Vanderpuye warns Kotoko and Hearts could go five more years without GPL title

Former Sports Minister and NDC National Chairman hopeful Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has warned that Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak could struggle to win the Ghana Premier League over the next five years if major reforms are not introduced into the country's football system.

Speaking in an interview on GhanAkoma, hosted by Sir John, Vanderpuye blamed the current football structures for the difficulties facing the two traditional giants, insisting that urgent action is needed to address the challenges confronting Ghana football.

“The current football system is affecting clubs like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. If we fail to address these issues, there is no way these two clubs will win the league in the next five years,” he said.

The former Sports Minister also expressed concern about the intimidation of referees at some match venues, arguing that the situation is undermining the credibility and development of the domestic game.

According to Vanderpuye, referees are able to officiate more freely at major venues such as the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium because of the heavy security presence.

However, he believes the situation is different at smaller grounds, where match officials allegedly face intimidation from supporters and other individuals seeking to influence results in favour of home teams.

“Referees are freely and safely officiating games at Baba Yara and Accra Sports Stadium because there is heavy security at post. But in other smaller venues, these referees are intimidated because, by all means, the home teams must win, and that is killing our game,” he stated.

His warning about Kotoko and Hearts reflects his view that the challenges facing the two clubs extend beyond their performances on the pitch and are linked to the broader structures governing the domestic game.

Both clubs boast significant followings and rich histories in Ghana football, making their competitiveness a major talking point among supporters.

Vanderpuye's position is that unless the underlying problems are addressed, the two clubs could continue to struggle to reclaim the league title in the coming years.

By Emmanuel Owusu