INSIGHT: Return of the GPL

The Ghanaian Premier League returned today after a one month hiatus and Accra Hearts of Oak immediately re-asserted their dominance with victory over Heart of Lions. The Phobians (as Hearts of Oak are known) strengthed during the break with 11 new signings to see them through the remainder of the season. Dramatic mid-season rebuilding is commonplace in Ghananian football and we have to ask whether this is damaging to a clubs prospects in the long term? Taking the English Premiership as an example the most successful sides are generally based on core groups of players and coaches who have been given the time and resources to establish themsleves(think Manchester United and Alex Ferguson, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger). There is a lot to be said for allowing players and coaching staff time to adjust, building for the future with patience and forsight.
Unfortunately such forsight can be expensive particularly in African football where economic pressures frequently condemn clubs to lead a hand-to-mouth existence. If results do not come quickly then immediate changes must be made because resources are drained with every passing day. Just this week Sharks FC of the Nigerian Premiership have slashed salaries in the wake of poor results. The pressure from management, fans and the media is felt as keenly in African football as it is anywhere else. It is against this backdrop of short-term plans, tight financial margins and incessant turnover of personnel that the Sandlanders are looking to move forward. A challenge for us all.