After a week long break the Division One League is back with plenty of eye-catching fixtures as the League enters week 12. This year’s Tamale Derby between Tamale City and Steadfast has special significance considering the rejuvenated nature of both sides.
Two former Black Stars players clash at the touch line as Hamza Mohammed has brought interesting new ideas to Tamale City, while Gago Mohammed must be exhilarated with the swagger that his team has shown this season.
RTU host B. A United in a game that will certainly offer plenty for the purists, while Nsoatreman FC will test the legitimacy of Mighty Royals’ supposed qualification credentials.
We start the preview from the local derby in Tamale with 6th place Tamale City taking on League leaders Steadfast at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
Both teams have enjoyed rather good fortune as of late. With Steadfast having managed to continue clipping points here and there, they are holding onto a top position now after 11 round of natches. Alhassan Siisu continues to look like the player of the season so far for the Tamale based side.
Tamale City were lacklustre at the Sunyani Coronation Park without their talisman Sam Otis in the last fixture and Hamza Mohammed will have welcomed some down-time to reassess the intense demands of the league.
Many people might have forgotten what Nsoatreman FC look like at the moment but after their home venue was banned by the Football Association for fans violence, they have really been a fantastic side and have picked some valuable points since. With 17 points after 11 games, Nsoatreman FC are becoming a surprised package but how can they cope with the Mighty of Royals on the other Saturday fixture at their newly adopted venue, the Sunyani Coronation Park.
Can Paga Crocodile Stars rescue their sinking season when they engage Bofoakwa Tano in Week 12 of the 2020/21 Division One League? That’s a million dollar question on the lips of their ‘frustrated’ fans.
Crocodile Stars are deep-rooted in the relegation zone after eleven round of matches, having collected just 7 points. The Boarder-based outfit have been on the receiving end in their last four matches.
Ahead of Week 12 clash against Bofoakwa Tano, the onus has fallen on the home side to resuscitate their ailing campaign.
However, the Crocodile lads are aware of the opposition they will be facing in Bofoakwa Tano despite the game being played at their Paga Town Park.
Real Tamale United Coach, Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko has brought some much needed solidity to his typically flamboyant style in recent weeks. RTU seem to have lost some of their cutting edge in front of goal, something which they will desperately need against a free-flowing B. A United side. But after putting three past Berekum Arsenal in their last home game, much would be expected of them this Sunday. Adam Sachibu has the physical attributes to disrupt defenders while Ronald Frimpong’s addition to the side will offer some much needed finesse in the creative portions of the pitch.
Gbewaa FC have experienced an up-and-down start to the campaign which suggests that they may be amongst the thick of it when relegation time comes around. The Sakara based team have had a poor record away in the league and playing Young Apostles, they would have to count on luck.
In Other matches in Zone one, Nkoranza Warriors entertain Unity FC while Wa Suntaa SC will look to pick their first three points in the last four games against Berekum Arsenal at the Malik Jabel Park in Wa. Kintampo FC and Techiman City encounter at the Rawlings Park promises to be an intriguing one as both team fight to avoid relegation.
By: Sey Mubarick
