Sports

Agent of Ghanaian international, Christian Atsu, debunks rescue from Turkey earthquake

Published

1 year ago

February 8, 2023

The agent of Ghanaian Black Star international, Chrstism Atsu, has debunked reports the player who was trapped under the rubble of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, has been rescued.

Atsu, who plies his trade with Hatayspor of Turkey was one of several people affected by the quake, was reported to have been rescued alive on Tuesday but the agent, Nana Sechere, in a statement on Wednesday, said the he and the player’s family have been unable to confirm whether he was rescued nor his whereabouts.

A number of conflicting reports had surfaced following the initial news regarding Atsu, with a spokesperson for Hatayspor claiming he had been taken to hospital injured.

Sechere who released the statement on Twitter, however said so far, the reports are not true.

“Following yesterday’s update from the club that Christian had been pulled out alive, we are yet to confirm Christian’s whereabouts,” Sechere wrote.

“As you can imagine, this continues to be a devastating time for his family and we are doing everything we can to locate Christian.”

“Official updates will be provided as more information comes to light. Please respect the families privacy during this harrowing time, and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated news as this will only hamper the search efforts for Christian Atsu.

“Thank you for all your prayers and support,” he posted in another tweet.

The confusion over Atsu’s situation was also accentuated by an update by Hatayspor manager, Volkan Demirel, who told reporters that Atsu and the club’s director Taner Savut, were still missing.

“There is no news from Atsu and Taner Savut yet. Would I share this if they were in the hospital? As soon as the news comes, I will share it.”

Hatayspor club doctor Gurbey Kahveci also said:

“We went to the hospitals, but he was not there. Unfortunately, we accept that Taner and Cristian Atsu have not been found at the moment.”

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Sports

Zambian FA boss, Gen.Sec arrested over alleged laundering of K341,902

Published

15 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Andrew Kamanga, has been arrested along with the Secretary-General and two other persons over an alleged money laundering running into K341,902.

The country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which made the arrest, said in a statement on Tuesday through its Assistant Public Relations Officer, Sydney Katongo, that Kamanga was jointly charged with FAZ General-Secretary, Reuben Kamanga.

Katongo named the other individuals arrested as Madalitso Kamanga and Jailous Siame, residing in Woodlands Chalala and Mumbwa Road respectively, and will be jointly charged on several offenses including obtaining money by false pretenses.

The DEC spokesman said other offenses were obtaining pecuniary advantage by false pretense and conspiracy to defraud government.

“DEC investigations revealed that the suspects while acting together, obtained K341, 902.00 from the Government of the Republic of Zambia under false pretenses,” Katongo said in the statement.

He stated that money was purportedly allocated as allowances for Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), however, the allowances were transferred into their personal accounts with Madalitso and Jairous getting K170, 951, while they also individually obtained return tickets valued at K99,980.

“It was discovered that the funds were disbursed to two individuals under the guise of being FAZ officials, necessitating their attendance with the advance party for AFCON,” Katongo said.

He added that investigations revealed that neither Madalitso nor Jairous held official or executive positions within FAZ.

“This fraudulent activity transpired between January, 1 and February, 15, 2024, coinciding with the dates of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast from January, 13, to February, 11, 2024.

“The suspects are currently finalising bond processes and will appear in court soon. The DEC underscores its unwavering commitment to combating money laundering offenses within Zambia,” Katongo assured.

“The Commission will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in money laundering schemes, ensuring accountability and justice for all,” Katongo added.

Sports

South African club admits they can’t keep Nwabali

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Chairman of South African club side, Chippa United, Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi, has given up on retaining the services of Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who is now the subject of transfer speculations among top European and Asian clubs.

Mpengesi, in an interview with Idiski Times, admits the club has given up hopes of keeping their safe hands with the transfer talks gaining momentum.

He stated that the SA club is currently in talks with a few clubs abroad and will not hold Nwabali back should a good offer arrive.

“We are talking to a few clubs abroad. We also believe that he needs something better, especially after the performance that he showed at the Afcon,” the club chairman said.

“If the opportunity comes especially from abroad, of course even if it comes locally and the offer is for him, it’s not even for us. If the offer for him is better then we are not going to hold on to him.”

Mpengesi further underlined the club’s commitment to facilitating the player’s progression, whether it be through opportunities abroad or within the local Premier Soccer League.

There have been reports of interest in the Nigerian keeper from clubs in Europe following his sterling performances with Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations in Ivory Coast where he led the Eagles to the silver medal.

After the Afcon tournament where he emerged as the second best keeper, there have been interest in his services from English side Queens Park Rangers and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, and Mpengesi affirms Chippa United’s willingness to engage with both local and international suitors vying for Nwabali’s services.

Apart from clubs from abroad, there are also interest from local clubs including Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns and the chairman has conceded that Chippa will not stand in Nwabali’s path should the right offer comes.

Nwabali, a former Katsina United shot stopper in the Nigerian Premier League, is also being touted as a possible replacement for South African international keeper, Itumeleng Khune, whose future at Kaizer Chiefs looks uncertain.