Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has shared his insights on the significant difficulties impacting the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
Since assuming his role as head of the Ghana national team, the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager has enjoyed firsthand experience after attending several games during the just-ended top club division competition won by Medeama SC.
Despite this, the manager could only name one player – Hafiz Konkoni of Bechem United – in his latest squad. This was by way of a late call-up.
Black Stars: ‘Konkoni is a player I’ve enjoyed watching’ – Chris Hughton
In an appraisal, Hughton noted that the GPL tends to lose many players and praised several clubs for bringing in younger players to improve development.
“The level of our league is good. But the league loses a lot of players. What I have seen is that a lot of clubs are bringing in younger players which is good for development and there is no doubt there is talent here but it’s about the next stages for them and playing on the best stages.”
Although he admitted Ghana’s football scene has talent, he stressed the importance of playing on high-quality pitches to propel these players forward. Additionally, Hughton acknowledged some challenges with playing surfaces but commended teams that continue to play good, attractive football despite such difficulties.
“A lot of the games I have seen, I have enjoyed. Some of the surfaces have been difficult surfaces and I have seen teams that have tried to play and try to play good attractive football on these surfaces”.
Chris Hughton shared these thoughts during a news conference following the Black Stars’ second training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.
Ghana is preparing for a key 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier away to Madagascar on Sunday, June 18.
The Black Stars will automatically qualify for the January 2024 flagship continental showpiece, which will be hosted in Cote d’Ivoire, if they defeat the southern African country.
