Many subscribe to the view that millions can transform ordinary sides into title contenders overnight.
But the lessons of the previous season that saw Aduana FC stun the elite league in Ghana by lifting the coveted title on the final day in their debut season suggest that the chase for teamwork and value has rather taken over from huge spending by the Glo Premier League’s big clubs.
As the country prepares for the weekend’s big kick off involving 16 sides, the off-season recruitment has rather been on the quiet.
The focus would be on Aduana and rightly so after their maiden triumph. But pundits don’t see the Dormaa-based team to annex the title again. They do possess a good coach in Herbert Addo but could be affected by the second season syndrome which engulfs most clubs after their debut campaigns. A top-four finish might even be difficult for Herbert to reach.
Notable big spenders, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak after seeing the title elude them last season have taken to a different approach this season, with both changing their technical teams and embarking on low key signings.
Hearts of Oak have taken in Paa Kwesi Fabin, a coach placed on an indefinite leave that led to his departure from archrivals Kotoko to turn around their fortunes. Fabin might have won over the Phobian family instantly with the victory in the Top-4 competition where the club’s latest signing, Osei Pele showed enough promise ahead of the new season.
The season is a long way to go as some fans have suggested to the former Kotoko coach after his charges failed to deliver in the SWAG Cup match that saw the Phobians lose to another title contender AshantiGold.
AshantiGold’s outspoken coach David Duncan have sounded their intent to compete for the title after only missing it via the head-to-head to rule that enabled Aduana to claim their first title.
“We will compete as we have always done. We are always contenders but I don’t know what happens as far as Ghana Football is concerned.
“A lot of things have to be done and I don’t know where it will end up,” coach of the Miners, David Duncan said.
Uzum returns as Kotoko seek to return to glory days
Turkish coach Talat Uzum has staged a return to the Ghana league this time with Real Tamale United after his botched time at Asante Kotoko. In Uzum, the management of RTU are hoping to improve on their 10th finish from last season.
But the new man might lack the player quality to achieve the high standards that the expectant home fans in Tamale might crave.
The technical instability at New Edubiase doesn’t appear healthy for a team that almost got relegated last season. Former Ghana international, Mohammed Gargo has finally departed as coach of the Obuasi-based side just days before the start of the new season.
A mid-table finish would be an improvement for Edubiase but they need to do more to reach such heights in a competitive league.
With their Golden City fortress in Berekum finally penetrated last season by Kessben, Arsenals would yet again push for a top-four finish. The Gunners, who have lost coach Ebo Mends to Kotoko have the character to be up there and battle with the big boys of the domestic campaign.
The last three seasons look to be the season when Heart of Lions would finally land the title but consistently, they have only flattered to deceive. Lions, with their beautiful brand of free-flowing football would be up there but winning the title this season would come as a surprise to many.
Ebusua Dwarfs have enough experienced players in their ranks to aid their return to the elite division. With Emmanuel Osei Kuffour and Godwin Ablordey still in their set-up, the Cape-Coast side can survive a long season.
The premiership could be in for another surprise if Wa All Stars clinch the title just after Aduana broke the monopoly enjoyed by Hearts of Oak and Kotoko.
The Blues CEO Oduro-Nyarko says they are determined to compete for the title and for many, it’s only a wild dream.
“We know many people might rub our determination off but we’re ready to challenge for the league title this season.
“Our pre-season preparations have gone on well as planned and the few additions we believe will help us annex the league title this year. Aduana did it in their first season and so it tells you that the dominance of Kotoko and Hearts in Ghana football is over and the rest of the teams are more than capable of winning the league,” the Blues CEO said.
The hopes of the All Stars boss is certainly bound to boost the hopes of newboys, Mighty Jets. After successive failed attempts, Jets finally secured one of the three places in the premier league and are determined to prove a point in their debut season.
Jets have an experienced coach, E.K. Afranie to lead their battle when the season begins for them away in Cape Coast but survival would always be on their mind throughout the campaign.
After a major takeover, Kessben FC have seen little transformation as the old order is kept in place. Though they would be playing their games in Sekondi, coach Bashiru Hayford would be expected to steady the ship before any significant player investments would be made.
Unlike their past years when a every season begun with much hype amid huge player acquisitions, the status-quo at Asante Kotoko has changed just like the changes in the boardroom and the technical team. Coach Ebo Mends has been trusted with restoring the club to their glory days though there are doubts over his ability to win the title.
As the Porcupine Warriors celebrated their 75th anniversary on Tuesday, their hopes is on claiming a 22nd title, says spokesperson Jarvis.
“We are so overwhelmed by what the club has been able to achieve for the past 75 years especially when only last year we were named as Africa club of the century. We’ve won the league many more times than any other club. So this achievement tells us that the 75 years has not been wasted. We still have a lot to achieve.
“We should be back as the champions in Africa probably go on into the World Club championship and win that one as well,” he said.
A lot to achieve but a fresh beginning for B.A. Stars who would only be making their debut in the premiership. The team from Sunyani have been on the quite ahead of the new season and would also want to prevent returning to the Division One ranks after just one season in the top-flight.
Liberty Professionals appear to have fallen out of the reckoning in the top-four category but they could yet pull a surprise. For a club who have consistently been affected player exodus, they have also shown how strong their player development programme has been by always promoting youngsters to take up the mantle.
King Faisal would play for the title just like every season and as another campaign gets ready to kick off, the same attitude is expected from the Kumasi-based club who have also shown their believe in youngsters.
Chelsea after their impressive 6th place finish would attempt to go beyond that this season. The departure of Ghana international Lee Addy might be a negative for them as they need all the experience to shore up their backline.
Despite the spectacular season that awaits fans, the destination of the title could either be Kumasi or Accra where traditional rivals, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak are based. Of course, the season is always open for shocks.
