News - AFRICAN SPORTS MONTHLY

Team 606 congratulates Sierra Star and the female u-20 team in Liberia

10/30/2020

Team 606 Would like to express its enormous appreciation to the Head Coach of the National U-17 Team Raymond Lewis (Mourinho) and his entire technical Staff for their brilliant performances in their past two matches in Liberia.

Sierra Star Played Their first Match against The Liberia U-17 Male Team On Tuesday 27th October 2020, and they won narrowly by (3-2).

They Also Entertained The Discovery Sport Academy FC On Thursday and won convincingly by (5-1).

Bouchra elected first female president of Africa Volleyball Confederation

10/30/2020

Bouchra Hajij has been elected as the 5th President of CAVB-The African Volleyball Confederation at the Congress held online from 24th-26th October 2020, to become the first female president of the continental body.

Hajij, who is also president of the Royal Moroccan Volleyball Federation, FIVB Executive vice president and CAVB Executive vice president and Board member, recorded 42 votes, with incumbent Dr Amr Elwani gathering 12 Votes.

Due to travel restrictions brought by the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Congress was held through virtual conference lasting over 24-hours in 3-days, notably over 15-hours spent on day two before the new president was announced on Monday morning.

Junior tennis players observe protocols at Foundation training matches

10/30/2020

.The ongoing McDan Foundation Training Matches saw junior tennis players observing strict protocols by wearing nose masks and social distancing.

The week-long training matches started on Monday 26th and will climax on Saturday 31st October 2020 with 230 children aged between 8 to 16 years. The youngsters displayed their various skills in tennis and some outwitted their counterparts to reach the quarterfinals stage

2021 UEFA Champions League Final: Football for Friendship eighth season prize fund coming to a close

10/30/2020

The application campaign for participation in the Eighth Season of Gazprom International Children's Social Programme is drawing to a close: the last applications will be accepted up until October 31, 2020.

The Prize Fund is the tickets for the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul.

Every football fan aged 12 to 15, regardless of nationality, gender, or physical abilities, has a chance to take part in the international events of the Football for Friendship. Participation in the programme is absolutely free.

Over 50% of Americans prefer YouTube as source of sports highlights

10/30/2020

Data presented by Safe Betting Sites indicates 53% of Americans prefer YouTube as the source of watching sports highlights. The data is as of September 2020.

Other preferred social media channels for watching sports highlights include Facebook which ranked second at 45%. Instagram is third with 30% preference.

Ghana Tug of War Association gets busy ahead of African Games

10/30/2020

The Ghana Tug of War Association (GHATOWA) has been busy recently with a successful regional event at Koforidua 2020 after the Coastal Strength Challenge held last year in Accra.

President of the Association, Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams said they want to get Ghanaians out of the boredom and grow actively.

He expressed that Ghana can claim much medals in Tug of War if it is added to the traditional sports at the 2023 African Games to be hosted in Ghana.

San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski voted MLS player of the week

10/30/2020

San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski was voted the Major League Soccer Player of the Week for the 21st week of the 2020 MLS season. This is the ninth MLS Player of the Week honor in Wondolowski's career, tied for the fifth-most in league history.

Wondolowski registered a brace to help San Jose to a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake at Earthquakes Stadium on Wednesday. The all-time MLS goals leader now has 165 regular season goals in his career, including six scores this season.

San Jose is in seventh place in the Western Conference standings with 27 points (7-8-6 overall record).

LA28 building on Olympic Agenda 2020 to deliver innovative Games

10/30/2020

The first meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) concluded today, with updates detailing the strong foundations laid by the local Organising Committee, its achievements to date and plans for the coming months as it looks to deliver innovative Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Commission, chaired by IOC Executive Board member Nicole Hoevertsz from Aruba, focused on a number of areas during two days of virtual meetings. Topics included LA28’s vision and mission, sport and venue plans, as well as the success of its brand and commercial programmes.

IOC President Thomas Bach joined the opening of the meeting to share his appreciation for all the work being done by the team in Los Angeles despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19.

Ajax goalkeeper Onana wishes Ghana midfielder Kudus speedy recovery

10/30/2020

The Cameroon shot-stopper is tipping his injured club mate to make a strong comeback to action.

Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Andre Onana is backing team-mate Mohammed Kudus to make a stronger return to the pitch following a recent injury setback.

Ghana international Kudus has been confirmed out of action for “several months” after picking up a meniscus injury during his club’s recent Champions League group stage opener against Liverpool.

The injury was undoubtedly a big disappointment for the 20-year-old who was beginning to settle down at Johan Cruyff Arena following his summer transfer from Danish club Nordsjaelland.

"He's a tough guy. I spoke to him and explained that unfortunately, injuries are also part of football. He was very positive and promised to do everything he could to make a great return," Cameroon goalkeeper Onana, Ajax No.1 goalkeeper, said, as reported by Footballghana.

Great Olympics coach, Annor Walker targets top 5 positions

10/30/2020

The Head Coach of Accra Great Olympics, Annor Walker, has revealed the club’s targets in the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.

The ‘Dade Boys’ endured a miserable spell in the 2019-20 campaign and were sure bets for relegation until Coronavirus intervened.

Ghana’s Arthur Kwame Wharton celebrated as first black professional footballer

10/30/2020

Wharton was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003

Ghana’s stature as a country that has produced some of the best footballers, boxers, and athletes has once again come to the fore after Arthur Kwame Wharton, who is regarded as the world's first black professional footballer was celebrated in England on Wednesday, October 28.

Arthur Kwame Wharton’s celebration and recognition came in the form of a stunning mural and unveiled in Darlington, the first club he played for.

In addition to being a fantastic footballer, Arthur Wharton was also remarkably a record-breaking sprinter.

Available records show that Wharton was born in Ghana in 1865 before moving to England.

Solomon Asante named in 2020 USL Championship Team of the Year

10/30/2020

Ghanaian forward, Solomon Asante has been named in the United Soccer League Team-Of-The-Year for 2020.

The USL honored standout performers from the regular season on Wednesday with the announcement of the 2020 USL Championship All-League Teams.

MLS announces Audi 2020 MLS Cup playoffs qualification update

10/30/2020

Credit: 9News

Major League Soccer today confirmed that multiple clubs will finish the season without playing the full 23 scheduled matches due to disruptions from Covid-19. As a result, qualification for the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs will be determined by points earned on a per match basis, or points per game.

Prior to resuming the season following the MLS is Back Tournament, MLS stated in early August the league would use points per game as opposed to total points to determine playoff qualifiers in the case clubs played an uneven number of games. Points per game will also be used to determine the overall MLS standings, with the top U.S.-based team earning a berth in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. For Canada, the champions of the Canadian Championship, qualify for the Champions League.

MLS also confirmed that the regular season would conclude on Decision Day presented by AT&T on November 8 and that matches will not be scheduled during the FIFA international window. Due to the limited number of remaining match dates, not all clubs will be able to play all of their originally scheduled games this season. While the 14 Eastern Conference teams are on track to complete all 23 regular season matches, the 12 Western Conference teams will not finish the regular season with the same number of matches played.

Utah Jazz sold to Qualtrics co-founder Ryan Smith for US$1.6bn

10/30/2020

Ryan Smith, co-founder and chief executive of software company Qualtrics, has agreed to acquire the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Utah Jazz in a deal worth a reported US$1.6 billion.

Deal includes Vivint Arena and Salt Lake City Stars G League team.

Gernot Rohr names 23-man for Nigeria vs Sierra Leone

10/29/2020

Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has called up Captain Ahmed Musa, defender William Ekong, midfield enforcer Oghenekaro Etebo and 21 others for next month’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying quick-fire double against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.

Defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Chidera Ejuke are also called.

Nigeria’s leading marksman in the series, Victor Osimhen returns after missing out of this month’s friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia, just as midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

Switzerland –based goalkeeper Sebastian Osigwe will hope to earn his first cap for Nigeria, while defenders Kevin Akpoguma and Zaidu Sanusi, who impressed in the friendlies in Austria, have been handed opportunities to add to their caps.

Africa Sports Ventures Group Registers the ASVG Foundation

10/27/2020

Houston, Texas USA Tuesday October 27th 2020: The CEO of Africa Sports Ventures Group; Mr. Leslie Koroma Sr. is pleased to announce the establishment of the Africa Sports Ventures Group Foundation after receiving the acknowledgment and approval of Registration from the State of Texas in the USA.

Umar Kremlev announces run for AIBA president, promises to clean up boxing

10/27/2020

Photo Credit: Aiba.org

October 27th, 2020 – The presidential election for the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has finally got the candidate widely expected to take the reform agenda forward. Umar Kremlev, Vice President of the European Boxing Confederation (EUBC) and AIBA Executive Committee member, announced his candidacy at an online press conference today. He called for unity and reforms in AIBA, the sports body that represents amateur boxing worldwide.

Kremlev presented his manifesto, with plans to pay off the millions of dollars in debt accumulated by AIBA under previous administrations.

“I will ensure that AIBA will no longer be burdened by debt. Boxing is one of the most popular sports in the world and many companies are interested in sponsoring it. The television rights to AIBA events are hugely attractive to broadcasters. Within one or two years, AIBA will attract $50 million in sponsorship. All this money will go towards the development of AIBA,” Kremlev told the international media.

HBO lands doc ‘The Day Sports Stood Still’ from Antoine Fuqua, Brian Grazer and Chris Paul

10/27/2020

HBO Sports has scored distribution rights to “The Day Sports Stood Still,” a feature documentary from Emmy-winning director Antoine Fuqua about the global shutdown of pro sports in wake of the coronavirus.

What's buzzing?The film will be anchored by a first-person account from Chris Paul — the NBA All-Star and president of the NBA Players Association, who also serves as executive producer — and will chronicle shutdowns, athletes’ prominent role in the cultural reckoning on racial injustices that escalated during the pandemic and the complex return to competition in the summer and fall.

The CAS hearing in the procedure between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is maintained.

10/27/2020

Lausanne, 27 October 2020 - The hearing in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) arbitration procedure between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) will take place from 2-5 November 2020 with strict measures due to the current sanitary situation.

In light of the travel restrictions and sanitary measures in place in Switzerland and in the Canton of Vaud due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing will take place in a secured location in Lausanne, in a mixed format with the parties, legal representatives and expert witnesses attending either in-person or by video-conference. The hearing will not be public. For the above reasons, in-person access is strictly reserved to persons directly involved in the case. There will be no access for outside persons and no media briefings or press conferences will be organised by the CAS.

Nigeria Football Federation appoints media officers for men and women national teams

10/27/2020

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the appointment of Mr. Babafemi Raji as the new Media Officer of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles. He takes over from Mr. Toyin Ibitoye who has been in the post for five-and-half years.

Raji, presently the Group Manager, Programmes and Contents in Brila Media Group, started sports journalism as a freelancer with NTA Ile-Ife between 2003 – 2006 while studying at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife.

Kipsta is Ghana Women's football league official ball

10/27/2020

Ghana Football Association, GFA's 4-year deal with Decathlon makes Kipsta the official ball for Ghana Women's Premier League, the Regional Women's Leagues and the FA Cup.

Rosalind Amoh, vice chairperson of the Women’s Premier League Board said football fans should not be confused about the balls.

The SWAG executive member wishes to lay emphasis that Kipsta is for the ladies, and the Women’s Sports Commission is most grateful to Decathlon for supporting women and girls in football.

Sportswear shop, Beautiful Beneath, offers free breast screening to Ghana women

10/27/2020

The exclusive sportswear and Lingerie shop, ‘Beautiful Beneath’ has announced a free breast screening every Saturday and everyone, especially ladies are welcome.

This comes as as an awareness campaign after it reduced its sales price by 20% in the month of October to promote breast cancer awareness and related issues at their shop at East Legon and the Marina Mall at Airport.

Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos voted MLS player of the week

10/27/2020

Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos was voted the Major League Soccer Player of the Week for the 20th week of the 2020 MLS season.

Santos scored a hat trick in 69 minutes played to help Philadelphia secure a dominant 5-0 win over Toronto FC at Subaru Park on Saturday. Santos has now tallied seven goals this season, tied for 12th-most in the league and most on the Union. Philadelphia is tied for first place in the Eastern Conference standings with 41 points (12-3-5 overall record).

Best photographs of 2020 to be recognised at World Athletics Awards

10/27/2020

World Athletics will present an award for the best athletics photograph of the year at this year’s virtual World Athletics Awards 2020 on Saturday 5 December.

Any professional photographer who has attended an athletics event in 2020 can take part.

Photographers are requested to submit one photograph by email to waphotoaward@worldathletics.org, and include a caption, the date the photograph was taken and the image's technical information.

World Athletics Awards goes virtual for 2020

10/27/2020

This year's finest athletics achievements will be celebrated at the World Athletics Awards 2020, to be staged as a virtual event on Saturday 5 December and streamed live on the World Athletics YouTube channel.

This year’s ceremony will recognise exceptional achievement in what has been an extraordinary and unprecedented year, both on and off the fields of play, and celebrate the athletes who met the challenges of 2020 head-on to produce some of the finest performances in the history of our sport.

Once again, athletics fans from around the world will be invited to help select the male and female athletes of the year.