Sports

Former Ghanaian int’l Michael Essien on verge of losing choice properties

Published

5 months ago

June 19, 2024

Former Ghanaian international midfielder, Michael Essien, is on the verge of losing two of his choice properties worth millions of dollars following an order by an Accra High Court for the properties to be auctioned.

The order for the auction of the properties was given by the Deputy Sheriff of the High Court (Commercial Division) on June 12, 2024, following a recent court ruling against the former Chelsea midfielder.

The properties, according to reports in the Ghanaian media, are located at Stephen Quarshie Crescent, East Legon, House Number 9 and House Number 204/205, Trassaco (Phase 2), Adjiringano, all in Accra, with one of them said to be valued at between $20 million and $30 million.

Foremost Ghanaian sports journalist, Saddick Adams, who confirmed the court order in a video, said the genesis of Essien’s troubles began when he signed a mortgage for the aforementioned properties many years ago and was paying for them in installments.

In the video, Adams said Essien had put the mansion in the care of his wife, Akosua Puni, who was then supposed to take over the payment of the mortgage.

“When the payment for the mortgage ceased coming, the owner took the matter to court to try to retrieve the money,” Adams said on his show on Angel FM on Tuesday.

He explained further that Essien no longer had an interest in the property and so reached an agreement in court for the mansions to be sold, so that he could use his share of the proceeds to buy a new house at another location.

“Essien has not taken out a loan. He’s not broke. It is being reported that he is in debt due to several loans, but the truth is that it is a mortgage he signed while he was playing and was paying in bits.

“Then it got to a time when payment was not coming through as it was supposed to. So the property owner or the bank that financed it decided that they wanted to take it back, so it is not a loan.

“Essien also left the house in the care of his wife, Akosua Puni. He had no interest in it as his property, and so the control was left in someone else’s care who was expected to continue with the payment of the mortgage.

“According to a close friend of Essien who also had a property in the same area, the cost of the mortgage shot up while property prices in the area have also gone up,” Adams added.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

22 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”