You are here: HomeOpinionsArticles2011 11 17Article 223723

Sports Features of Thursday, 17 November 2011

Source: Raymond Yeboah

Glo League title is still for the minnows

*‘Match of UNDERSTRENGTH FOES’ – **Glo League title is still for the minnows *

There is no denying the fact that Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak still hold onto this daily saying, ‘once a soldier, always a soldier (champion always remains champion).’ Kotoko and Hearts still possess their iconic status of being the two most glamorous clubs in Ghana not on performance recently but in terms of support base. It is also true that they are commanding the top of our league log after 5 or 6 matches. But looking at their last two or three league matches based on my analysis, l still believe the minnows are still going to be crowned the league champions at the end of the season.

Hearts and Kotoko started the season well compared to last season’s undistinguished opening performance but their last two matches l watched involving Hearts vrs Edubiase/Dwarfs and Kotoko versus Bechem/Arsenal and Mighty Jet to me, weren't champion performances. Berekum Chelsea, the reigning champions, started poorly but now they have started to show glimpses of their true self and if this current performance under their new coach Hans van der Pluym is anything to go by, l foresee Chelsea defending this title once again.

The way Hearts and Kotoko started, one will be tempted to believe their old form is back but critically if you assess both teams well you would see that all is still not well with them because l can’t figure out the last time Hearts were beaten by an under-strength team like Dwarfs with a numerical disadvantage. And for Kotoko to struggle at home against a team like Mighty Jets, I will advise all those who were in jubilant mood over the fact that both teams are back for the league title to rewrite their notes because the league has just started and the likes of Edubiase who are still unbeaten justify my point.

Kotoko and Hearts are going for a clash on Sunday which l term as a ‘Match of UNDERSTRENGTH FOES’ because their current performance from last season till now doesn't suit their previous encounters where accolades like ‘Clash of titans, El Classico were deservedly given to those encounters.

Hearts could go in for revenge against their 3-1 pre-season friendly loss to Kotoko though, but the nature of the game can’t depict previous form of both teams.

If Kotoko and Hearts can maintain their team without selling some of their best players, then they have a chance to win the league within the next year or two but for now the likes of Chelsea, Medeama and Edubiase won’t give them the chance.

But all the same l would still use this article to congratulate K.K. Sarpong for the great job he is doing for Kotoko and for Hearts, l wish them happy centenary anniversary celebrations because they have done a lot within these years.

Good bye to Bechem United. Kofi Zico, the CEO of the team must resign to save his hard earned reputation as a good football administrator. l do definitely believe Zico as a CEO’s every decision in the team is not autonomous because Zico l know would never advise Agama and the people of Bechem to go and temporarily play their home matches in Kumasi.

*6 matches, 1 point in Ghanaian league, Bechem rest in peace. *

I am not sounding like a prophet of doom or the devil’s advocate here but they were warned by my numerous articles in here – it was lack of advice that sent the housefly to the grave together with the corpse. Choosing Kumasi Sports stadium as your home grounds was like going to play your home matches at a cemetery. The dwellers there are struggling themselves if Mighty Jet could threaten Kotoko like this at that venue, who are Bechem?

Aduana and Arsenal too must be careful with their recent performances and l also think coaching casualty is going to be the scare crow for Aduana this season. *Credit: Raymond Yeboah -Sportsinghana.com*