Sports
Hearts poised to break Oly’s hold#
Ashie Quaye – Can pose problems for the Hearts backline
Week Two of the betPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) will be lightened up with a clash between local rivals Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The two teams were scheduled to face off in the Ga Mantse Cup last month, but local fans had to wait to see their favourite teams clash following a couple of uncertainties surrounding the encounter.
The wait, however, is over as the two would settle their scores in a league encounter for the bragging rights and the three points at stake.
Olympics have had the best of their opponents in recent times and will go into the game attempting another victory in a bid to continue their bright start of the season.
They would also rely on the leadership of Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and the enterprising prowess of Samuel Ashie Quaye to clinch another three points.
However, Hearts would be seeking revenge and also look out for a win to set their campaign back on the right track after losing their opening game to Aduana last weekend.
With the likes of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Gladson Awako ‘ready to roar’ Hearts would go into the game certain of giving Olympics a run for their money.
The weekend round of matches, however, began yesterday and would continue today with a clash between Dreams FC and newly-promoted Kotoku Royals at Dawu, while Karela would play as guests of Accra Lions.
At the Tamale stadium today, Tamale City will clash with Legon Cities, while Medeama welcome Real Tamale United (RTU) to Tarkwa for another mouthwatering encounter.
On Monday, Samartex take on Berekum Chelsea with King Faisal and Aduana Stars rounding up Week-Two with an interesting encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
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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