Amos Annan

The World Cup in South Africa showed beyond any doubt that Ghana is a rising start in the football world. Expectation surrounding the national team has filtered down to domestic level. With the African club football scene dominated by north Africans, renewed competition from the west Africans will be a much welcomed change by many across the continent.

Therefore it is little surprise that the Glo Premier League, Ghana’s top flight, is seeking to raise the bar in terms of quality, especially as the nation have shown that they can produce quality players that can impress on the world stage. This hope threatened to be scuppered amid squabbles over whether the league should have 16 clubs or be increased to 20. Thankfully, this debate was resolved and a decision was taken to retain 16 sides, allowing the focus to switch to the football and allow Ghana to look forward to another entertaining season.

Certainly, the biggest talking point is whether current champions Aduana Stars will be able to continue to give a good account of themselves this season: Last year they picked up the trophy in their first ever Premier League campaign. As sensational as their winning of the trophy was, won on the last day of the season – Aduana Stars pipped Ashantigold on the head-to-head rule – ,many expect it to be proven as a one-season wonder. While it is true Aduana Stars may not retain the trophy, they should not be written off yet. After all, the Dormaa Ahenkro side were worthy champions.

Aduana Stars broke the monopoly enjoyed by Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in recent years and one, or both, of these teams are expected to rise from the ashes and look to reassert their dominance. Former champions Hearts of Oak dropped down to third last season, while Kotoko could only manage a fifth place finish to complete a rather disappointing season for the two heavyweights.

Hearts of Oak will fancy their chances after winning the Top 4 Tournament, played prior to the beginning of the season, with a game to spare. But failing to win the SWAG (Sports Writers Association of Ghana) Cup just a week before the season kicked off shows that there may still be a lot of work to do if they are to reclaim the title come May next year. Kotoko, the Porcupine Warriors, on the other hand, seem to be keeping a relatively low profile, perhaps licking last season’s wounds and preparing to strike when the serious business is under way.

Hearts of Lions have taken to doing a lot of roaring these past few seasons, but without a major trophy to speak of. Much will still be expected of them and the Kpandu-based club should give the top sides a hard time, but whether this could be their breakthrough season remains to be seen. Another club seen in a similar light are Ashantigold, who, despite their best efforts last season, lost their final game and gifted the title to Aduana Stars on the head-to-head rule. They promise however, to provide stiff competition at the top of the table after proving their mettle by winning the SWAG Cup on penalties against Hearts of Oak. Even so, considering that Ashantigold only narrowly avoided relegation the previous year, it is still a big ask, but perhaps one they can accomplish after maturing through last season while challenging for the title.

At the other end of the table, debate rages over whether any of the newly-promoted sides can ‘do an Aduana Stars’ and win the league off the back of the buzz created by gaining promotion. Ebusua Dwarfs boast some notable experience in Godwin Ablordey and Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, but what is a long, hard season may still be filled with lots of ups and downs. Debutants Mighty Jets and BA Stars do show some promise, but Ghana’s top flight is a step up and they will have to adapt quickly if they are to stay up. The neutrals hope one of these can pull off a shock though and add to the league’s excitement factor.

Last year’s debutants, Edubiase will be looking to avoid relegation after only managing to finish two places above the drop zone last season. Real Tamale United and Kessben will also be watching their backs.

Liberty Professionals, once a top four club, were thankful they just about avoided relegation last season, but, as always, much will be expected from the scientific soccer lads, who are known for their very attractive style of play. They will undoubtedly have their eyes on a mid-table finish, a part of the table where the likes of King Faisal, Chelsea, Arsenal and All Stars will also be looking to ensure a steady campaign.

On the transfer front, there has not been much in the way of big money moves, as Kotoko, the most likely spenders, are choosing to keep their money in their pockets. There have, however, been a number of transfers between clubs, but these have been purely tactical and strategic with a view to future results and team unity.

In all, this season promises to be one of the most unpredictable with a number of the so-called minnows believing that winning the league trophy itself is no longer a pipe dream, but it is fair to say that the title is most likely to return to any one of the former champions. Still, as the live radio commentaries blare throughout the streets of Ghana on match days this season, there will definitely be a few shocks and surprises along the way.