News - AFRICAN SPORTS MONTHLY

The President of Rugby Africa, Abdelaziz Bougja, ‘chooses’ Morocco to host the handover of his function

2/24/2019

He took the opportunity to formalise the appointment of Nasser Bougja, brother of the president of Rugby Africa, as the representative of Morocco on the executive committee

CASABLANCA, Morocco, February 22, 2019/ -- The president of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) (formerly the Confederation), Abdelaziz Bougja, said on Wednesday evening in Casablanca, that he symbolically chose his own country, Morocco, to hand over the reins of the pan-African organisation after 17 years of service at its head, on the occasion of the elective assembly scheduled for the 2nd March in Marrakech.

The choice of Morocco was prompted by several considerations, including ‘an effort to strengthen the links between the various entities of national rugby and to ensure their stability and progress, while consolidating relationships between the African fraternity’, the former president of the Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation (FRMR) explained during a press conference.

Canada hands over to France

2/24/2019

To mark the launch of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour in Paris on Sunday 24 February, 2015 tournament organisers Canada handed the baton on to upcoming hosts France, who are hoping to raise the bar even higher in terms of attendances and audience.
Hailed in all quarters, Canada 2015 beat all records and took women’s football into a new era, not least in the host country.
“The legacy of the World Cup was huge for us,” said Steve Reed, the president of Canada Soccer. “We now have around a million registered players, which is a pretty significant number. We’ve launched a number of programmes and made the sport more accessible, both for girls and boys.”

Olympic Women qualifiers: Sierra Leone to face Ivory Coast

2/24/2019

Sierra Leone women team have been paired with Ivory Coast in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Olympic qualifiers preliminary round.

Despite still serving world football governing body, FIFA suspension, the country has been included in the fixtures with the preliminary ties scheduled to take place in April 2019, with the first and second leg ties coming between April 1 to 9.

Sierra Leone participation is still unclear after the male senior team; Leone Stars was also disqualified from the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers due to the FIFA ban.

FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour kicks off in Paris

2/24/2019

Today the global FIFA Women's World Cup™ Trophy Tour kicked off in Paris, France, with FIFA Legends Kristine Lilly and Laura Georges sending the trophy off on its whirlwind world tour.
Following today’s launch, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Original Trophy will first travel to Jamaica, Chile and Argentina before continuing its tour of all 24 participating member associations across six continents, giving fans a rare opportunity to see this coveted prize up close.

Bo Rangers fires coach Ernest Hallowell after poor results

2/24/2019

Bo Rangers have fired Coach Ernest Hallowel and the rest of his technical staff on Saturday after a series of very poor performances and results in their opening five matches in the Sierra Leone Premier League.

The club is yet to announce Coach Hallowell’s successor but his termination was with immediate effect following a letter signed by the Board chairman, Prince Boima.

"This letter now serves to inform you that your contract with Bo Rangers Football Club Sierra Leone Limited is hereby terminated effective 23rdFebruary 2019 instantly pursuant to the Board’s resolution on February 20.

PLB warns clubs on players’ registration

2/24/2019

PLB Chairman, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulia

The Sierra Leone Premier League Board have warned the 13 participating clubs in the ongoing Premier League Season that the 27th February 2019 is the deadline date to complete players’ registration for the first phase of the ongoing premier league.

According to a statement from the Board, all clubs are urged to complete registration of players on or before the 27th February, which is the final date for registration of players.

Poland 2019 draw throws up intriguing ties

2/24/2019

FIFA U-20 World Cup group stage draw made in Gdynia
Hosts Poland to face Colombia, Tahiti and Senegal in Group A
Poland to play Colombia in the opening match in Lodz on 23 May

The 22nd edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off in less than 90 days, and two major milestones were reached this weekend as the tournament in Poland approaches.
Grzywek, a Polish bison, was unveiled as the tournament's Official Mascot on Saturday 23 February, while the following day the 24 participating teams discovered who they will face at the world's most important youth tournament after the group stage draw was made at the Gdynia Arena.
FIFA legends Bebeto, who won the U-20 World Cup in 1983 and the FIFA World Cup in 1994; and Fernando Couto, who lifted the U-20 title in 1989, made the draw in front of numerous coaches and icons of Polish football.

FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour to launch in Paris

2/24/2019

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 France™ is mere months away, but fans won't even have to wait that long to catch a glimpse of the competition's ultimate prize: the FIFA Women's World Cup Official Trophy.
The FIFA Women's World Cup™ Trophy Tour will see this precious hardware on display across 24 countries in six continents. It kicks off on 24 February in Paris, where FIFA Legends Kristine Lilly and Laura Georges will be on hand to send the trophy off on its whirlwind world tour.

Nigeria’s Oduduru Divine scorches the Track with a World Lead in the 200 Meters

2/24/2019

Rising big time talent Oduduru Divine of Nigeria has sent a message to the rest of the Sprint world that he is here and one to contend with after he raced to a world Leading time of 20.08 seconds in the 200 meters in Lubbock Texas.

Divine who for the whole race was leading the pack with teammate at Texas Tech Andrew Hudson nipping at his heels held on to the lead and at the tail end even extended it further to clock a world leading time of 20.08 seconds that was rounded down to 20.15 as the fastest time in the world in 2019.

Mendis, Fernando make big gains in Test rankings

2/24/2019

Sri Lanka batsmen Kusal Mendis and Oshada Fernando have made major gains in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings after anchoring their side to a memorable eight-wicket win in Port Elizabeth that helped complete a historic 2-0 series triumph.

Duanne Olivier moves into the top 20 after only 10 Test matches

The unbroken 163-run stand from the pair enabled Sri Lanka to become the first Asian team to win a Test series in South Africa and they had individual gains too. An unbeaten 84 from Mendis lifted him to 18th among batsmen while Fernando’s 75 not out helped him jump 35 places and reach 65th position in the list after just two Tests.

South Africa slip to third in Test rankings

2/24/2019

South Africa have slipped to third place in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings after losing their series to Sri Lanka 2-0.South Africa started the series with 110 points but have slipped to 105 after losing both Tests to their lower-ranked opposition. They are now two points behind New Zealand, who are in second place with 107 points.

Mybet.africa urge Ghanaians to support Kotoko against Nkana FC in CAF Confed Cup Match

2/24/2019

Bookmaker mybet.africa have a message for all Ghanaians to rally their support behind Kumasi Asante Kotoko in Sunday’s match against Nkana FC in faraway Zambia to brighten their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Mybet.africa is offering a tenpercent stake refund on all Kotoko winner bet to the numerous fans in support of Kotoko to reach the knockout stage – single bets only.
As the only Ghanaian team in this year’s competition, mybet.africa is edging all football loving Ghanaians to rally massively their support behindKotoko to keep the flag of Ghana high in Africa again by ensuring qualification.

Accra Battle Decides Ghana Rugby Championship Semi-Finalists

2/24/2019

A fierce battle between two-years champions Conquerors SC and Accra Rugby Club ended in a win for Conquerors by 43 points to 17 on Sunday 17 February 2019 in Accra. This result removed the uncertainty about who will compete in the 2019 Ghana Rugby Club Championship (GRCC) Semi-Finals.

Conquerors, at the top of the Accra Pool A Log with 20 points, will face the second-placed Dennis Foundation of the Cape Coast Pool B section. Dennis Foundation managed to get 14 Championship points behind Griffons on 19 points.

In the second match of the semi-finals, Griffons will play against Accra-based Dansoman Hurricanes who ended on 13 points in the Accra Pool.

The venue for the semi-finals has not been determined yet but it is likely to take place in Cape Coast on Saturday 23 February 2019.

THE CAS HEARING IN THE ARBITRATION PROCEDURE INVOLVING CASTERSEMENYA, ATHLETICS SOUTH AFRICA (ASA) AND THE INTERNATIONALASSOCIATION OF ATHLETICS FEDERATIONS (IAAF) HAS CONCLUDED

2/24/2019

Lausanne, 22 February 2019 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing in the arbitration procedure between Caster Semenya, Athletics South Africa (ASA) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) concluded today at 17:00.
In accordance with the timetable established in advance of the hearing, the Panel in charge of the matter closed the hearing and thanked the parties’ counsels for the quality and the comprehensive nature of their submissions. Over the course of the week, the Panel has had the opportunity to hear from all parties, experts and witnesses, with the IAAF President, Lord Coe, speaking at the outset of the hearing, and Ms Semenya having the last word today. The hearing was conducted in a cordial and respectful atmosphere throughout the entire week.

Tokyo 2020 Welcomes NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CORPORATION and Japan Airport Terminal as Official Partners

2/24/2019

Tokyo, 22 February 2019 – The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) today welcomed NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CORPORATION (NAA) and Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. (JAT), the operator of Haneda Airport, as Tokyo 2020 Official Partners, the second domestic tier of the Tokyo 2020 Sponsorship Programme.
The companies have been attributed the category “Airport Services”. Their addition brings the total number of Tokyo 2020 domestic partners to 61*, including 15 Gold Partners, 32 Official Partners, and 14 Official Supporters (including one Official Supporter which sponsors only the Paralympic Games), all of whom will play vital roles in the successful delivery of the Games.

Alhaji Kamara delighted over Vendsyssel move

2/24/2019

Sierra Leone striker, Alhaji Kamara has expressed his delight over his move to the Danish Superliga side Vendsyssel as a free agent.

The Danish club has been looking for a prolific striker that has seen them struggled in the top flight of Danish football and the opportunity to add the 24 years old forward in their fold was quickly taken.

The striker who last played for FC Sheriff in Moldova said: "I'm happy and can't wait to meet my new teammates. I have previously played in Sweden, so I know a little about Scandinavian football," he told the club's website.

Cricket: Sierra Leone to start World Cup campaign against Tanzania

2/24/2019

Sierra Leone U-19 in action against Nigeria

Sierra Leone Youth U-19 cricket team will start their ICC Africa World Cup qualifiers campaign on Sunday, March 17thagainst Tanzania at the United Oval before taking on Uganda the following day at the Wanderers oval in Windhoek, Namibia.

Just after a days rest, the team will resume playing when they take on tournament host, Namibia on match day three at the United Oval and match day four will give Sierra Leone a big test against East African strong force, Kenya at the WAP Oval.

PLB fine Diamond Stars Le 10 Million

2/24/2019

The Sierra Leone Premier League Board has fined Sierra Leone Premier League club Diamond Stars Le 10,000,000 (approximately US$1,163) and further levied a strong warning on the future conduct of their fans.

Diamond Stars were charged with crowd trouble on double occasion for pitch invasion by fans and the throwing of objects in their away match against Kamboi Eagles in Kenema and the home game with FC Kallon in Kono.

A statement from the PLB reads: "In a meeting held on the 19th February 2019, resolved to impose a fine of Le 10,000,000 on the management of Diamond Stars FC in lieu of the two infringements."

Referee Swahib Bangura suspend for Ports Authority howlers

2/24/2019

Sierra Leone Football Association Referees Committee has levied a month suspension on referee Swahib Bangura for his poor performance during the Mighty Blackpool home match against Ports Authority on Wednesday February 20 at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown.

The Referee faced the music for what the committee described as ‘giving an unfair advantage to Mighty Blackpool who eventual walked away with a 1-0 victory.

Ghanaian Hockey Star, Umaru Joins Italian Club

2/24/2019

Ghanaian Midfielder/attacker Nafisatu Umaru has joined Rome-based side Butterfly Hockey and Cricket club on a three-month deal.
The former CEPS player becomes the second Ghanaian player to sign for a club outside the country in 2019. The player who is also the skipper of the National Female Hockey team had been with Police Ladies for the last 7 seasons before making the switch to Italy.
The player who is already in Rome expressed delight in signing the deal and how good this is for Ghana Hockey.

WBO Rates 10 Ghanaian Boxers High In World Rankings

2/24/2019

WBO Africa champion, Patrick Allotey has moved up to number 10 in latest World Boxing Organisation (WBO) junior middleweight world rankings, while Michael Obodai Sai enters at number 15 in the middleweight division.
Robert 'Stopper' Quaye also makes entry at number 13 in the Light welterweight on the back of winning the WBO Africa title in December.
Former 2-time IBF / IBO world champ, Joseph King Kong Agbeko who currently holds the WBO Africa bantamweight title rises up to number 3 in the world, the same division where countryman, Duke Micah is back at number 2.

100-Day Countdown to FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ starts on 27 February

2/24/2019

On February 27 FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) will officially start the 100-day countdown to the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™. The important milestone for the tournament will be marked in style with the unveiling of the Host City Posters of the nine Host Cities, showcasing the vibrant character and diversity of the venues selected to host the competition.
The event is open to everyone and will feature some special guests unveiling the Host City Posters via a game with FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Official Mascot ettie™. The game will challenge participants to score 100 goals- each goal marking every day remaining until the tournament kicks off- with ettie as goalie between a pair of digital goalposts.

Muay Thai Championship: Defenders of Ghana get set for big challenge

2/24/2019

Saturday, March 9, 2019 will be a big day for Ghana Sports as the first ever Muay Thai International Championship comes off at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Ten exciting fights have been scheduled for crack fighters coming from Ghana, Nigeria, Philippines, Thailand, Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, Malaysia and India.
Yours Truly had the chance to watch the training of the Pro Fighting Gym who are representing Ghana in the event at the Accra Sports Stadium. Stephen ‘Torado’ Bruce, the smallish fighter with a big heart who is fighting in the 60kg division said he has prepared very well and can never afford to lose at home because his wife will be at the ringside to watch him perform. He noted that his Nigerian opponent,Sodiq Mohammed is in big trouble.
Francis Dodoo who also faces Jesus Zamora Salvador from the Philippines said it is a great opportunity to let people know about Muay Thai as his friends and family always see him training, but never seen the real action. He promised to go all out to defend the flag of Ghana. He said the slogan for the championship is very good as it is inspiring them not to lose.

ICC LAUNCHES #WORLDWIDEWICKETS TO CELEBRATE CRICKET AROUND THE WORLD

2/24/2019

Fans around the globe are to be given a chance to experience the excitement of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 through the ICC’s brand new #WorldwideWickets campaign that will celebrate the different ways we all play cricket.

Launched today, the user-generated social media initiative will encourage fans to share pictures and videos of where and how they play cricket across the world.

The winning post will be voted for by fans and the prize is an ultimate ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 Final experience, including tickets and travel for two people to Lord’s on 14 July.

GOC bids Kumasi Asante Kotoko well ahead of Nkana FC clash in Confederations Cup

2/24/2019

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) on behalf of all the various National Sports Federations wishes Asante Kotoko SC the best of luck in their upcoming CAF Confederation match against Nkana FC in Zambia on Sunday 24 February 2019.
In a statement signed by the President of the GOC, Ben Nunoo Mensah, he said Ghana has had some setbacks in our international sporting outings lately but Asante Kotoko remains Ghana’s shining light in international sports.