Constant Venue Change Negatively Affects Ghana Premier League – Prosper Ogum
Head coach of Asante Kotoko, Prosper Ogum, has frowned on the recent closure of stadiums in the country which has forced clubs to find alternative home grounds for their games.
The Baba Yara Stadium, Accra Sports Stadium and the Cape Coast Stadium have all been closed down by the National Sports Authority (NSA), forcing about five Ghana Premier League clubs to find alternatives for their home grounds.
Kotoko have chosen the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi as their temporary home venue until the Baba Yara Stadium is available.
Ogum believes the constant movement of teams from one home ground has a negative toll on Ghana’s top flight.
“Yes, I think so because you have to always be on the move,” said the gaffer to 3Sports when quizzed about whether the changes affect the league. “Today you are at this venue, next time you have to go to a different place maybe because of the venue not meeting a particular standard.
“When it happens that way, it affects the flow of the team in terms of adaptation…the more the players play on a particular pitch as their home grounds for a period, it gives them confidence because they can have a mental picture of the crowd is going to be at any point in time.
“They know how to mentally adjust themselves before they come into the game. When you move from one venue to another, it will take time for them to adapt in terms of the crowd, in terms of the spectatoring; it will take time for them to adjust.”
He also mentioned that long hours of travel affect the performances of players as they could face fatigue.
“Sometimes, the distance is an issue and the type of buses we use in Ghana are not sports-related buses,” he added.
“Travelling from venue to venue because of issues you have to change your home ground is not the best for our league.”
After seeing their matchday two fixture against Nsoatreman postponed due to the latter’s involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers, Kotoko return to league action on Sunday against Young Apostles.
