Sports
To start or not to start…
The re-start of the German football league –Bundesliga – has inspired hope among countries whose leagues were grinded to a halt due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
After back-and-forth engagement with German authorities over an appropriate date to recommence, having suffered from the brutal effect of the virus as a country, the competition continued under special guidelines to ensure the disease was not spread.
But for the failure of Hertha Berlin players to adhere to celebration protocols in their 3-0 win over Hoffeinham on Monday, there was no hitch.
It has sent clear signals to other league around the world including Ghana that the ‘Project restart’ was possible.
In England and other places, teams have assembled for training to commence.
However, their activities will be closely monitored by the authorities to ensure that guidelines like the regular testing, social distancing and other protocols were observed.
In Ghana, however, the discussion is ongoing with no date in sight to resume as there appears to be a sharp division among stakeholders over when it was safe to do so.
With the restrictions on public/social gathering still in force despite easing the restrictions, the FA’s hands are tied over when the restrictions will be eased entirely to restart the games.
The situation becomes even gloomier with the upsurge of confirmed positive cases, leaving stakeholders in a state of despair and hopelessness.
Interestingly, apart from King Faisal’s bankroller, Alhaji Grusah who openly and fiercely oppose talk about a restart, clubs appear to have been very meticulous in their pronouncements on the matter; preferring the FA to lead the process to return.
This is the more reason why the FA must be proactive in the covid-19 era and work closely with the authorities to find ways to bring the game back.
Obviously the signs on the wall do not suggest covid-19 is leaving now as Ghana’s case keep soaring despite assurance of reaching its peak.
Instead of waiting for government to ease the restrictions fully, the FA could come out with reasonable ideas that can convince all and sundry that football could return.
It could mean undertaking mandatory tests for all players and officials at the elite level to know the number of cases just as was done in England, Spain and Italy. It should include match officials and other workers on a match day.
The outcome will put the FA in a position to know the rate of infection among the main actors.
If the rate is very low, it could progress with the next phase of getting clubs ready to start training but under the same guidance with positive cases getting isolated.
Obviously, the matches will be played without the fans; suggesting that media for the games must also undergo compulsory test to run commentaries and provide match reports.
Based on its progress at this stage, the FA could also adopt some of the practices in some countries that want to accept fans but should do so under strict social distancing rule.
Organisers of the games must also ensure water, soap, alcohol based sanitizers were provided at the venues for nose-mask wearing fans or any other match day worker.
These would surely come at some cost which will not be left on the shoulders of the FA alone; the clubs must support.
However, the readiness of the clubs to ensure all of the above will help answer the myth to start the league or not.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
Sports
Ghana Premier League Returns with Fresh Signings, New Coaches and High Expectations
The Ghana Premier League (GPL) is back for the 2025/26 season, promising one of the most competitive campaigns yet. Clubs across the country have strengthened their technical teams and recruited a blend of youth and experience as they aim to improve their squads and challenge for honours.
Our GPL Statistician, Shaban Mohammed provides a rundown of how clubs have shaped up in the preseason ahead of Friday’s kickoff.
Defending Champions Gold Stars Ready for Title Defence
Gold Stars, reigning league champions, have reinforced their squad in all departments. Backup goalkeeper Kwadwo Osei Bonsu joins to compete with Emmanuel Kobi, while the attack has been bolstered with Sampson Eduku, Prince Opoku Agyemang, Emmanuel Agyenim Boateng, and Burkinabé international Sanou Razack. Midfield stalwarts Francis Twene, Emmanuel Fosu Kyei, Emmanuel Kontor, Emmanuel Agyei, and Emmanuel Kojo Addy are expected to be pivotal. The champions head into the season on a high after lifting the Ghalca Top Four trophy.
Kotoko, Hearts and Lions Eye the Crown
Asante Kotoko also have their sights firmly set on the league title. Under coach Abdul Karim Zito, the Porcupine Warriors won the President’s Cup against Hearts of Oak, the Toyota Cup against Kaizer Chiefs, and the Champion of Champions match over Gold Stars. Key arrivals include goalkeeper Dari Aziz Haruna from Bechem United, Walid Fuseini, Sahyibu Abubakari, Musah Hamzata, Joseph Amoah, and Guinean striker Morifing Donzo.
Hearts of Oak are undergoing a resurgence under new head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani. After winning the Homowo and Democracy Cups and finishing joint-top of the GHALCA Top Four, the Phobians have strengthened their side with goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi, forward Prince Kwabena Owusu, Ali Mohammed, Paaku George, Rocky Dwamena, Abdul Karim, Frank Abora Duku, Baba Adamu, and Henry Kwaku Boateng.
Heart of Lions are also in the mix for the title after a strong pre-season. They have added Dennis Korsah, Chauncy Freeman, Michael Noumon, Yaw Polo, Emmanuel Anokye, and Faisal James to their squad.
Aduana FC, Karela United Lead Transfer Rush
Aduana FC were among the most active in the transfer window, signing experienced goalkeeper Obeng Sekyere Gregory from Berekum Chelsea, forward Mizack Afriyie, and striker Remember Adomako from Accra Lions. Former club captain Bright Adjei also returns, alongside Patrick Mensah, Riise Opoku Mensah, Dominic Frimpong, and Abdul Aziz Nurudeen.
Karela United, who have narrowly avoided relegation in the past two seasons, have rebuilt their squad with Evans Osei Wusu (a league winner with Samartex), Bless Ege (2024 MTN FA Cup finalist), goalkeepers Daniel Afadzwu and Kelvin Kofi Saaba, and foreign signings Oliver Adom from Ivory Coast and Cameroonian forward Franky Aoudou.
Key Signings Across the League
· Asante Kotoko: Lord Hilary Adaboi (Samartex), Dari Aziz Haruna (Bechem United), Walid Fuseini.
· Hearts of Oak: Solomon Agbasi (Free Agent), Abdul Karim (Nations FC), Prince Kwabena Owusu (Gold Stars).
· Medeama SC: Rich Sackey (Aduana FC), Fuzy Taylor (Accra Lions).
· Berekum Chelsea: Augustine Agyapong, Michael Awuah Mensah, Samuel Amofa.
· Vision FC: Dickson Afoakwa (Rainmasters), Kwame Aziz (Legon Cities).
· Nations FC: Faruk Mohammed (Hohoe United), Lawrence Ansah.
· Swedru All Blacks: John Andoh (Soccer Intellectuals), Junior Yeboah (Pac Academy), Benjamin York.
· Hohoe United: Michael Yeboah (Great Olympics), Alhassan Adamu (Karela), Maxwell Agyemang.
· Eleven Wonders: Daniel Lomotey (formerly WAFA, Medeama, Young Apostles).
Coaching Carousel: Continuity and Change
Only two of the 18 GPL clubs have appointed foreign coaches: Swedru All Blacks hired Egyptian Ahmed Fati, while Aduana FC retained Romanian Cioba Arista. Ten clubs maintained their coaches, including Abdul Karim Zito (Asante Kotoko), Frimpong Manso (Gold Stars), Nurudeen Amadu (Karela United), Nana Agyemang (Vision FC), Ibrahim Tanko (Medeama SC), Samuel Boadu (Berekum Chelsea), Christopher Ennin (Samartex), Bashir Hayford (Heart of Lions), and Kasim Mingle Ocansey (Nations FC).
Hearts of Oak, Eleven Wonders, Basake Holy Stars, Swedru All Blacks, Hohoe United, Dreams FC, Bechem United, and Young Apostles have all appointed new coaches as they seek to refresh their technical directions.
With major signings, tactical shake-ups, and heightened ambitions across the board, the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling campaigns in recent times’ memory.
Sports
Premier League: Accra Hearts of Oak eye fast start against debutants Hohoe United on Friday night
Accra Hearts of Oak will launch their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a home tie against newly promoted Hohoe United at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, September 12, 2025.
The Phobians enter the season as strong contenders for the title, while their opponents will be making their long-awaited debut in the country’s top-flight competition.
The 2024/25 season offered renewed optimism for Hearts of Oak after they finished fourth in the 2024-25 campaign. The Phobians finished fourth with 16 wins, 10 draws and only 8 defeats, the joint-second lowest tally in the top-flight.
They also boasted one of the league’s best defensive records, conceding just 18 goals across 34 matches.
Yet, despite their progress, one statistic continues to haunt them: Hearts have failed to win any of their last four Premier League season openers (D1, L3). Head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani and his players will be eager to break that trend in front of their home fans.
The capital giant has also strengthened significantly in the transfer market. High-profile recruit Prince Kwabena Owusu, formerly of Gold Stars FC, headlines the list of arrivals, alongside other notable additions designed to add depth and quality across the pitch.
Pre-season performances have been encouraging, with Hearts securing three wins and a draw, including a strong showing in the GHALCA Top Four competition. These results suggest the Phobians are well-prepared to mount a serious title challenge this season.
Hohoe United – Newcomers with Big Dreams
For Hohoe United, the match represents a historic milestone, their first-ever fixture in the Premier League. The Zone Three champions secured promotion in emphatic fashion last season, amassing an impressive 72 points from 30 matches (W23, D3, L4). Their dominance saw them outpace promotion rivals Port City FC and Okwahu United to seal their place in the top tier.
One of United’s standout strengths last season was their away form. They collected 27 points on the road, the second-highest total in the Access Bank Division One League. Such resilience on their travels could prove crucial as they adapt to the tougher challenges of top-flight football.
Keenly aware of the demands ahead, Hohoe United have bolstered their squad with several experienced campaigners. Among them are Ebenezer Amega from Legon Cities, Kwaku Musah from FC Nania, Rainmasters’ Daniel Osei Senior and former Great Olympics forward Michael Yeboah.
These signings bring a blend of quality and know-how, and will be central to United’s efforts to avoid the drop in their debut campaign. United will be looking to defy the odds and claim a memorable result against one of Ghana’s most storied and decorated clubs in their maiden Premier League outing.
Head-to-Head
This fixture marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Hearts of Oak and Hohoe United in Premier League history, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Friday’s clash.
What to Expect
The Accra Sports Stadium is set for an electric atmosphere as Hearts of Oak seek to begin their season on the front foot, backed by their passionate fans. For Hohoe United, the occasion offers both a daunting challenge and an opportunity to announce themselves on the big stage.
With one side eager to launch a title push and the other hungry to prove they belong, this season opener promises to deliver drama, intensity, and perhaps even history.
