Sports
Hearts, Aduana clash in Dormaa …as betPawa Premier League bellows off
The 2022/23 betPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) has finally kicked off with Hearts of Oak set to begin their campaign with a clash with Aduana Stars at the Nana Agyeman Badu Park in Dormaa today.
The 2022-21 winners failed to live up to expectation during last year’s season campaign which was dominated by inconsistencies.
The Phobians, who only took solace in winning the FA Cup last season, would be desperate to begin the new campaign on a bright note with a win away from home.
With the likes of arguably the best player in Ghana currently – Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, in hot form, along with Seidu Suraj and Mohammed Alhassan – who were sensational for the Black Galaxies, Hearts’ redemption from last season seem to be in place.
Skipper of the Black Galaxies, Gladson Awako, though failed to replicate the form that saw his switch from Accra Great Olympics to Hearts last season, would also be eager to make a statement in the Rainbow colours.
Aduana, however, would be comfortable playing at home and set up to frustrate Hearts with support from their home fans.
In other games today, Great Olympics will face off with Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium in another fascinating encounter.
The Dade boys after winning the GHALCA G6 tournament should be beaming with confidence going into the new season and a win against Bechem United at home would be a great start.
With former Black Stars player and World Cup winner Emmanuel Agyemang Badu bringing some experience and leadership into the squad, Olympics look set to challenge for some silverware this season.
The Bechem team had been a delight to watch in recent times and is gradually becoming a huge force to reckon with on the local scene and could challenge for a top-four place or possibly for the league title this season.
At the Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea take on King Faisal in another mouth-watering clash with both teams expected to battle for all three points.
At Bibiani, last season debutants who ensured they remained in the league, Gold Stars will play as hosts to Dreams FC, while Karela would battle it out with Tamale City at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park. Newly-promoted Kotoko Royals would be looking forward to making a good impression as they engage Accra Lions at the Rovers Park, while Medeama welcome Legon Cities to Tarkwa for an interesting game.
Newly-promoted Tamale United will host another newcomer Samartex to a fierce clash on a delightful weekend of football. However, the match between defending champions Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC has been postponed due to the champions’ engagement in continental football.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced minimum monthly salaries for players in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DOL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
According to the Association, the move is part of efforts to improve the welfare of footballers and make Ghana’s domestic leagues more professional and competitive.
The decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GFA and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) ahead of the Association’s last Congress.
One key outcome of that partnership was the introduction of a standard contract for professional players, which has already been implemented by Premier League clubs.
After further discussions with the clubs, the GFA and its partners agreed that players in the Ghana Premier League will now earn a minimum net monthly salary of GHS 1,500.
Players in the Division One League and the Women’s Premier League will each receive a minimum of GHS 700.
The new salary structure will apply to all contracts signed during the next registration window. However, for players already under contract, the new rates will take effect at the start of the 2026/2027 league season.
The GFA explained that the introduction of minimum salaries is a major step toward protecting the welfare of players and ensuring fair compensation for their talent and hard work.
It added that the decision is aimed at raising standards in local leagues, strengthening the value of Ghanaian football, and creating a more professional and sustainable future for players and clubs.
Attention will be at the Golden City Park in Berekum tomorrow as Hearts of Oak lock horns with Berekum Chelsea FC in a Ghana Premier League Matchday 6 game that promises an electrifying atmosphere.
Lying sixth on the league table with two wins and three draws, the Phobians visit a ground that has been favourable to them in recent times. In their last three visits to the Golden City Park, Hearts have amassed seven out of nine points, putting them in strong contention to win.
Head Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says, “The team is making progress in its tactical identity despite the lack of goals, and this is something we are working on ahead of this game.”
Hearts will come face-to-face with former coach Samuel Boadu, whose side lies a distant 13th on the league table with a win and a draw from four games. Coach Boadu is yet to celebrate a victory over the Phobians since joining the Berekum lads and would hope this fixture marks a turnaround.
Ninth-placed Vision FC would trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to play Bechem United, while new boys Hohoe United host Aduana FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium.
Returnees Swedru All Blacks will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Swedru Sports Stadium, with defending league champions Bibiani Gold Stars staying put at their backyard, the Dun’s Park, to welcome second-placed Heart of Lions FC on Monday.
Today at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa, Medeama SC will clash with Samartex FC in a Western derby. Other games scheduled for today would see Eleven Wonders FC host Karela United at the Swedru Sports Stadium, while Dreams FC face Nations FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.
By Raymond Ackumey
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