian enforcer.


His performance at the Africa Cup of Nations further attracted interest which prompted the loan offer from the two clubs to boost their squad before the winter transfer window shuts.

But Udinese, who are struggling this season, say they want to keep Badu to boost their chances in league - affirming the 19-year-old as one of the best young midfielders in the world.

Badu will join his Ghanaian colleague Kwadwo Asamoah in the Udinese camp for the AC Milan game.



Udinese squad for Milan-Udinese game

Goalkeepers: Belardi, Handanovic, Romo

Defenders: Coda, Cuadrado, Lukovic, Pasquale, Zapata

Midfielders: Asamoah, Badu, Inler, Isla, Lodi, Sammarco, Zimling

Forwards: Di Natale, Floro Flores, Geijo, Pepe Sanchez.

Tagoe hits form again!

Repairing his lost glory in the best of pages. Scoring in the German Cup and establishing his true credentials and footballing skills not only lifts some weight over is shoulders after a long stay on the sidelines but cements his status as one of the potential frontmen for us at the World Cup.

Wish him all the best!

Ghana striker Prince Tagoe established his credentials and silenced German football on Tuesday night after scoring in his only second appearance in the country's top competition, seven months after being told his career was over.


The 23-year-old scored for his first goal in German football even though his club Hoffenheim were defeated 2-1 by defending champions Werder Bremen in the German FA Cup game.

The attacker joined the Sinsheim outfit from Al Ettifaq last summer, but a dubious medical report from some Hoffenheim officials claimed the Ghanaian had a heart problem making him unfit to play football

Hoffenheim then aborgated his contract but his agents fought the club and had his contract reinstated and further tests showed he was fit to play.

This paved the way for him to make his debut last week, shaming the club officials, particularly sporting director Jan Schendelmeiser, who had pressed for Tagoe's contract to be cancelled.

But the Ghanaian determined to establish his credentials shamed his doubters when he scored his first goal to revive his hopes of playing for Ghana at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Werder Bremen advanced to the semi-finals of the German Cup after beating fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim 2-1 in Bremen.

Naldo opened the scoring for the home side in the 27th minute and substitute Hugo Almeida found the winner in the 76th, after Prince Tagoe had equalised for the visitors in the 73rd minute.

Midway through the first half Bremen took the lead after Luiz Gustavo fouled Marko Marin on the edge of the area and Brazilian defender Naldo scored from the resulting free-kick.

Surprisingly Bremen then allowed Hoffenheim back into the game and the visitors could have drawn level shortly before the break through Sejad Salihovic and Vedad Ibisevic, but both failed to find the target.

Hoffenheim coach Ralf Rangnick brought on Ghanaian striker Tagoe in the 71st minute and the substitute took just 89 seconds to get his name on the score sheet when he headed a Christian Eichner cross past Christian Vander, who had come on for injured goalkeeper Tim Wiese at half-time.

Bremen substitute Hugo Almeida put the home side back ahead just three minutes later though as he ran onto a Pizarro pass before unleashing a powerful long-range effort from just inside the area.

Hoffenheim then threw caution to the wind as they went forward in search of a winner, but the Bremen defence stood firm to see the defending champions through to the semi-final.

The three other semi-finalists will be determined on Wednesday, as three lower division clubs seek to make it into the round of the last four.

Bayern Munich are at home to second division Greuther Fuerth, while Schalke 04 travel to third division club VfL Osnabrueck.

Cologne are away to high-flying second division club Augsburg.

Milan Welcomes Adiyiah

Quick, inventive and with a superb first touch, Adiyiah is starting to hit the headlines in Europe almost as frequently as his goals came in Cairo. With Ronaldinho in blistering form, Pato in his elite standards and Pirlo, showing glimpses of his old self, the emerging chap can only learn in his time at Milan. Earning the Golden Boot and Best Player awards at the Under-20 tournaments was an extra conviction that he is set for a promising start in the Italian Serie A. Wish him all the best!

When Dominic Adiyiah arrived at the U-20 World Cup in Egypt, he was supposed to play second fiddle to proven youth striker Ransford Osei. And why not? Osei described by Fifa.com as an "opportunistic goal machine" had already won the golden boot at the African U-17, silver boot at the world U-17, and golden boot at the African U-20 championships. Adiyiah though, was no slouch coming into Egypt. He had been voted the MVP of the Ghana Premier League in 2007, and the Most Exciting Player in 2008. He also had a few games for the Black Satellites under his belt and a decent goal scoring record. But both had been at the African Youth Championship in Rwanda in January 2009 and Osei had outscored Adiyiah by 7 goals to 1.

The combination of these two bright talents proved too much for the defences in Egypt to handle. Between them they scored 12 goals. This time Adiyiah came out on top with 8 of the goals, a tally that won him the tournament's golden shoe. His scintillating performances also won him the golden boot, and it was inevitable that the big clubs would come calling. In the end Adiyiah penned for Italian giants AC Milan.

The 21-year old had his contract ratified in the January transfer window, but could not join the Rossoneri because of national team commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Now his work permit has been approved by the Italian embassy in Accra, and Adiyiah has arrived in Milan. He is expected to begin training with the 7-time European champions today.

"This is a new journey for me and I am going out there to do my very best for AC Milan," Adiyiah told Ghanasoccernet.com. "I know this will have a bearing on my national team prospects and I know the only solution is hard work. "I am going to work in forceful and full determination to be successful. I am confident I will succeed." In Italy he will come up against Ghanaian opposition - Sulley Muntari in Inter Milan, Stephen Appiah in Bologna, Jonathan Mensah and Kwadwo Asamoah in Udinese.

Africa waits.

Togo's Horrid Punishment Is An Outrage!

Staggering decision -insensitive at best, inhumane at worst. CAF in crisis. Its just absurd! The reason CAF gave for banning Togo was frivolous to say the least. This CAF stomach politicians masquerading as football administrators are Clowns of the highest order. These Clowns failed Togo by first of all awarding the right to Angola, a war torn country to host the AFCON.

That Cabinda, an enclave separated from mainland Angola shouldn't even have been enlisted as one of the cities to host the AFCON, but for cash, the mafias in CAF chose that jungle. They chose money over the welfare and interest of four nations (Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast, Burkina) and subsequently hosted them in that jungle ignoring all the security risks. Of course what was Togo government to do? Sit idle in Togo and let his citizens be slaughtered in Cabinda? The government of Togo are responsible for the welfare of its citizens so should they have left them in the incapable hands of the mafias in CAF? Did I even hear the also ined them? What a joke! Togo should REFUSE to pay that penalty and big African countries like Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Sud Africa, and the rest should also boycott the next 2 AFCONS!


Issa Hayatou’s actions/decisions to ban Togo is not just spiteful and shameful it is an insult to the Togolese officials who lost their lives in this tragic event. Infact, CAF’s action is the height of insult to the dignity of African life. To wit, the Togolese died for nothring! The timing of the announcement of the ban, at a time the competition has not ended betrays a lack of thoughtful and moral leadership at the secretariat and insensitivity towards families that are still in shock and are mourning their loved ones who lost their lives in the line of duty for their country.

Additionally, CAF is sending a very bad message to foreign-based African footballers. The organization’s actions portray some sincere lack of concern about the welfare African fottballers,at a time many foreign-based professionals reluctantly show up for national duty and those who show up are aware of the possibility of injury and loss first-team positions in their clubs.

For other African nations, in future, I won’t be surprised if some countries pull out off CAF competitions to be staged in some war-patched country unless CAF and the host can inequivocally guarantee the security and safety of foreign personnel.

Idiots running CAF!

Rajevac Finds Peace With Muntari

That Rajevac dumped Muntari was hot, but not unexpected news for die-hard Ghanaian soccer fans. The big breaktime topic in Ghana today is most definitely going to be about the consequences of the boy's exclusion if he doesn't make the SA bandwagon. Muntari may not have been a regular starter in Inter Milan this season, but sure is considered a key part of the formidable Black Stars midfield. Kwadwo Asamoah has stepped up to the plate and made good in Muntari's absence but the beleagured chap's experience is invaluable. I am of the opinion that no player is indispensable to the national team but you just cant debunk the role some players play in the team. It could cause a big stir if he is left out of the South Africa squad but looks like his found that humble pie with Rajevac.


Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has resolved his recent rift with Sulley Muntari as he plots the way forward ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Inter Milan midfielder Muntari was axed from last month's CAF Africa Cup of Nations squad due to disciplinary reasons. His absence was barely felt as the Black Stars, who were without several of their other star names through injury, finished runners-up behind Egypt.

However, a lack of experience in Angola was cited by Rajevac as one of the main reason's for the 1-0 loss in the final. And Serbian Rajevac has explained that Muntari's axing may have come about through a miscommunication.

"I was in Milan for two days and I called and sent him messages but he was not responding," Rajevac said. "He didn't get back to me and the decision to leave him out was taken. I spoke to the other players - Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan - who missed the Angola friendly game and asked them if they wanted to play in the Nations Cup and they all said yes.
I was in Milan for two days and I called and sent him messages but he was not responding. He didn't get back to me and the decision to leave him out was taken.
Milovan Rajevic on Sulley Muntari

"That was all I wanted to discuss with Muntari. Maybe there was a miscommunication. After that he called to apologise and we have sorted everything out. He's an option that we have and that's good for the team."

Rajevac also admitted he was especially interested in the discussion with Muntari to see whether the 25-year-old could help to convince Inter team-mate Mario Balotelli to represent the west African country. The striker was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents, but has declined several call-ups by the Black Stars, outlining instead his intentions to play for Italy, who he has already represented at U-21 level.

Rajevac said: "I was in Milan for two days to talk to Muntari and also Balotelli. I also needed him (Muntari) to help with Balotelli because they are in the same side."

Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Germany, Serbia and Australia, the coach pointed out that it will be key to have their best players available. Rajevac added: "We would need all players for the World Cup.

"For such a competition, you need players with experience and we can find that in John Mensah, John Pantsil, [Laryea] Kingston, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari. There are others too. They are very important players for the World Cup but it depends on them. I also require players who are willing to give of their best for Ghana."

Ghana to relaunch Balotelli Bid

The beleaguered chap is not a regular player at Inter Milan and considering the racism that plagues Italy, any chances are slim. He can try to buy their faces but he has less success in the Italian national team. Quick feet, a free-kick specialist, filled with tenacious shots and great aerial prowess but has less than 40% chances of representing the Italians at 2010 World Cup in South Africa and even beyond that time. The sure way to have a to step onto one of any of the pitches lies on the front of Ghana...


Ghana boss Miroslav Rajevac could soon travel to Italy to have talks with Inter star striker Mario Balotelli and enquire after his availability to play with the African side at this summer's World Cup finals, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper.

Balotelli was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and has already featured for the Nazionale at Under-21 level.

But Fifa rules would not prevent him from defecting to another national side at senior level and Ghana international midfielder Sulley Muntari and Rajevac's Serbian compatriot Dejan Stankovic are reportedly trying to convince their team-mate to seize this chance.

"He is a great talent and can become one of the best strikers in the world," said Rajevac, who had already revealed his desire to include Balotelli in his squad last December.

"Ghana are offering him a nice opportunity. He is of Ghanaian origins and he would find plenty of lads like him in our squad.

"Mario has the chance to take part in the World Cup with one of the most interesting teams and his arrival would be welcomed with enthusiasm. It's up to him: we'd be happy to have him at our disposal."

David Addy Joins FC Porto

A talented chap, a left foot thats full of surging runs down the right flanks and with insightful cross-ins, Addy should be a revelation in the Liga Sagres in Portugal. His emminent task would be to work his socks dirty to be the heir to Hans Adu Sarpie for the World Cup mundial in South Africa 2010.


Ghana starlet David Addy has joined Portuguese giants FC Porto from Danish side Randers FC in a deal reported to be in the region of 800,000 euros.

The 19-year-old, a member of Ghana's Fifa Under-20 World Cup winning squad, agreed a three- and-a-half year contract on Monday.

The left-back began his career back home with International Allies before joining Premier League side Wa All Stars where he played for one season.

Addy's performance with the Portuguese side could earn him a place in Ghana's World Cup squad as head coach Milovan Rajevac searches for a natural left-back.