Kickaway, Nii Aryee headline Top 8 Draught Competition January 7  

Local draught icons George Afrifa, popularly known as Kickaway, and Theophilus Aryee Quaye, also known as Nii Aryee, are set to return to the playing board after nearly two years. They will headline the lineup of a special Top 8 contest scheduled for January 7, 2025.  

Dubbed the "Elephantine Draught Competition," the one-day event marks the duo’s return to competitive play following different lengths of bans imposed by the Greater Accra Draught Association (GADA).  

Venue and participants 

The competition will take place at the BCDC in Ashley Botwe, Accra, starting at 9am. It is sponsored by philanthropist Mark Essel, also known as Menzgold.  

Joining Kickaway and Nii Aryee in the tournament are six other formidable players:  

- Former Tema champion Evans Koranteng, aka Ortega  
- Michael Abu, aka Abu National  
- Solomon Aryee, aka Ardey  
- Michael Tei Sika  
- Addai Frimpong  
- Yao Kumah  

Each participant is considered a giant in their own right, collectively representing some of the finest draught players in the country.  

Favourites and competition outlook  

Ordinarily, Kickaway and Nii Aryee would be overwhelming favourites for the GH₵2,000 first prize at stake. However, having been out of competition for so long, the other players may see this as their chance to shine.  

Ortega, for instance, is a former Tema champion who quickly ascended to the A-list of draught players and even challenged Kickaway, who has long been regarded as the ultimate name in local draught circles.  

Similarly, players like Ardey, Abu National, and Addai have demonstrated their prowess in various tournaments, earning the trust of the organisers.  

High stakes and thrilling contests are anticipated on January 7, coinciding with the day the national presidency transitions from the incumbent government to a new one.  

Prize structure

The competition offers GH₵2,000 for the winner, with GH₵1,500 for second place, GH₵1,000 for third place, and GH₵500 for fourth place.  

The "Elephantine Draught Competition" promises an electrifying start to the new year, showcasing the best of Ghana’s draught talent.