A Ghanaian spiritualist has made headlines ahead of England’s crucial World Cup group-stage encounter with Ghana after claiming he intends to use spiritual means to affect the performance of England captain Harry Kane.
England will be looking to secure qualification for the knockout stages when they face Ghana on Tuesday, having opened their campaign with an impressive victory over Croatia. Kane was one of the standout performers in that match, scoring twice to help the Three Lions make a strong start to the tournament.
Nana Kwaku Bonsam, a well-known Ghanaian traditional spiritualist, told local media that he believes he can influence the outcome of the match by directing his efforts towards the England striker.
“I am working on Harry Kane,” Bonsam said. “I have shown what I am capable of before, so I know what I must do to stop him. I am not wishing him a serious injury. It will be just enough to stop him against my country.”
Bonsam has made similar claims in the past. Ahead of the 2014 World Cup, he attracted international attention when he alleged that he had played a role in an injury suffered by Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo before his country’s meeting with Ghana. Those claims were never substantiated and were widely dismissed by medical experts and football authorities.
There is no scientific evidence to support assertions that spiritual practices can influence the fitness, health or performance of professional athletes. Football governing bodies and sports medicine experts attribute injuries and player performances to physical, psychological and tactical factors rather than supernatural causes.
Kane, meanwhile, remains focused on leading England’s challenge in North America. The striker is enjoying another productive World Cup campaign and is now just one goal away from surpassing former captain Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at World Cup finals.
England have been widely praised following their opening victory over Croatia, with many pundits identifying Thomas Tuchel’s side as serious contenders for the trophy. A positive result against Ghana would strengthen their position in the group and move them closer to the knockout rounds.
While Bonsam’s remarks have generated media interest ahead of the fixture, the focus is expected to remain firmly on events on the pitch as England and Ghana prepare for one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
