The excitement that has swept across the country as the Ghana Premier League gets set to start is overwelming.
Ghana’s oldest existing club, Accra Hearts of Oak unveiled their new jerseys yesterday. It was so beautiful. The rainbow colours in stripes for the home jersey and a diagonally curly red, yellow and blue on a white shirt for the away jersey.
But that came with its own controversy! Unfortunately, I am not here to delve into that.
I am just excited because the Ghana Premier League is back.
Last Season was amazing. It provided us with a new champion, Wa All Stars, the only club from the north to win the Ghana Premier League.
The league was so competitive that it took the penultimate game to decide the ultimate winner. That game in Wa between all stars and Aduana was fierce.
Last Season also provided us with amazing individual performances. I can vividly see that Latif Blessing‘s goal against Wa All Stars. He was phenomenal throughout the season- he ended up the MVP of the year. Veteran Striker Yahaya Mohammed was imperious, Musah Inusah was solid as a rock and Gideon Waja was an engine in midfield.
Tomorrow, the new season begins. And theses players willa have a go at the season again. There are a lot of good players in the league but I present to you the top ten Ayers to watch out for.
1. Baba Mahama -Kotoko
Recently signed for Kumasi Asante Kotoko from Techiman City. A year ago when he debuted in his first game for Techiman city in the premier league, he made headline. He gained the nickname John Baba Mahama. The young midfielder became the toast of fans and a marketing tool for Techimman City with his amazing skills. He is a good dribbler, a workaholic in the middle and a fine passer of the ball. If he turns up for the show, expect nothing but quality.
2. Malik Akowuah Malik- Hearts of Oak
Another gem in the local league. Akowuah had an amazing 2015/2016 season with Medeama SC where he was instrumental in both the domestic and continental champions. He has the ability to control games by the bossing the midfield. Defensively good and offensively dangerous. His ability to shoot from afar is one undeniable quality that makes him a delight to watch.
3. Bright Adjei – Aduana Stars
Aduana Stars might have lost Yahaya Mohammed but with Bright Adjei still around there is no cause to panic. Adjei’s spectacular bicycle kick against Ashgold didn’t just catch the spectacles of Ghanaians but caught the lenses of Cable Network News (CNN). He was awarded goal of that particular week. He did end there, he won another with another audacious strike. Bright has a penchant for scoring beautiful goals and beautiful goals can sometimes win games. He is strong and pacy, making him a nightmare for most defenses.
4. Inusah Musah – Hearts of Oak
In simple terms, a lot say he is the Minister of Defense. He is just an epitome of rock. So solid at the back. He is calm and has good ability to link the defense with the midfield. He won the defender of the year by playing fewer matches. Won every single man of the match game he was involve. He reminds me more of Ahmed Issah, formerly of Kotoko. He is the Rock of Gibraltar.
5. Isaac Twum – Inter Allies
Made his debut for Inter Allies last season with a goal against Aduana Stars. He joined from Heart of Lions with the heart of a lion. He is hard working. He has the ability to drive the team forward and scores too. Usually underrated but he is one of the few unsung heroes in the game. Young and dynamic.
6. Abass Mohammed – Kotoko
Formerly of Medeama. There were rumours he was joining Inter Allies but ended up in the books of Kotoko. Abass Mohammed had a good season with Medeama last term but had to move because of some little misunderstanding with his former employers. He scores, creates and helps defensively. Mohammed was brought in to replace Dauda Mohammed, quite a big boot to fill but unlike his predecessor he is more of a scorer.
7. Emmanuel Osei Baffour Manomaa- Ashantigold
Not a good last season for the miners but Baffour was a light in the dark. He had a stellar season in the year they won the league and continued from there. He is an exciting player. A very good dribbled with massive skills. He entertains. The kind of player, you don’t get tired watching.
8. Patrick Razak- Hearts of Oak
He is a sensation. Joined the Phobians from Tamale Utretch halfway last season and he became an instant hit. Your typical winger, has amazing pace with trickery. A little bit poor with his finishing but you can’t take nothing away from him. He has the quality to be an MVP.
9. Richard Ofori – Wa All Stars
Not many goalkeepers make the mark for best players but Ofori, in the past three seasons has been incredible. Watch All Stars won the league because they were good and solid in defense and the one person that made it happen was Ofori. Keeps apt of clean sheets. I watched him a couple of times and his ability to save dangerous situations is flawless. No wonder he is the only local player in the Black Stars.
10. Isaac Mensah – Hearts of Oak
Many call him Ashaiman Messi. I think he is our local Messi. His ability to drible, cut in and produce magic is simple amazing. So cultured with his left foot. Doesn’t score a lot of goals but he is a threat anytime he is on the field.
By: Lukman Evergreen Mumin (YFM)
