‘Don’t neglect us’- Hearts of Oak defender Kelvin Asibey pleads with fans

By Lukman MUMIN, Accra

Hearts of Oak defender Kelvin Osei Asibey has implored fans of the club to keep supporting the team despite their poor start to the Ghana Premier League.

The Ghanaian giants narrowly suffered defeat to Bibiani Goldstars at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Sunday, bringing an end to their five-match unbeaten streak.

Samuel Attah Kumi, 25, emerged as the hero after firing home the match-winner in the 69th minute as Hamza Issah missed a crucial late penalty for Hearts of Oak.

Speaking after the game, Asibey expressed his displeasure about the defeat while urging the fans to continue supporting the team.

“I will pleads with the fans not to neglect us. They should keep supporting us because we cannot do without them. We’ve lost whether we like it or not but I believe things will get better for us going forward” he said.

Hearts of Oka are currently 11th on the Ghana Premier League standings with just 9 points after 8 matches so far this season.

The Rainbow Boys faces a daunting task against Medeama in matchday 9 atthe TnA Stadium this weekend. It promises to be a thrilling clash as both teams will be yearning for maximum points.



STORY 3 –  Hisense,  Real Madrid Strike Partnership To Enhance Fans Experience

Hisense, a global leader in consumer electronics and home appliances, has announced a strategic Middle East and Africa (MEA) partnership with Real Madrid, one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.

This alliance not only strengthens the connection of Hisense and Real Madrid with their MEA fanbase, but also marks a significant milestone for both organizations as they aim to deliver unparalleled fan engagement over the next three years.

Renowned for its global success and passionate fanbase, Real Madrid continues to captivate millions in the MEA region.

With a roster featuring global icons like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham, alongside a rich history of legendary players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Zinedine Zidane, the club continues to solidify its status as a sporting powerhouse.

The partnership will encompass Real Madrid’s men’s and women’s first division teams in all championships, including the UEFA Champions League and the Supercopa de España which will be held in Saudi.

Fans in the region will experience deeper connections with the club.


Hisense and Real Madrid are committed to enhancing fan experiences in the MEA region.

As part of this collaboration, the two will launch a limited-edition co-branded 100-inch TV, designed to elevate the home viewing experience.

This partnership will also introduce initiatives aimed at enriching fans’ engagement with the sport and its broader cultural context, leveraging Real Madrid’s global appeal and Hisense’s technological expertise.

This partnership highlights the shared vision of excellence between Hisense and Real Madrid.

By combining Hisense’s innovation and quality with Real Madrid’s pursuit of success, both brands aim to create a powerful synergy that will captivate audiences and drive growth in the MEA region.

Jason Ou, President of Hisense MEA, expressed his excitement: “Partnering with Real Madrid, a club with a rich history and passionate fanbase, aligns perfectly with our strategy to connect with consumers through sports sponsorship and elevate the Hisense brand. We look forward to providing MEA fans with engaging experiences and enhancing the football viewing experience through cutting-edge technology.”

Building on successful collaborations with UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup over the past decade, this partnership further deepens Hisense’s connection with communities and commitment to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

For over 50 years, Hisense has led technological innovation, consistently enriching the lives of football fans worldwide.

This new alliance with Real Madrid reinforces that mission and showcases a diverse product range to fans across the region.

United by a commitment to pushing boundaries, Hisense and Real Madrid are set to deliver exceptional engagement and value to MEA fans.


STORY 4 – Rodri’s Ballon d’Or ‘what Spanish football deserves’

Manchester City’s Rodri was a worthy winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, according to manager Pep Guardiola.

The Spain midfielder saw off competition from Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham – who finished second and third respectively – to win the prize.

Rodri was instrumental in City’s Premier League title victory in May and was named player of the tournament as Spain won Euro 2024.

Real Madrid were absent from the ceremony after reportedly learning that Vinicius, who was clear favourite for the award, had not won.

“If they [Real Madrid] want to go, it’s fine. If they don’t, it’s fine as well,” said former Barcelona manager Guardiola.

“If they want to congratulate, it’s fine. If they don’t want to congratulate, it’s fine as well.

“If you are in the first two or three [places] it’s exceptional. It means you have done an incredible year and you have to be so satisfied.

“Should it be Vinicius? Maybe. It’s [voted by] journalists, you know, not an elite group of people who decide. It’s [journalists] all around the world that votes, not just one country. There are different opinions, and that’s what makes football nice, no?”

Rodri is the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d’Or and the first Premier League-based player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.