Former Asante Kotoko defender, Awal Mohammed, has ignited a discussion on the allure of the Ghana Premier League, challenging assertions that it lacks appeal.
Criticism has plagued the Ghana Football Association in recent years, with concerns about the league’s quality decline. Issues such as poor stadium attendance, insufficient attention, officiating errors, and hooliganism have marred its reputation.
In a fervent appeal, Awal urged local companies to invest in the league, highlighting the disparity in sponsorship between the national team, the Black Stars, and the domestic league.
Disputing claims of the league’s unattractiveness, Awal stated, “Why can’t they (companies) sponsor the league, we have big companies in Ghana but when it’s time for the Black stars they will all come to sponsor, although it’s good but they should also look at the league.”
“Anyone that says that the league is not attractive is insane, we must check his mind. For example, if you see a lady and are interested in her, but she doesn’t dress well and doesn’t look neat, you try spending on her to look attractive for you. We are the ones that can make the league attractive when it’s not,” he said in an interview with Ghanasportspage.com.
Awal envisioned a future where sponsorships and vibrant marketing efforts transform the league’s ambience, reminiscing about the excitement generated during past FA Cup finals. He believes such initiatives can reignite enthusiasm and draw crowds back to the stadiums.
“When the big companies come to sponsor the league and they erect billboards, and the atmosphere looks cheerful, people will throng to the stadium to watch the games.
“I quite remember those days when we were playing FA Cup, we (Kotoko) went to the final and when you get to the stadium, the way banners were all over the place and the crown alone, you feel excited even as a player, so what is the problem?”
The Ghana Premier League is currently without a sponsor after the FA, and betPawa canceled their sponsorship contract.
