Former Asante Kotoko head coach Maxwell Konadu has cited the continuous departure of top players as a major reason behind the Ghana Premier League’s dwindling fortunes.
Once considered a giant in African football, the Ghanaian top-flight has seen its brightest talents leave season after season — an issue Konadu attributes to inadequate investment in the local game.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, the former Black Stars assistant coach drew a sharp contrast between Ghana and South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), highlighting that better salaries and superior infrastructure in South Africa are crucial to retaining players.
“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, who recently coached South African side Black Leopards, said.
“The players there are relaxed and not in a hurry to travel to Europe because they enjoy what they are doing at home.”
Konadu stressed that while players may personally benefit from moves overseas, their departures weaken the domestic competition and stifle the league’s growth.
He also emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in strengthening a football league, pointing to South Africa’s modern facilities as a major factor behind the PSL’s competitiveness.
“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.”
Calling for urgent reforms, Konadu urged greater private sector involvement to help revive Ghanaian football.
“Until companies are encouraged to invest in our league, we will continue to struggle against countries such as South Africa,” he warned.