On this day 8 May 2017 (Exactly 3 years ago today) The former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi was appointed the 1st Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Mr Nyantakyi’s nomination for the post was validated by the CAF Executive Committee during its first meeting under the reign of current CAF President Ahmad Ahmad in Manama, Bahrain.
Nyantakyi became the second most powerful person in African football and the first Ghanaian Vice President of the African football governing body, CAF.
DR Congo native, Constant Omari was also named the 2nd Vice President after his nomination was approved by the CAF Executive Committee.
Elsewhere;
On this day 8 May 2013 (Exactly 7 years ago today) Sir Alex Ferguson announced that he will retire as Manchester United manager at the end of the season, after nearly 27 years in charge of the club. He capped his time at the club by leading them to a 13th Premier League title and 20th top flight title.
The Scot, now 78, won 38 trophies during his reign at Old Trafford and now a director and ambassador for the club.
His haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson praised the people he felt helped him build the club from a team that had not won a title for 26 years into one of the biggest in the world.
“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential,” he added. “My wife, Cathy, has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.
“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.
“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.
“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy chief executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.
“To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”
Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of the British game and famously won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999.
Co-chairman Joel Glazer highlighted Ferguson’s desire to produce winning teams throughout his time at United and called the 2008 Champions League victory over Chelsea in Moscow a “magical night”.
He said: “Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is, but he’s also a wonderful person. His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable.
“I will always cherish the wonderful memories he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow.”
On this day 8 May 1907 (Exactly 113 years ago today) Tommy Burns, the only Canadian – born World Heavyweight champion beat Jack O’Brien in 20 rounds for heavyweight boxing title.
On this day 8 May 1993 (Exactly 27 years ago today) Lennox Lewis beat Tony Tucker in 12 rounds at the Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, US to retain his WBC heavyweight title.
On this day 8 May 1984 (Exactly 36 years ago today) The Soviet Union announced it will not participate in Los Angeles Summer Olympics in retaliation for the American boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
By: George “Alan Green’ Mahamah
