Sports
What’s cause of pitiable patronage of our league?
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Generally, poor attendance at local games in the country has been a huge cause of concern over the years.
The saturnine situation, however, appears to be going from bad to worst – particularly since last year, in the wake of the economic downturn the nation is experiencing at the moment.
Though the passion for the game may still be high, one may have to put a few figures together – work out the permutations, before considering either to go for a game or not.
Aside from the pecuniary concerns, however, the poor maintenance of our pitches, is driving lots of fans away from the game because quality play is compromised.
Somewhere last year, we were told by the National Sports Authority (NSA) that the Accra Sports Stadium was going to be unavailable for the Premier League Clubs that use the facility only for it to be rented out for other purposes – and its attendant pitch obliterations.
Affected clubs were subsequently asked to look for alternatives. Though partly a cause, that may not be the reason for the massive dispiriting patronage we have witnessed in games, of late.
To some extent, the performance of the senior national team (Black Stars) at the recently-ended World Cup tournament in Qatar, could be having a toll on the league.
The Stars were kicked out in the opening round of the campaign, winning a game and losing two. It was the team’s second consecutive calamitous first round exit – following the 2014 disturbing episode in Brazil.
Had Ghana glowed in Qatar, the performance would have rubbed off on the nation’s league. The zeal, enthusiasm, passion and avidity of the fans would have rocketed through the roof.
Some ardent followers of the domestic game are also blaming the low attendance at match venues to e-ticketing.
They say a good number of the fans are not particularly enthused about the electronic system and are ready to pay cash at the gate to secure their seats.
However, the Chief Executive Officer of E-Ticketing, George Festus Mensah, has rubbished such claims, insisting that various match venues were recording very poor attendance long ago.
“Those blaming poor attendance on our services should first ask themselves what were clubs revenue before the introduction of e-tickets and after the service was introduced.
“We should check the time games are played; sometimes we schedule games at 3pm during working days, whilst fixtures are also changed without proper communication. There are times match venues are changed without proper plans,” the E-Ticketing CEO proposed.
Mr Mensah cannot be far from right, and we may need clubs to further educate their fans on the dynamics of the E-ticketing and how it has come to stop corruption at the gates.
Be that as it may, it is imperative for the game’s stakeholders to come together and figure out what really the problem is in a bid to proffer a lasting solution.
Having seen a near-full capacity crowd in the game between Bibiani Goldstars and Aduana Stars on Monday suggests that it is not an all-too disconcerting situation. It can be better if we find a way of promoting the league whilst we work industriously towards improving on the quality of our pitches.
PlainTalk with John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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