The Blind Pass: A weekly feature on the Ghana Premier League - Patronage, Enthusiasm on the Ropes?

The wait will finally end as shoulders were put back on wheels in the commencement of the second round of the Ghana premier league.

The mild degree of rustiness was evident in the goal haul at the close of matchday 16. 13 goals across 8 league centres with only 3 away goals is a mean return considering how the league signed off with an avalanche of goals in the first round. Wa All Stars were back in business to maintain top spot as they pipped Berekum Chelsea at home.

Bechem United could not prevent free scoring Aduana Stars from scoring but did enough to outscore them in the Brong Ahafo derby which ended 2-1.

Techiman City Football Club yet again saw a slender lead cancelled out as they shared the spoils with Asante Kotoko in a 1 all drawn game.

Perennial relegation battlers New Edubiase United showed glimpses of that character to survive as they beat tough customers Medeama SC by a goal to nil at home.

Ashgold SC dropped into the relegation zone after losing 1-2 to West Africa Football Academy. Ebusua Dwarfs, Hearts of Oak and Inter Allies rallied to lone goal victories at home against Liberty Professionals, Dreams FC and Hasaacas respectively.

PATRONAGE, ENTHUSIASM ON THE ROPES?..
The second round of the league started with pockets of spaces in the very stands which were always filled to it's rafters. This drop in spectatorship was suppose to be the case when the start of the season was shrouded in murkiness.

However the numbers never reflected the ill preparation and kerfuffle towards the start of the season. The standard and pulchritude of play in the first round should have been a force of attraction to pull even the least enthused about football to a match venue.

For whatever reason it is enthusiasm and patronage has dwindled and the earlier it is addressed the better for our rejuvenated league.

On the evidence of the turn out in the first games of the second round no true advocate of the league will rest until this emerging situation is arrested. It may still be early days yet but proactivity will curtail any calamitous situation.

By: Kwame Owusu Ansah
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