Player exodus weakening Ghana Premier League — Konadu

FORMER Black Stars assistant coach, Maxwell Konadu, has attributed the Ghana Premier League's struggles to the continuous exodus of talented players shortly after they are discovered.

In an interview with the Graphic Sports, Konadu, who recently coached South African side Black Leopards, said unlike Ghana, South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL) remained competitive because players were motivated to stay due to better remuneration and superior infrastructure.

"The difference here is that with Ghanaian players, once you score a few goals, you are gone the next season. It's not like that in South Africa because they pay them good money," Konadu explained.

"The players there are relaxed and not in a hurry to travel to Europe because they enjoy what they are doing at home."

The 52-year-old coach emphasised that although players moving abroad boosts their financial standing, it ultimately deprives the local league of quality, making it difficult for the Ghana Premier League to reach the standards seen in leagues such as the PSL.

He also highlighted the impact of infrastructure, noting that it contributed significantly to the beauty and competitiveness of South African football.

"The South African league is very competitive. Clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are always in the CAF Champions League," he pointed out.

"Good infrastructure leads to beautiful football, and it helps their league a lot."

Konadu also stressed the need for more corporate investment in Ghana’s football infrastructure. Without it, he warned, the country would continue to lag behind its peers on the African continent.

"Until companies are encouraged to invest in our league, we will continue to struggle against countries such as South Africa," he said.