While reflecting on the first part of this write-up, it dawned on me that my top four (4) radio morning shows were indeed made up of two Twi-based as well as two-English shows. Honestly, that outstanding feature hadn’t come to mind until now. Having considered Kokrokoo, a Twi-based show and obviously Peace Fm’s flagship programme, it’s only prudent that I consider an English-based show, for a change.
This show has in fact been what most of the inhabitants of corporate Ghana have been waking up to. You can call it the “kokrokoo” of the educated elite. It is however worthy of note that the use of the term “kokrokoo” here is with reference to the wake-up call most hens and cocks send out each morning. Manned by another of Ghana’s finest broadcasters, his show is indeed his station’s flagship programme; The Super Morning Show (SMS). Hosted by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the SMS indeed touches every sensitive spot.
The show isn’t complete without a motivational word from award-winning playwright, counselor and motivational speaker, Uncle Ebo Whyte. His words are the needed elements to get you in the right frame of mind for the working day. After a quick run through the headlines of the leading newspapers, the sweet voice of Kojo Oppong Nkrumah guides listeners throughout the show, lasting till 10am. Whether he’s on the phone lines, speaking to newsmakers or analyzing the news-making headlines, he comes across as a young man who is truly talented to the core. Sometimes, one wonders why he never pursued a first degree in Mass Communication, but rather toiled at the University of Cape Coast for a Bachelor of Commerce! But perhaps, it’s from the Casely Hayford Hall (CASFORD), his hall of affiliation as an undergraduate that he garnered that can-do spirit.
The SMS is always complete with the latest music which leads listeners wondering how the current affairs cum politics and development inclined show can be so in sync with music. It’s a delight listening to Kojo’s funny comments about the songs he plays and I must confess he’s got good taste for music.
The astute SMS listener would have the privilege of listening to various lawmakers as well as those who matter, on their views on issues being discussed. Almost every time, the right questions are posed, necessitating answers that no doubt inform the opinions of listeners. Because the show and in fact the station, JOY 99.7 Fm, runs all its shows in English, it reaches out to all who comprehend the Queen’s tongue. And indeed, a vast majority of Ghanaians are unable to comprehend the popular Akan language. The SMS therefore reaches out to all such ones including the huge representation of foreigners Ghana has come to be home to. This includes members of the diplomatic corp., refugees, asylum seekers and businessmen. All who fall within this bracket are assured of high quality debates, analysis, and entertainment when they tune in to the Super Morning Show.
Thanks to the wonders of technology, listeners across many oceans can still tune in to the SMS via www.myjoyonline.com although that feat has also been achieved by Peace Fm’s Kokrokoo which also streams live on the internet via www.peacefmonline.com. Perhaps the uniqueness of the Super Morning Show is how it incorporates social networking into the morning show. Thus listeners do air their views and interact via Facebook and Twitter, getting to have their messages read all the same, at little or no cost, rather than using the conventional MTN short code 1422 which costs 30Gp per text.
In terms of promotions and packages for listeners, the SMS sets the standard. Every now and then, a new promotion pops up, promising to start a period of great activity. Perhaps, that’s what Joy Fm is noted for. My personal favorite over the years has been the Read One Hundred (100) Project, which sought to incite listeners, especially the young, to read, while assured of gaining rewards if they were diligent enough at their reading.
Indeed the Super Morning Show lives up to its name. It’s a super morning show; educative, informative, analytical, motivational and entertaining. No doubt it won the CIMG Radio Programme of the Year and GJA Radio Programme of the Year; call it the double, in 2008. It’s little wonder therefore that the Super Morning Show is seated comfortably as a part of my personal top four (4) radio morning shows.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
MY TOP FOUR RADIO MORNING SHOWS IN GHANA- PART 1
It’s the desire of every morning person to be fed with what’s happening around the world. For even the most religious among the lot, their quest to be current and abreast of world events supersedes their early morning encounter with their objects of worship. In a cosmopolitan city like Accra, city dwellers satisfy this quest in most cases, by listening to the radio; while in the shower, while taking breakfast or while stuck in traffic on the way to work. With the multiplicity of radio stations in Ghana, one doesn’t have to go through much stress finding a suitable frequency. In fact, it seems wherever one tunes to has one show or another going on each morning.
But do morning shows live up to their name? Are they able to light up the days of their listeners? What about their content? Whom are they aimed at? Well, these questions are going to guide the study of my four (4) favorite radio morning shows and no doubt Ghana’s top four morning shows. This write-up presents a listener’s point of view of these shows. Having spent some time following these shows, I believe it’s in the right direction that I undertake this study. To start with, I would give an overview of each show before delving into the analytical phase.
In no particular order, the following radio shows are going to be the specimen for this study; PEACE FM’S KOKROKOO, ADOM FM’S DWASO NSEM, JOY FM’S SUPER MORNING SHOW (SMS) AND HITZ FM’S DAYBREAK HITZ.
The first show to be considered is PEACE FM’S KOKROKOO. The show’s host Kwami Sefa Kayi, affectionately called “Chairman” by his panelists and listeners expertly drives Ghana to work from 6:30am-10:00am every other working day. According to him, the best thing about being a broadcaster is “The ability to affect millions of lives positively and to contribute to the development of my country.” A line he has become known for on radio is “We are soldiering on for God and country” and actually, that’s what he does.
Serving his breakfast in Twi, he is able to capture a wider audience. From the newspaper review segment through the phone-ins and the part where his panelists, usually from the different political divide, battle issues out, KOKROKOO comes across as an interesting show. Chairman’s probing questions always hit the right spot, making his respondents let whatever cats they have out of their bags. Mention can be made of how he was able to draw out the inner feelings and thoughts of the infamous Bishop Obinim. That interview no doubt added more salt to Obinim’s injury as he said more than he should have.
Lovers of politics are left full and smiling all day as their respected partymen and women try to defend various political actions. While Uncle Allotey Jacobs, the ‘educated fisherman’ as he’s widely called, is always violently championing the cause of the ruling NDC and justifying their every action while code-switching between Fanti and English, the sharp-tongued Ursula Owusu of the NPP also presents the minority’s view of nation building and as always, tries to point out loopholes in what the ruling party does. You can also trust Kwesi Pratt Jnr. to be as analytical as ever and with his favorite word “Massa”, he can stop anyone in his or her tracks, just to make his submission. KOKROKOO is never complete without the presence of the man who has a copy of every document underneath the sun, Kwaku Baako Jnr. who in most cases is torn between speaking Twi/Fanti and English. He is more often than not championing the course of the NPP and not his CPP and it can be noted that it was even on KOKROKOO that he admitted having voted for the NPP Flagbearer, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo during the 2008 general elections.
On the average, Kwami Sefa Kayi proves to be a good moderator of his show and of course his station’s flagship programme. No doubt he’s the current holder of the Morning Show Host of the Year (Radio) title as well as the Radio and Television Personality of the Year. Yes, you can say he’s cemented his name in history. This can be attributed to the fact that he is with one of Ghana’s best radio stations, if not the best. Running about a 70% of his show in Twi, a language that most of his listeners; young, old, elite, unlettered, can relate to, he reaches a wider audience. Quite positively, most businesses deem it prudent to advertise their products on his show. Although that’s purely a marketing strategy that also fetches the station lots of money, one thing the show’s producers may not have noticed is that these commercials take away most of the show’s time.
Besides being hugely tainted by politics, KOKROKOO really is a force to reckon with in the area of radio morning shows. Kwami’s occasional humorous nature tends to relax things when they go out of hand in his studio. His studio-hands also contribute to the show’s success. Wherever they learnt how to embellish from, they were studious in the learning process. They can make serious issues appear as child’s play and vice versa, although this sometimes draws attention from the issue at stake.
Nevertheless, when next you want to know what’s going on in Ghana when you wake up, remember to tune in to the Chairman’s show on Peace Fm on 104.3 MHz. Quite interestingly, his show runs on over 25 affiliate radio stations in and out of Ghana each morning. It’s little wonder therefore that KOKROKOO makes my top four (4).
But do morning shows live up to their name? Are they able to light up the days of their listeners? What about their content? Whom are they aimed at? Well, these questions are going to guide the study of my four (4) favorite radio morning shows and no doubt Ghana’s top four morning shows. This write-up presents a listener’s point of view of these shows. Having spent some time following these shows, I believe it’s in the right direction that I undertake this study. To start with, I would give an overview of each show before delving into the analytical phase.
In no particular order, the following radio shows are going to be the specimen for this study; PEACE FM’S KOKROKOO, ADOM FM’S DWASO NSEM, JOY FM’S SUPER MORNING SHOW (SMS) AND HITZ FM’S DAYBREAK HITZ.
The first show to be considered is PEACE FM’S KOKROKOO. The show’s host Kwami Sefa Kayi, affectionately called “Chairman” by his panelists and listeners expertly drives Ghana to work from 6:30am-10:00am every other working day. According to him, the best thing about being a broadcaster is “The ability to affect millions of lives positively and to contribute to the development of my country.” A line he has become known for on radio is “We are soldiering on for God and country” and actually, that’s what he does.
Serving his breakfast in Twi, he is able to capture a wider audience. From the newspaper review segment through the phone-ins and the part where his panelists, usually from the different political divide, battle issues out, KOKROKOO comes across as an interesting show. Chairman’s probing questions always hit the right spot, making his respondents let whatever cats they have out of their bags. Mention can be made of how he was able to draw out the inner feelings and thoughts of the infamous Bishop Obinim. That interview no doubt added more salt to Obinim’s injury as he said more than he should have.
Lovers of politics are left full and smiling all day as their respected partymen and women try to defend various political actions. While Uncle Allotey Jacobs, the ‘educated fisherman’ as he’s widely called, is always violently championing the cause of the ruling NDC and justifying their every action while code-switching between Fanti and English, the sharp-tongued Ursula Owusu of the NPP also presents the minority’s view of nation building and as always, tries to point out loopholes in what the ruling party does. You can also trust Kwesi Pratt Jnr. to be as analytical as ever and with his favorite word “Massa”, he can stop anyone in his or her tracks, just to make his submission. KOKROKOO is never complete without the presence of the man who has a copy of every document underneath the sun, Kwaku Baako Jnr. who in most cases is torn between speaking Twi/Fanti and English. He is more often than not championing the course of the NPP and not his CPP and it can be noted that it was even on KOKROKOO that he admitted having voted for the NPP Flagbearer, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo during the 2008 general elections.
On the average, Kwami Sefa Kayi proves to be a good moderator of his show and of course his station’s flagship programme. No doubt he’s the current holder of the Morning Show Host of the Year (Radio) title as well as the Radio and Television Personality of the Year. Yes, you can say he’s cemented his name in history. This can be attributed to the fact that he is with one of Ghana’s best radio stations, if not the best. Running about a 70% of his show in Twi, a language that most of his listeners; young, old, elite, unlettered, can relate to, he reaches a wider audience. Quite positively, most businesses deem it prudent to advertise their products on his show. Although that’s purely a marketing strategy that also fetches the station lots of money, one thing the show’s producers may not have noticed is that these commercials take away most of the show’s time.
Besides being hugely tainted by politics, KOKROKOO really is a force to reckon with in the area of radio morning shows. Kwami’s occasional humorous nature tends to relax things when they go out of hand in his studio. His studio-hands also contribute to the show’s success. Wherever they learnt how to embellish from, they were studious in the learning process. They can make serious issues appear as child’s play and vice versa, although this sometimes draws attention from the issue at stake.
Nevertheless, when next you want to know what’s going on in Ghana when you wake up, remember to tune in to the Chairman’s show on Peace Fm on 104.3 MHz. Quite interestingly, his show runs on over 25 affiliate radio stations in and out of Ghana each morning. It’s little wonder therefore that KOKROKOO makes my top four (4).
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
THREE REASONS WHY LIONEL MESSI ‘UNDERPERFORMS’ FOR THE ALBICELESTE
The current world best player has been impressive for his club side FC Barcelona over the past few years but his work-rate, goals, influence and ability when he dons his shirt for the Albiceleste is woefully inadequate. Bookmakers tipped the little Argentine to grab the topscorer award at the Copa but he turned out as a top non-scorer (top player who did not score). He was involved in three of the five goals Argentina scored at the Copa and was named man of the match in a low profile game against a lame Costa Rica side. I take a look at why Lionel Messi cannot replicate his club form for his country….
1. TEAM TACTICS: I will use the 2011 Copa America as a case study here. Argentina’s disappointing run during the Copa America went a long way to reveal a lot of things. Lionel Messi was toothless in that first game against Bolivia and lot of criticisms should be leveled at manager, Sergio Batista. The tactician played a 4-3-3 formation (reportedly to suit Messi) with three defensive minded midfielders in Ever Banenga, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Mascherano and a striking triumvirate consisting of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi. Here, there was no creativity in the middle of the park and so Messi had to drop deep to claim the ball so as to create an attacking move. At Barca, it is not so. Supporting cast, Iniesta and Xavi are responsible for creating the attack and Messi finishes them off with relish. This only means one thing…that Messi cannot perform in a team bereft of a Xavi or Iniesta prototype…this also shows that Xavi and Iniesta should be given more recognition. The answer to this problem was quite easy. One of the three defensive midfielders, (probably Cambiasso) should have been dropped for a more creative player (Javier Pastore). Some pundits argue that the telepathy between Messi and his team mates is the reason why he does not perform but I am glad to reveal it is just a fallacy. Messi has played with most of his current team mates at different levels (youth levels). For example, in the 2008 Summer Olympics in which Argentina claimed Gold (this same Sergio Batista was the manager), Messi played alongside players like Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando Gago, Ever Banga, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Romero. At the under 20 World Cup in which Argentina again won and Messi himself voted the Best Player and topscorer of the tourney, he played alongside Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero and Fernando Gago. Therefore, that Chemistry with majority of his team mates is already there but the results desired is not forth coming due to bad team tactics. Argentina should play as Argentina, not try to alter their system to suit Messi.
2. THE TAG OF NEXT MARADONA: I don’t know if anyone else has realized this parallelism that exists between Maradona and Messi. First of all, Maradona won the U-20 World Cup with Argentina in 1979. He was voted the best player. Lionel Messi also won the U-20 World Cup with Argentina in 2005 where he was also voted best player and topscorer. Secondly, Maradona played for Newell’s Old Boys (1993-1994) and FC Barcelona (1982-1984). Lionel Messi’s youth career kick started at Newell’s Old Boys (1995-2000) whilst he’s currently ruling the world of football as he sits on his Barcelona throne in Catalunya. Penultimately, Diego Maradona made his full international debut for Argentina against Hungary in 1977 at the age of just 16 years. Lionel Messi also debuted for Argentina against Hungary albeit it ended in cataclycsm as Messi was sent off just two minutes after he was brought on as a substitute. Lastly, Messi has replicated some of Maradona’s flamboyant and infamous goals. I’ll give two examples. Maradona scored with his hand against England in a crunch quarter final game in the 1986 World Cup. Again in that same game against England, Maradona scored the greatest goal in the history of the World Cup when he took the ball from his own half and mazed through five English players before making goalkeeper Peter Shilton look ordinary and then slotted the ball home. Messi has replicated these two goals. In the 2006/2007 La Liga season, Messi replicated Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ goal against local rivals, Espanyol. In that same season against Getafe he scored another Maradona-esque goal. Messi claimed the ball from his own half and jinked through five Getafe outfield players. The goalkeeper was also not spared as Messi went past him before cooly finishing. Sid Lowe of the Daily Telegraph (London) was quoted as saying “He ran about the same distance, 62 metres (203 ft), beat the same number of players (six, including the goalkeeper), scored from a very similar position, and ran towards the corner flag just as Maradona did in Mexico 21 years before”. Obviously, Diego Maradona had similar playing style as Lionel Messi. Both of them are quite short (in fact, Messi is just 0.04 m taller than Maradona) and their physique is such that, they both have a low centre of gravity meaning they are less likely to fall down when impeded and they both play almost the same position BUT the only difference is that Diego Maradona has done something worthy of note for his country; winning the world cup whilst Messi has not. This has heightened the pressure on Lionel Messi to perform for his country. I’ve been of the opinion that the 2014 World Cup belongs to Brazil and so the only realistic chance Messi has of winning the World Cup will be in 2018. By then, the Barcelona maestro would be approaching 31 years of age…he might have lost some of his quality by then but if he does not win the World Cup in 2018, then it should be adios for Lionel Messi’s international career and then we can safely say he has failed as an international.
3. MORE OF A CATALAN THAN AN ARGENTINE: Not entirely his fault but Messi has spent the best part of his life in Spain. Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the tender age of just eleven years. FC Barcelona opted to take care of his medical bills...some years later the Barca ace has opted to take care of opposition defenders on the pitch. Lionel Messi rarely sings the national anthem and the fact that he’s the only member of the Argentine national team who never played in the Argentine league means that he’s not a fan favourite. Carlos Tevez is the poster boy of the national team…a fan’s favourite and even if he has a bad day on the pitch, the fans urge him on whilst they hurl insults and insinuations at the Barca kid even when he’s giving his all for the team. These criticisims have got to Messi as he recently made it point blank that nothing (criticisms) was going to stop him from playing for the national team. The Argentine FA President, Julio Grondona indicated that Lionel Messi would not play for the national team again if the criticisms from the press and fans persisted. We all know that tension between a player and his fans does not normally auger well for the player and that’s another reason why Lionel Messi is seemingly not performing for his national side.
Lionel Messi is the best footballer on earth, no doubt but he needs to prove it with his national team. All the greatest players we can think of have proved their worth with their national teams; Diego Maradona, world Pele, Franz Beckenbaeur, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo de Lima, Fabio Cannavarro, Ronaldinho et al. Football purists are concerned about his erratic form for his country and the credibility of the FIFA Ballon d’or committee is at stake because their star man can only perform for his club, Barca. The Copa America is over but fortunately, Messi’s international career is not over. He may go down as the greatest player in the history of FC Barcelona but not the greatest player in world football if he does not succeed with Argentina….
I leave you with how goal.com rated Lionel Messi in each of his games at the Copa America.
Messi against Bolivia
“Had a few magical runs and solid through balls but looked nothing like the Barcelona version. Rarely tested the Bolivia goalkeeper”
Messi against Colombia
“Created Argentina’s best chance of the game when he released Lavezzi in an excellent position in the 33rd minute. Tried hard to drive his team to victory but looked a bit intimidated by the Colombians passionate play. Spent most of the time shaking his head, instead of using it.”
Messi against Costa Rica
“Tonight witnessed the reappearances of the mesmeric Messi who terrorizes defences in Barca colours. Provided assists for Aguero and di Maria with delightful passes. Also presented Higuain with a hatful of chances, but the Real Madrid forward failed to take them.”
Messi against Uruguay
“Had a few fantastic 25 min spell in the first 45 in which he was untouchable. Curled over a stunning cross for Higuain to head home and restore parity. Repeated the trick with a freekick, but Higuain’s goal was ruled out for offside. Not quite as mesmerizing in the second half and extra time.”
My own quote: “Nobody remembers that Maradona won the U-20 World Cup but everyone remembers he won the senior World Cup in 1986. Lionel Messi may have won the 2005 U-20 World Cup but he needs to win the senior World Cup to engrave his name in the history books of football.”
I want your take on this issue. Why do you think Lionel Messi ‘underperforms’ for his country?
By Emmanuel Ampiah (ampiahee@yahoo.com)
1. TEAM TACTICS: I will use the 2011 Copa America as a case study here. Argentina’s disappointing run during the Copa America went a long way to reveal a lot of things. Lionel Messi was toothless in that first game against Bolivia and lot of criticisms should be leveled at manager, Sergio Batista. The tactician played a 4-3-3 formation (reportedly to suit Messi) with three defensive minded midfielders in Ever Banenga, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Mascherano and a striking triumvirate consisting of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi. Here, there was no creativity in the middle of the park and so Messi had to drop deep to claim the ball so as to create an attacking move. At Barca, it is not so. Supporting cast, Iniesta and Xavi are responsible for creating the attack and Messi finishes them off with relish. This only means one thing…that Messi cannot perform in a team bereft of a Xavi or Iniesta prototype…this also shows that Xavi and Iniesta should be given more recognition. The answer to this problem was quite easy. One of the three defensive midfielders, (probably Cambiasso) should have been dropped for a more creative player (Javier Pastore). Some pundits argue that the telepathy between Messi and his team mates is the reason why he does not perform but I am glad to reveal it is just a fallacy. Messi has played with most of his current team mates at different levels (youth levels). For example, in the 2008 Summer Olympics in which Argentina claimed Gold (this same Sergio Batista was the manager), Messi played alongside players like Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando Gago, Ever Banga, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Romero. At the under 20 World Cup in which Argentina again won and Messi himself voted the Best Player and topscorer of the tourney, he played alongside Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero and Fernando Gago. Therefore, that Chemistry with majority of his team mates is already there but the results desired is not forth coming due to bad team tactics. Argentina should play as Argentina, not try to alter their system to suit Messi.
2. THE TAG OF NEXT MARADONA: I don’t know if anyone else has realized this parallelism that exists between Maradona and Messi. First of all, Maradona won the U-20 World Cup with Argentina in 1979. He was voted the best player. Lionel Messi also won the U-20 World Cup with Argentina in 2005 where he was also voted best player and topscorer. Secondly, Maradona played for Newell’s Old Boys (1993-1994) and FC Barcelona (1982-1984). Lionel Messi’s youth career kick started at Newell’s Old Boys (1995-2000) whilst he’s currently ruling the world of football as he sits on his Barcelona throne in Catalunya. Penultimately, Diego Maradona made his full international debut for Argentina against Hungary in 1977 at the age of just 16 years. Lionel Messi also debuted for Argentina against Hungary albeit it ended in cataclycsm as Messi was sent off just two minutes after he was brought on as a substitute. Lastly, Messi has replicated some of Maradona’s flamboyant and infamous goals. I’ll give two examples. Maradona scored with his hand against England in a crunch quarter final game in the 1986 World Cup. Again in that same game against England, Maradona scored the greatest goal in the history of the World Cup when he took the ball from his own half and mazed through five English players before making goalkeeper Peter Shilton look ordinary and then slotted the ball home. Messi has replicated these two goals. In the 2006/2007 La Liga season, Messi replicated Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ goal against local rivals, Espanyol. In that same season against Getafe he scored another Maradona-esque goal. Messi claimed the ball from his own half and jinked through five Getafe outfield players. The goalkeeper was also not spared as Messi went past him before cooly finishing. Sid Lowe of the Daily Telegraph (London) was quoted as saying “He ran about the same distance, 62 metres (203 ft), beat the same number of players (six, including the goalkeeper), scored from a very similar position, and ran towards the corner flag just as Maradona did in Mexico 21 years before”. Obviously, Diego Maradona had similar playing style as Lionel Messi. Both of them are quite short (in fact, Messi is just 0.04 m taller than Maradona) and their physique is such that, they both have a low centre of gravity meaning they are less likely to fall down when impeded and they both play almost the same position BUT the only difference is that Diego Maradona has done something worthy of note for his country; winning the world cup whilst Messi has not. This has heightened the pressure on Lionel Messi to perform for his country. I’ve been of the opinion that the 2014 World Cup belongs to Brazil and so the only realistic chance Messi has of winning the World Cup will be in 2018. By then, the Barcelona maestro would be approaching 31 years of age…he might have lost some of his quality by then but if he does not win the World Cup in 2018, then it should be adios for Lionel Messi’s international career and then we can safely say he has failed as an international.
3. MORE OF A CATALAN THAN AN ARGENTINE: Not entirely his fault but Messi has spent the best part of his life in Spain. Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the tender age of just eleven years. FC Barcelona opted to take care of his medical bills...some years later the Barca ace has opted to take care of opposition defenders on the pitch. Lionel Messi rarely sings the national anthem and the fact that he’s the only member of the Argentine national team who never played in the Argentine league means that he’s not a fan favourite. Carlos Tevez is the poster boy of the national team…a fan’s favourite and even if he has a bad day on the pitch, the fans urge him on whilst they hurl insults and insinuations at the Barca kid even when he’s giving his all for the team. These criticisims have got to Messi as he recently made it point blank that nothing (criticisms) was going to stop him from playing for the national team. The Argentine FA President, Julio Grondona indicated that Lionel Messi would not play for the national team again if the criticisms from the press and fans persisted. We all know that tension between a player and his fans does not normally auger well for the player and that’s another reason why Lionel Messi is seemingly not performing for his national side.
Lionel Messi is the best footballer on earth, no doubt but he needs to prove it with his national team. All the greatest players we can think of have proved their worth with their national teams; Diego Maradona, world Pele, Franz Beckenbaeur, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo de Lima, Fabio Cannavarro, Ronaldinho et al. Football purists are concerned about his erratic form for his country and the credibility of the FIFA Ballon d’or committee is at stake because their star man can only perform for his club, Barca. The Copa America is over but fortunately, Messi’s international career is not over. He may go down as the greatest player in the history of FC Barcelona but not the greatest player in world football if he does not succeed with Argentina….
I leave you with how goal.com rated Lionel Messi in each of his games at the Copa America.
Messi against Bolivia
“Had a few magical runs and solid through balls but looked nothing like the Barcelona version. Rarely tested the Bolivia goalkeeper”
Messi against Colombia
“Created Argentina’s best chance of the game when he released Lavezzi in an excellent position in the 33rd minute. Tried hard to drive his team to victory but looked a bit intimidated by the Colombians passionate play. Spent most of the time shaking his head, instead of using it.”
Messi against Costa Rica
“Tonight witnessed the reappearances of the mesmeric Messi who terrorizes defences in Barca colours. Provided assists for Aguero and di Maria with delightful passes. Also presented Higuain with a hatful of chances, but the Real Madrid forward failed to take them.”
Messi against Uruguay
“Had a few fantastic 25 min spell in the first 45 in which he was untouchable. Curled over a stunning cross for Higuain to head home and restore parity. Repeated the trick with a freekick, but Higuain’s goal was ruled out for offside. Not quite as mesmerizing in the second half and extra time.”
My own quote: “Nobody remembers that Maradona won the U-20 World Cup but everyone remembers he won the senior World Cup in 1986. Lionel Messi may have won the 2005 U-20 World Cup but he needs to win the senior World Cup to engrave his name in the history books of football.”
I want your take on this issue. Why do you think Lionel Messi ‘underperforms’ for his country?
By Emmanuel Ampiah (ampiahee@yahoo.com)
Sunday, July 24, 2011
THE TACTICAL TWEAKS IF JOSE MOURINHO SWITCHES TO A 4-3-3 FORMATION
Just yesterday, I was told that Jose Mourinho may switch to a 4-3-3 formation. Well, honestly I don’t really know what the former Inter tactician has in mind but a Barcelona-esque style of play may just not be out of the question. The arrival of new players may have prompted the Special One to change his tactics. Whilst his second season in almost every club he has managed has been better than his first spell, Real Madrid fans should brace themselves for a rollercoaster season whilst FC Barcelona and Europe should be keeping a close eye on the development at the capital club and this suspicious switch to 4-3-3.
As I indicated earlier, the arrivals of new players; Nuri Sahin, Jose Callejon, Hamit Altintop and inevetibaly, Fabio Coentrao and Neymar may have urged Mourinho to have a change in plan. Mourinho is not new to the 4-3-3 formation to start with. During his Chelsea days, a 4-3-3 formation which quickly metarmophosed to a 4-5-1 formation when the team was defending was very much evident. The Portuguese manager started out with a 4-2-3-1 formation at Madrid but in his last few games against Barcelona, a rather defensive 4-3-3 formation was utilized. In fact, Mourinho and Madrid used the 4-2-3-1 on 44 different occasions whilst the 4-3-3 was used in 10 games. In other games, notably the 6-3 mauling of Valencia at the Mestalla in La Liga last season, the attacking intent in a 4-3-3 formation was picturesquely painted. Estaban Granero and Lassana Diarra were the ‘hardmen’ in midfield whilst Sergio Canales was tasked to create chances for the front three; Kaka (2 goals), Benzema (1 goal) and Higuain (3 goals). So, I’ll proceed to discuss which players may play in which position…
Iker Casillas is set to retain his position in goal for the umpteenth time as the Spain and club captain practically has no challenger. The back four may see some changes with respect to the arrival of Benfica superstar, Fabio Coentrao. Jose Mourinho is largely known for utilizing his countrymen, bringing out the best in them, well, apart from Ricardo Quaresma. The 23 year old Fabio Coentrao may slot seamlessly into that left-back position but that means Marcelo will be forced to watch proceedings from the bench. Coentrao is a typical wing-back whilst Marcelo is naturally a winger. None of them is a left-back by trade as they love to join the attack. Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho look set to continue and strengthen the partnership forged last season in central defence. Sergio Ramos was out of form last season and his erratic form and dangerous play culminated in 17 yellow cards and 1 straight red card. I’m looking at a situation where Coentrao may be shifted to right back so that Marcelo maintains that left-back spot albeit this may not really happen.
The problems start in midfield. First, Xabi Alonso is set to maintain his position as a defensive midfielder in the centre of the park. Nuri Sahin is favourite in that left central midfield role. Sahin is a left-footed player who can defend as well as attack. He’ll be preferred to Sami Khedira because Sahin can do whatever Khedira can do and even more. The German has not scored since he joined the Blancos as he’s more comfortable sitting back to read the game but Sahin is more of a defensive playmaker. He scored 6 goals and assisted 8 more from a deep central position for Borussia Dortmund last season. Sahin will also wrestle with Cristiano Ronaldo for “King of Freekick” accolade as taking set-pieces is one of his specialities. That leaves just one spot in right midfield which may be completed by either Mesut Ozil or Angel di Maria. Ozil assisted 25 goals in all competitions last season but his stamina is nothing to write home about and he doesn’t seem interested in defending. Di Mari assisted 20 goals last season whilst his ability to track back to defend means Mourinho will prefer him to the cigarette-smoking Ozil. Again, Coentrao may be shifted into midfield meaning Sahin may move to the right whilst di Maria will have to sit out.
The attack will look an interesting one especially if Neymar were to join Los Merengues. Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely feature on the left hand side of attack meaning either Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain will play as a striker whilst Neymar completes the attacking triumvirate (attack from the right) if only he arrives. Ozil can also attack from the right. Another interesting instance I was observing was playing di Maria and Fabio Coentrao on the left hand side (the former as a left-winger and the latter as a left-back). And with Ronaldo on that left hand side of attack, Real Madrid will look very fearsome down the left hand channel.The trivia here is that di Maria and Fabio Coentrao terrorized right-backs and right wingers during their days at Benfica in Portugal and Mou can dwell on that to play both of them on the left.
In all this, some key names are conspicuously missing; Fernando Gago, Jose Callejon, Hamit Altintopp, Kaka and Lansanna Diarra. The above-listed players will definitely warm the bench with Altintopp the most probable of the quintet to see more playing time.For Fernando Gago and and Lass, I don’t have any hope for them as there are so many quality defensive midfielders at Madrid. Altintopp was a top class defensive midfielder during his days with Schalke 04 in Germany. His rise to stardom waned when he joined Bayern Munich around 2007. On a brighter note, the Turk is an all-round midfielder as he can play in any postion across midfield. Jose Callejon was a youth player at Real Madrid before he was ousted in 2008 but Espanyol has developed him into a relatively matured winger. Very good down the flanks and also tracks back to help out in defence. But as I said earlier, these players will mainly serve as back-up. Real Madrid will be the only club in the world with such strength in depth if they manage to keep all their players and also, all their transfer targets arrive. Ultimately, my dream starting eleven for Real Madrid should look like this….
CASILLAS
RAMOS PEPE CARVALHO COENTRAO
DI MARIA ALONSO SAHIN
OZIL HIGUAIN RONALDO
Finally, I will say that Real Madrid is bringing on all these players and making tactical changes just to make them better than a certain FC Barcelona. Madrid only has Barca to beat and no other team. A victory against the Catalans in the upcoming Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) in August will serve as the right tonic for a smooth journey through the 2011/2012 La Liga season which may just see Real Madrid as La Liga Champions and also clinch the ever elusive 10th UEFA Champions League trophy. Hala Madrid!!!
By Emmanuel Ampiah (ampiahee@yahoo.com)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
LIONEL MESSI HAS TO WIN THE WORLD CUP TO BECOME GREATEST FOOTBALLER OF ALL TIME
The meteoric rise of Argentine international, Lionel Andres Messi has led a lot of soccer fans to conclude that he’s the greatest player of all time. Lionel Messi has won everything there is to win, in terms of club football at the age of just 23 years but for Lionel Messi to permanently engrave his name in the history of football, he has to win the World Cup with Argentina.In the era of Pele and Maradona, playing good football at a good club was a prerequisite to becoming a great football but winning the World Cup was the ultimate…and so is today!
Pele was known for his dribbling, powerful shot and occasional wonderful free kicks. ‘The King’ may not have played football in Europe as he rejected the offer Spanish giants, Real Madrid, made in 1962 but he certainly achieved a lot with his football club, Santos. Edison Arantes do Nascimento made his debut for Santos at the age of 16 years and was topscorer in the Campeonato Paulista (Brazilian league) for nine consecutive years (1957-1965). With his club side, Pele won 2 Copa Libertadores (the South American edition of the Champions League), 10 Campeonato Paulista titles (Brazilian league titles) amongst others. Most importantly, Pele won the World Cup not once, twice but thrice even playing a leading role at his first World Cup in 1958 at the age of just 17 years. Pele actually gained world wide recognition when he won the World Cup. In all, Pele scored 1087 goals in 1120 appearances including a record 77 goals in 92 appearances for the Selecao (Brazilian national team).
Diego Maradona is the other player who rivals Pele for title of THE GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME. Diego Armando Maradona was first noticed when he won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1979 with Argentina. He was crowned the best player of that tournament. After 6 successful seasons with Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors in his native Argentina, ‘El Diego’ joined Spanish club, FC Barcelona for 5 million pounds in 1982. His time at Barcelona was a potpourri of success, niggling injuries and indiscipline as he was quickly thrown out of Iberia and into the Italian peninsula. In the Serie A, Maradona led Napoli to two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990 which was sandwiched by two second place finishes. Diego was even top scorer in the 1987/1988 season with 15 goals to his name. During his time in Italy, the little Argentine powered Napoli to the UEFA Cup, Italian Super Cup and the Coppa Italia as well. In all this, his best moments came at the World Cup. Maradona participated in four consecutive World Cup events. His talismanic nature was brought to the fore in 1986 where he, as it were, single handedly propelled Argentina to the final, ultimately winning the World Cup, as a captain. Maradona and his Argentine side were in the final again four years later but narrowly lost in controversial manner to West Germany whilst his ill-fated 1994 World Cup campaign brought to an abrupt end his sweet romance with international football. In all 34 goals in 91 appearances is what Maradona managed for the Argentine national team whilst he hit a total haul of 311 goals in 589 games in all competitions.
Modern great players include Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Ronaldo de Lima, Cafu, Alessandro Nesta, Claude Makelele, Paolo Maldini, David Bechamp and a host of others. In modern football, three trophies are quintessential if a player wants to be revered as the greatest player of all time: The Champions League trophy, The World Cup Trophy and Domestic League trophy in a reputable league! Many of these modern great players have won two of these three major trophies…only a selected a few have won all three trophies…Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Cafu and Roberto Carlos readily comes to mind. By now, Arsenal fans now know why Thierry Henry left the shores of England to win the Champions League with FC Barcelona in Spain. He wanted to secure his name as a candidate for ‘GREATEST FOOTBALLER ‘. Ronaldo de Lima never won the UEFA Champions League title though a quick glance at the clubs he featured for in his illustrious career reveals European powerhouses like FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Does this mean that he cannot be considered as a great player? This is an emphatic NO!! His exploits in the World Cup has cemented his name in football folklore! Having won two World Cup titles (1994 and 1998) and holding the enviable record of 15 World Cup goals is enough evidence to regard him as one of the greatest players of all time. Zinedine Zidane has won it all; The UEFA Champions League (2001/2002), World Cup (1998) and Domestic League titles (with Juventus and Real Madrid).
What does this mean for Lionel Messi? Messi has won everything in club football including an unprecedented sextuple in 2009. The Barca ace needs to lift the World Cup with Argentina sooner or later. Messi played a bit part in the 2006 World Cup in Germany but was the star of the team in 2010 where he did not score a goal but was involved in almost all the goals Argentina scored. That World Cup adventure ended in cataclysm when Argentina was walloped 4-0 by the German machines in the quarter-finals. The forward can appear in three more World Cups; 2014, 2018 and 2022.The Brazilians are favourites to win the World Cup in 2014 as they are the hosts. Messi will be 27 years old and at his peak by then. By 2022 World Cup, the current best player in the world will be 35 years old and may certainly be ready to hang his boots. Messi has to act fast in either the 2014 or 2018 World Cup! (The latter looks more probable). The Lilliputian might have won everything there is in football but winning the World Cup with Argentina will seal the endorsement made by all and sundry that LIONEL MESSI IS THE GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Modern-Day Juju man
What do you expect from a write-up with such a title? Perhaps you are expecting a virtual roller coaster ride through the various shrines scattered across the length and breadth of Ghana. Or better yet, you’re yearning for an in-depth analysis of the job description of juju men. Well, that wouldn’t be necessary because the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industry has brought us all into close contact with the activities of these men. I’m neither a wannabe juju man nor a traditional believer. Rather, I’m just a young writer whose attention was drawn to the new twist in the modus operandi of our juju men.
Recent centuries have seen the world being dubbed a “global village,” perhaps due to globalization and its effects. Hence, cultures are now being bridged. Today, with just a single press of a button, one can access a vast collection of information from archeology to zoology. Voice communication has also seen a further boost. At least, I can now talk to my nomadic friend, Abdulai in far away Zuarungu, without having to make that 817 km journey up north from Accra, which translates into 14 hours of steady travel by bus. With these technological advancements, many opined that the influence of jujumen, whom some refer to as traditional healers or priests, would dwindle. Many were of the view that as society developed, the once exulted position of these men would come to naught. Quite ironically, that’s far from the reality. As the African adage goes, “Since hunters have learnt to shoot without missing, birds have also learnt to fly without perching!”
For the sake of some readers who have little or no idea who a juju man is, let me pause here and shed just a little light on them. One reference work traced the etymology of “juju” to somewhere in West Africa or France, as a term used by the “white” imperialists who in times past visited the African continent. They used the term in reference to the indigenous West African Religion. With time however, the term gained roots in the Americas due to the number of West African slaves who became victims of the inhuman Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, who took their acts of juju along with them to the “White Man’s Land.” A juju man’s preoccupation is looking for omens, casting spells, preparing charms, curing the incurable as well as dealing in acts of necromancy. In recent times, they even strengthen marriages, aid in the acquisition of travel documents, help clients secure promotions at work, aid university students in the attainment of first class honors. A few months back, it was rumored that one of these men even aided a Ghanaian head of state in securing an overwhelming victory in a general election, by as it were, binding voters with a spell. Well, the least said about that particular issue, the better!
In times past, to find a juju man was a very arduous task due to the fact that they dwelt at the remotest parts of villages as well as in the thickest of forests. It was thus attendant on their seekers to search them out. However, what pertains today? Are they still operating in camera? Ex cathedra, I dare say that the opposite rather pertains in our modern society. Thus, instead of globalization clamping down on their activities, it has rather been a phenomenon that has given juju men the right publicity they need. Their trade has thus become far from unpopular. Readers in Accra may have on a number of occasions heard of Nana Kwaku Bonsam, Nana Oboa Nnipa, Nana Ababio (Akingye Wura, i.e., lover of challenges). How may they have heard of him? Through the radio! Day after day, commercials of these men are run on most radio stations, providing contact details and type of services provided. In addition, they all have large digital billboards littered all around the city. Nana Kwaku Bonsam for instance has a mammoth billboard at Sapeiman, a suburb of Accra, with the inscription “Nana Kwaku Bonsam welcomes you to Accra!” among others. A similar billboard is erected at Kasoa bearing the same inscriptions in addition of “consultation days and hours.” Well, that’s what technology can do. Perhaps readers in Kumasi may have also heard of Mallam Zack’s commercials on Hello FM. Such a touching commercial! And perhaps also heard of Nana Kwaku Bonsam’s escapades in the Garden City! Thus, gradually, these men have tapped into the various elements of globalization to promote their ventures.
In their bid to increase their fan base, many of them have made copious use of the internet, with most of them having websites and email addresses through which their clients can contact them. If you’re on FACEBOOK, do well to search for Mallam Zack and Nana Kwaku Bonsam and add them as friends. Who knows, you may need their help someday. You can also get them on YOUTUBE as well!! That’s how far they have come. No doubt they even ride in the flashiest of cars! That’s how far our modern day jujumen have come.
In fact, I had wanted to take some footage of some of the billboards mentioned herein. On one occasion, I was on location, only to realize I took no batteries with me. Perhaps he cast a spell on me! On another occasion, the billboard scared me: it had a fearful picture of the juju man in his juju outfit with the inscription “Akyingye Wura” boldly written above his portrait. I must confess I got scared and put my camera back into its pouch.
What more can I say…………………………………THIS PAPER IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
By Stephen Duasua Yankey.
Recent centuries have seen the world being dubbed a “global village,” perhaps due to globalization and its effects. Hence, cultures are now being bridged. Today, with just a single press of a button, one can access a vast collection of information from archeology to zoology. Voice communication has also seen a further boost. At least, I can now talk to my nomadic friend, Abdulai in far away Zuarungu, without having to make that 817 km journey up north from Accra, which translates into 14 hours of steady travel by bus. With these technological advancements, many opined that the influence of jujumen, whom some refer to as traditional healers or priests, would dwindle. Many were of the view that as society developed, the once exulted position of these men would come to naught. Quite ironically, that’s far from the reality. As the African adage goes, “Since hunters have learnt to shoot without missing, birds have also learnt to fly without perching!”
For the sake of some readers who have little or no idea who a juju man is, let me pause here and shed just a little light on them. One reference work traced the etymology of “juju” to somewhere in West Africa or France, as a term used by the “white” imperialists who in times past visited the African continent. They used the term in reference to the indigenous West African Religion. With time however, the term gained roots in the Americas due to the number of West African slaves who became victims of the inhuman Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, who took their acts of juju along with them to the “White Man’s Land.” A juju man’s preoccupation is looking for omens, casting spells, preparing charms, curing the incurable as well as dealing in acts of necromancy. In recent times, they even strengthen marriages, aid in the acquisition of travel documents, help clients secure promotions at work, aid university students in the attainment of first class honors. A few months back, it was rumored that one of these men even aided a Ghanaian head of state in securing an overwhelming victory in a general election, by as it were, binding voters with a spell. Well, the least said about that particular issue, the better!
In times past, to find a juju man was a very arduous task due to the fact that they dwelt at the remotest parts of villages as well as in the thickest of forests. It was thus attendant on their seekers to search them out. However, what pertains today? Are they still operating in camera? Ex cathedra, I dare say that the opposite rather pertains in our modern society. Thus, instead of globalization clamping down on their activities, it has rather been a phenomenon that has given juju men the right publicity they need. Their trade has thus become far from unpopular. Readers in Accra may have on a number of occasions heard of Nana Kwaku Bonsam, Nana Oboa Nnipa, Nana Ababio (Akingye Wura, i.e., lover of challenges). How may they have heard of him? Through the radio! Day after day, commercials of these men are run on most radio stations, providing contact details and type of services provided. In addition, they all have large digital billboards littered all around the city. Nana Kwaku Bonsam for instance has a mammoth billboard at Sapeiman, a suburb of Accra, with the inscription “Nana Kwaku Bonsam welcomes you to Accra!” among others. A similar billboard is erected at Kasoa bearing the same inscriptions in addition of “consultation days and hours.” Well, that’s what technology can do. Perhaps readers in Kumasi may have also heard of Mallam Zack’s commercials on Hello FM. Such a touching commercial! And perhaps also heard of Nana Kwaku Bonsam’s escapades in the Garden City! Thus, gradually, these men have tapped into the various elements of globalization to promote their ventures.
In their bid to increase their fan base, many of them have made copious use of the internet, with most of them having websites and email addresses through which their clients can contact them. If you’re on FACEBOOK, do well to search for Mallam Zack and Nana Kwaku Bonsam and add them as friends. Who knows, you may need their help someday. You can also get them on YOUTUBE as well!! That’s how far they have come. No doubt they even ride in the flashiest of cars! That’s how far our modern day jujumen have come.
In fact, I had wanted to take some footage of some of the billboards mentioned herein. On one occasion, I was on location, only to realize I took no batteries with me. Perhaps he cast a spell on me! On another occasion, the billboard scared me: it had a fearful picture of the juju man in his juju outfit with the inscription “Akyingye Wura” boldly written above his portrait. I must confess I got scared and put my camera back into its pouch.
What more can I say…………………………………THIS PAPER IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
By Stephen Duasua Yankey.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Cheers for Jeers
The task was loathsome; the victory, sweet!
All ‘friends’ assembled, the victor to meet.
All his winnings they helped him spend,
For he called each one of them, ‘my friend’.
The tables turned; our hero had a downfall,
Those who knew him came – one and all,
He looked up and saw the jeering faces,
They belonged to those he called ‘my friends’
The very ones who enjoyed with him in the lofty places!
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