Samba O’Neil Named China Circle Best Player; Albert Amoah Clinches Golden Boot

By Emmanuel Austin Baah On Jul 19, 2025

Congolese defender Samba O’Neil has been crowned Asante Kotoko SC’s Best Player of the 2024/25 season by China Circle 0086, following a commanding campaign at the heart of the defence.

The awards ceremony was held in the early hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the club’s training complex in Adako Jachie, where the leadership of China Circle 0086 met with players and staff to celebrate the season’s top performers.

O’Neil emerged winner from a three-man shortlist, overcoming strong competition from Justice Blay and Andrews Ntim Manu. He polled 28 votes, with Ntim Manu receiving 22 and Blay managing 5.

The rock-solid centre-back was a mainstay in Kotoko’s backline throughout the season, featuring in more matches than any other defender. His consistency, leadership, and commanding presence were pivotal to the team’s overall performance.

For his award, Samba O’Neil received a trophy, GHC 1,500 cash prize, and a medal.

Meanwhile, teammate Albert Amoah walked away with the Golden Boot, having finished as top scorer of the season. He was also awarded GHC 1,500 and a medal in recognition of his achievement.

In addition, 54 medals were distributed among all players, including the youth team and members of the technical team, led by head coach Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey.

Sylvester Anane, representing China Circle 0086, presented the awards on behalf of the organizers. The event was graced by members of the club’s Interim Management Committee, including Nana Apinkrah, James Kwasi Appiah, Sarfo Duku, Malik Jabir, Sarfo Gyamfi, Owusu Donkoh, and Akoto.

Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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