Asante Kotoko players
It lacks the financial standing a league of its stature deserves. Fans keep shying away from the various league grounds and the age old problem with match officials coupled with crowd violence have not receded one bit, but the Ghana football enthusiast keenly awaits the commencement of the local football league.
The football association’s preparation has been jumbled but considering the three month hiatus and wrestle with the beleaguered King Faisal President, Karim Gruzah little moans can be made about the speed at which Congress of the football association approved for the start of the league.
January 17 is a good date for the start after the long wait though its clash with the Africa Cup of Nations kick-off date cannot be overlooked. It is a bother as the start of the Ghanaian league season is expected to take the full attention of all local football fans. That is surely not to be for majority of fans, as some degree of attention will be given to the Africa football showpiece in Equatorial Guinea.
In the lead up to the commencement of the league, little has been heard about the clubs involved. Nations preparing for honours at the AFCON are surprisingly getting more mentions in the media but one cannot overly fault the media houses as the AFCON is the biggest football festival for the continent.
The challenge with the AFCON might last for a hat trick of weeks but the canker stated earlier in this piece will be with us for quite some time. These however should not limit fans from getting the pleasure they so much desire from local football. Defending champions; Asante Kotoko and their perennial rivals, Hearts of Oak have already whipped fans into wondering which of the two will annex the league this year. After months of preparations and series of friendly games, the time is due for clubs to fight for points week in,week out.
Hearts of Oak
Phobia at Kpando
Accra Hearts of Oak will kick off the league season on Saturday, January 17 when they clash with new entrants, West Africa Football Academy (WAFA). If there is anything neutrals should pick from the game, then it should be a good game worthy enough to set the tone for a thrilling new season. Hearts, with returnee coach Herbert Addo at the helm of affairs are expected to win this one especially after whipping the interest of their teeming fans during the off-season with some good football games.
WAFA, formerly Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord are no mere pushovers and will undoubtedly give the Phobians a good run for their money especially as the two teams play on a neutral ground; Kpando.
Up! Defending Champions
League champions, Asante Kotoko just like last season start defence of their league title against Aduana Stars. In the clash between the two sides at the Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium last season, Kotoko ensured that their first game ended in a win with two goals from Jordan Opoku and Seidu Bancey ensuring they ran away 2-1 winners. The luxury of home support eludes them this season however as they trip to Dormaa to face Aduana Stars. Kotoko won the league last year after garnering 55 points from 30 games.
The other New Boys
As WAFA play Hearts of Oak away at Kpando, crowd favorites, Accra Great Olympics will have to make their numerous accolades count when they travel to Obuasi to face Ashanti Gold
. Fellow new entrants, BA United will get full support from Sunyani fans at the Coronation Park when they entertain Bechem United in the regional derby.
Whatever the scores will be at the end of the games at the various league centres , football authorities and fans at large will heave a sigh of relief just for the simple fact that the complexities associated with the start has been gotten rid of…at least for now.
FULL MATCH DAY ONE FIXTURES
Obuasi: Ashanti Gold vrs Great Olympics
Kpando: Heart of Lions vrs New Edubiase
Wa: All Stars vrs Berekum Chelsea
Tema: Inter Allies vrs Medeama SC
Sunyani: BA United vrs Bechem United
Sekondi: Hasaacas vrs Liberty Professionals
Dormaa: Aduana Stars vrs Asante Kotoko
Kpando: Hearts of Oak vrs WAFA (Saturday)
As compiled by Benjamin Agyei-Boateng ( @AngeloBenjy )
Ghana Football Affairs, GhFA 