Glo (Ghana) Premier League 2010/2011: The best of the September

Even though the Glo (Ghana) Premier League is continuously faced with the age-old challenges of poor facilities, low television coverage and poor attendance, we have had an exciting first month.

In addition to some beautiful football at some centres; we have witnessed an average of 12 goals per week. At least one away team has recorded a win each week. Kessben FC was exceptional in this regard, winning all their 2 away games.

Aduana FC showed that their 2009/2010 title winning performance was not a fluke as they continued to show how a miserly defence, rather than abundance of goals was the best way to win the title in Ghana.

Kotoko fans have found their voices again. Their strikers have not failed to bang in the goals (6 goals in 4 games), neither have their defenders failed in stopping the goals (conceding only 1 goal in4 games).

The gross indiscipline displayed by players (particularly midfielder Obed Ansah), officials and some supporters of Accra Hearts of Oak on Match Day 4 when they threatened and physically assaulted referee G. Barimansu cannot go unmentioned. Hearts of Oak did not even have the courtesy of displaying remorse. While officials shamelessly jumped to the defence of their team, Unruly Obed Ansah claimed he did not regret his actions and the FA can do whatever they wish to him because they did not employ him. Shameful!!

The disgraceful acts of Accra Hearts of Oak notwithstanding, we saw some meritorious performances in the month of September. I made a compilation of the most impressive performers, from my perspective.

COACH OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER) – Bashir Hayford

I will pick Bashir Hayford as the most outstanding coach of the month. He masterminded the impressive performance of league leaders, Kessben FC. Ebo Mends’ (Kotoko) feat of beating Ashgold and Liberty Professionals away from home cannot be written off though. As for Mr. Herbert Addo (Aduana), he might have to prove to us that he can do more than defend.

GOAL KEEPER OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER) – Isaac Amoako

Isaac Amoako (Kotoko) will take this. Even though Aduana’s Stephen Adam conceded as many goals as Amoako (just 1goal after 4 games), Ghana’s number two goalie, Amoako had a better away performance. Honourable mention must go to Sammy Adjei (Hearts of Oak) for standing between his club and utter humiliation on several occasions.

LATERAL DEFENDER/WING BACKOF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER) – Godfred Saka

This is a tough choice between right back Godfred Saka (Aduana) and left back Seth Owusu (Kessben) who were on top of the pack in September. Owusu may have deservedly earned a call-up to join the senior national team, but I think Saka has done enough to get this one. If you want to know why it is so difficult to put the ball in Aduana’s net, among other things, watch Godfred Saka play.

CENTRAL DEFENDER OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER) –

I could not find any outstanding players in this department.

MIDFIELDER OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER) – Daniel Larbi Coomson

Daniel Larbi Coomson (B.A. Stars) has been the machine driving the debutants this season. He scored 2 of B.A. Stars’ goals in September and provided the assist for the other. In this department, the hard work of Daniel Nii Adjei (Kotoko), Eric Agyeman (Berekum Chelsea) and Baba Gullit (New Edubiase) needs a mention.

WINGER OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER) – Hans Coffie

Hans Coffie (Kessben) is my pick for winger of the month September. Together with Yahaya Ganiyu (Kotoko), they did not make the first team of the West African, African and World U-20 squad even though they featured in qualifiers. But Hans has matured this season, capping his scintillating runs with two goals in September. Ganiyu was also very impressive for Kotoko in September.

FORWARD OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER) – Nuhu Fuseini

Even though some will argue that Stephen Manu was the best forward in September because he is leading the goal king race with 3 goals, I think the choice should be between Louis Agyeman (Kotoko), Alex Asamoah (Kotoko) and Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase). Manu scored all three goals in on Match day 1 and has since not found the net. Manu’s team mate Fuseini has however scored in 2 of the four games, so has Agyemang and Asamoah.

So with nothing to choose between these three, I will give the honours to the exciting Nuhu Fuseini for scoring what is potentially the best goal of the season against Hearts of Oak on Match Day 4 at the Accra Sports Stadium.