Sports
Hearts, Oly clash for Ga Mantse Cup
Barnieh – Hearts’ sleek forward
Reigning FA Cup champions, Hearts of Oak, are poised to search for victory against their regional rivals, Great Olympics in the Ga Mantse Cup, scheduled to be played 3.pm tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Hearts will be hoping to exact revenge on Olympics after suffering a 4-0 aggregate defeat from them in the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League (GPL).
The Phobians’ supremacy over Olympics seems to have been halted in the last two seasons.
With a formidable squad made up of the likes of Sulley Muntari, Gladson Awako and Afriyie Barnieh, preparing for the African Confederation Cup competition, Hearts are tipped to cut dead Olympics – and also sound a strong warning to the rest of Africa of their readiness to challenge for titles.
However, with players like Maxwell Abbey Quaye, Samuel Quaye and Razak Kasim among others, Olympics could show strength to make difficult tactics for Hearts as both teams are seeking for the ‘Accra Landlord’ bragging rights.
After leading the Black Galaxies to snatch double victory over Benin in the CHAN qualifiers, Coach Annor Walker is expected to map out another strategy – aimed at maintaining their dominance over their sworn rivals.
Equally, Hearts’ coach Samuel Boadu would want to break this cycle by winning the trophy and restoring the smiles on the faces of their contingent.
Initiated by the Ga Mantse – King Tackie Tieko Tsuru II, the game seeks to unite the people of Ga through football and also forms part of the annual Homowo festival celebrations.
BY EMMANUEL ASANTE
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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