End of an era for Abra-Appiah

Mr chairman, special Guest of Honour, President of the Ghana Football Association, Managing Director of First Capital Plus Blank, the CEO of SuperSport, esteemed dignitaries, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it’s such a great pleasure for us to gather here again for this important agenda on the Ghanaian Football calendar.

Today, we recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding footballers, clubs and officials in the just ended season. My heartiest congratulations to all who have been nominated for the various award categories.

As we celebrate the 10th PLB Awards Night, we do so in full contentment of the knowledge that we’ve come a very long way to make our game one of the most attractive and enjoyable. In doing so, it is appropriate that we recognise the roles of all those who have in diverse ways made it possible.

Here it is important to acknowledge the immense efforts of the GFA itself and its allied bodies, the clubs themselves whose relentless efforts have ensured the successful outcome, two major players which deserve commendation for the quality that has been brought to the Premier League over the last two seasons. That is First Capital Plus Bank and broadcast giant SuperSports, our live telecast title sponsors.

It is worth reiterating that the coming on board of the First Capital Plus has thrown a lifeline to the clubs that has resulted in the improved quality that we have witnessed in our cherished league. It can be said with certainty that the coming seasons are going to be better and we are earnestly looking forward to that.

The organisation of the league this season has been largely successful due to the new structure of the Premier League Board. Now all clubs are represented on the board and this promoted a healthy relationship between the Association, the Board and our clubs. We wish to commend the GFA for this innovation.

The gradual implementation club licensing system will help our Clubs to streamline their operations and embrace professionalism in the game. Next season, it is expected that the club licensing system will move to the next level after the semi approach two months ago it is our hope that clubs will meet all expectations in the coming season

Let me also reserve special praise to our former foreign-based players such as Richard Kingson, Godwin Attram, Dan Quaye and Fatau Dauda, as well as others who decided to return home to add their rich experience to our local league. Their return to the local scene served as a source of motivation for the talented young footballers and added some spice to the just ended season.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, from the depths of my heart and on behalf of the board, let me commend the media for taking a special interest in the league and for the wonderful role they played this season. We look forward to a greater collaboration in the future. It is my believe that collectively we can retain our supporters and attract new fans into the various stadia.

I will like to congratulate all award winners tonight for being outstanding in the just ended season. For those who missed out, they shouldn’t feel down-hearted. Rather, they should find the spirit to strive to do better next time around.

Let us all celebrate tonight’s heroes.