GhanaFA

Match-day-1 premiership preview

15 years ago
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The Premiership would kick off for fourteen teams on Sunday as each one hopes to start the new campaign with a win. Two other sides would have to get a piece of the premiership thrills 24 hours later.

Rashid Iddi and his King Faisal side have always known that life at the elite division was going to be tough, but they could hardly have been presented with a more daunting start to the Premiership.

The opening day of the Ghanaian Premiership involves a big derby game as the sixteen participating sides get to action across the country.

Lots of expectations has been swirling round the grounds in anticipation of an exciting challenge throughout the season.

King Faisal will kick off their campaign against Asante Kotoko in Kumasi at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Rashid Iddi is targeting a place in the top four at the end of the season as he counts on the experience of new signing, Baba Armando Adamu.

But before he can achieve that top four feat with the former Ghana international and Asante Kotoko striker, the King Faisal coach will have to guide his team past the defending champions on Sunday.

“He is in good shape but there is work to be done,” Iddi said.

“But he certainly will be fit and ready for our opening game against Asante Kotoko.”

“There is a lot he can offer this team,” he said. “He is strong, good on the ball and has proved in the past he can score goals. I am just hoping I can get the best at him.”

Rashid Iddi’s opposite number, Maurice Cooreman, Asante Kotoko must get off to a good start he leads the Champions in his debut Ghanaian season – took over from Bashir Hayford, who led Kotoko to the title.

“For me the first match is very important,” he said.

Lots of action continues across the country as Francis Oti Akenteng takes his Heart of Lions team to the Golden City Park where they play Berekum Arsenals.

AshantiGold play Real Tamale United at the Len Clay Stadium while Gamba All Blacks take on Tema Youth at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast.

Kessben FC would be looking to claim all the spoils when they battle with new boys, Eleven Wise at the Anane Boateng Stadium.

But Eleven Wise, making their campaign in the big league after over decades absence say they are ready for the challenges.

Chief executive Jamel Maraby says the objective is “remain in the premier league for the first year and then we will take it from there”.

“We are backed by some of the best people in this business so I don’t think there is a chance we will go down,” he said.

Wa All Stars would travel to the Sekondi Sports Stadium where they play against Hasaacas. The Blues are confident their second year in the premiership would be an improvement as they hope to improve their away form.

Newly promoted Berekum Chelsea would taste match action in Accra, where they play against Liberty Professionals at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

Fellow newcomers Sporting Mirren do not play until Monday when they play Accra Heart of Oak in an evening kickoff at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.