Kelvin Appiah
Kelvin Appiah, a 17-year-old defensive midfielder, has officially joined Accra Hearts of Oak on a three-year contract from Team Grace Sporting Club, a lower division team.
Just one day before the club's transfer ban imposed by FIFA officially went into effect, the deal was finalized on Thursday.
Many people believe that Appiah is a unique talent, and his poise, ability to win the ball, and maturity beyond his years in the midfield position have made him a favorite for a great future.
Having impressed in the recently finished GHALCA top four event in Accra, the Phobians are ready to improve on their performance last season as the 2017 Ghana Premier League approaches.
As they get ready for life under the transfer ban, the Phobians are determined to bolster their team with young, potential players, and the teenager's arrival is interpreted as a declaration of intent.
Below, you can read more about today's sports updates:
As they get ready for life under the transfer ban, the Phobians are determined to bolster their team with young, potential players, and the teenager's arrival is interpreted as a declaration of intent.
Below, you can read more about today's sports updates:
Budimir: We never give up because we are proud to be Croatian.
At the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, Croatia will try to repeat its history of outperforming its opponents in the largest football stadiums in the world.
At the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, Croatia will try to repeat its history of outperforming its opponents in the largest football stadiums in the world.
Marijan Budimir
With a population of less than four million, the country has a long history of producing technically exceptional athletes that enthrall audiences. Croatia may therefore be a squad to keep an eye on at the recently expanded U-17 competition.
Coach Marijan Budimir, who will lead the Croatians in Qatar, described how his players' strong feeling of patriotism will motivate them during the World Cup.
He told FIFA, "They want to show Croatia in the best possible light." "We never give up in any sport, but football is our favorite. We are proud to be Croatian. Despite being a small nation, we have won two bronze medals and one silver since gaining independence and competing in our first (senior) World Cup in 1998. The only countries with more medals over that time are France and Germany, which is amazing.
"Going to Qatar would be really memorable for our players," added Budimir, a former Croatia U-17 and U-19 player. They wish to compete with the greatest of the best. We have talented players, and we will work hard to win every match.
"Going to Qatar would be really memorable for our players," added Budimir, a former Croatia U-17 and U-19 player. They wish to compete with the greatest of the best. We have talented players, and we will work hard to win every match.
Since his appointment in February 2024, Budimir has guided Croatia to its first U-17 World Cup qualifying in a decade.
He has coached teams to exceptional results in international competitions; in 2022–2023, he oversaw Hajduk Split's incredible run in the UEFA Youth League. On their road to the final, they defeated AZ after eliminating European powerhouses Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and AC Milan.
"We use large money to beat major clubs," Budimir remarked. They are all-inclusive clubs. It is hard to compare with Hajduk. You know, we just had one pitch for training. I am really proud of what we accomplished, and it was an incredible accomplishment.
He has coached teams to exceptional results in international competitions; in 2022–2023, he oversaw Hajduk Split's incredible run in the UEFA Youth League. On their road to the final, they defeated AZ after eliminating European powerhouses Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and AC Milan.
"We use large money to beat major clubs," Budimir remarked. They are all-inclusive clubs. It is hard to compare with Hajduk. You know, we just had one pitch for training. I am really proud of what we accomplished, and it was an incredible accomplishment.
Marijan Budimir
With his Croatian squad competing against Senegal, Costa Rica, and the United Arab Emirates in Group C at Qatar 2025, Budimir is now hoping to make a significant impact on the world stage. Continue reading for more of our exclusive interview with the 44-year-old, who talks about Luka Modric's impact on the current generation, his team's front-foot mentality, and the crucial factors that aid Croatia in producing top football players.
Every time we meet together, we practice our beliefs and values. We wish to be in charge of the game. We desire the ball, we are technically sound, and we know how to play football, just like every other Croatian national team (at the age group and senior level). However, we are also able to adjust to various opponents.
Every time we meet together, we practice our beliefs and values. We wish to be in charge of the game. We desire the ball, we are technically sound, and we know how to play football, just like every other Croatian national team (at the age group and senior level). However, we are also able to adjust to various opponents.
The players' growth is the most crucial factor in young age groups. One day, we hope they will be key members of the Croatian national team. Playing against the top teams and developing a winning attitude are also crucial. Additionally, it will be a huge moment for them to play in the World Cup. Some of the players may play in a top division, while others will play for their country. However, other players will not play in what some may refer to as "the big stage." However, this World Cup, in my opinion, is the major stage, so they will never forget it.
Football is the most popular sport in Croatia, so it goes without saying that there is natural talent. Everyone is familiar with Davor Suker and Luka Modric. We also have excellent trainers and an excellent educational system. When you combine those factors, you can create athletes of high caliber.
Marijan Budimir
One of the finest players in history is Luka Modric. He becomes an idol to young people when they see him. Both on and off the field, he serves as an example of the kind of player they aspire to be. He represents Croatia as an ambassador all over the world. Luka is a unique individual.
My athletes. We play as a team, not simply as good individuals. Individual qualities will emerge when you play as a team. We have a modest basis, of course. England, France, Germany, and Spain are not like us. Germany may have 50,000 players to pick from, whereas we may have 1,000. Every player is crucial to our team, so I just hope they continue to be healthy. I am confident they will give it their all, and I will be proud of them.