The Ghanaian Premier League has borne witness to a plethora of stars who have lit up stadiums across the country since the days of yore.
Some have walked away with a haul of medals and awards, whilst others may not have been as successful, yet their individual ability is what set them apart from the rest.
The ongoing 2022/2023 league season is no different. But for every superstar and club in the league, there are always players who fail to hog the headlines despite being an invaluable member of their side.
Richmond Ayi – (Accra Hearts of Oak)
Most of Hearts’ first XI are getting the praise they deserve his season, but few are talking about just how big an impact Ayi has had on the side.
The former national U-23 goalkeeper has made saves, punches and made errors that have led to goals whilst inducing a sense of calm in his defence. His dependability was highlighted in his club’s games against Kotoko, Medeama, Samartex and Legon Cities.
He wouldn’t have bested Richard Attah for Hearts’ first-choice goalkeeper if he wasn’t good. He has so far kept 8 clean sheets.
Abass Samari Salifu (Accra Lions)
One player that quietly goes about his work week-in, week-out is Abass Samari Salifu. Sure, he may not earn rave reviews for his stunning assists, or his thunderous volleys, but he is a vital member of the Accra-based side.
Yes, he may not be a 'star name' but he has proven to be a valuable squad member. The midfielder is a crucial player at ball retention and transitions for Ibrahim Tanko and Accra Lions are a much better side (how is that possible?) when he is in the team. He has scored 8 goals in 16 appearances for his side and has won 5 MVP awards.
Abednego Tetteh (Bibiani Goldstars)
The striker has netted 8 times and provided a further two assists this term. It's been a sensational campaign which not many had seen coming.
Having proven so many people wrong so far this term, Tetteh has more than earned himself a Ghana call-up and the chance to showcase his talent on the international stage.
The handlers the Black Galaxies must reward him for his performances soon as he could be a very useful addition to the squad.
Nurudeen Abdulai (Medeama SC)
Strong and composed leadership is a high-ranking trademark for a Ghanaian centre-back and Medeama have that in Nurudeen Abdulai.
The defender not only has the makings of an old-school defender but can combine that ruthless quality with a modern-day ball-playing attribute that so many defenders possess.
Abdulai has been a regular fixture for the Mauves and Yellow boys this campaign. Despite his side being inconsistent, Abdulai has been a shining light in a listless team. He is a class act but certainly one of the most underrated players in the Ghanaian league. He has scored 2 goals, won 4 MVPs in 16 games.
Nicholas Osei Bonsu (Asante Kotoko)
Osei Bonsu is very strong, good in the air and thrives on closely man-marking the opponent and using his reading of the game to outwit opposing attackers, but he also knows when to get stuck in, also adept to using his body to shield the ball away from danger and also make powerful recovery when required.
He plays a left-back for the Porcupine Warriors. Contrary to popular belief and perception, he is actually a very intelligent footballer, which he demonstrates emphatically with his astute positioning and covering of his teammates.
Francis Andy Kumi (Kotoko Royals)
It’s a testament to his quality that Kumi continued to look classy throughout Kotoku Royals’ run of defeats. The former Kotoko forward has so far scored seven goals in the league. His selfish nature bucks the trend of those leading the line, as he is neither a traditional or false nine.
His work ethic is something to behold. Aside his goals, his link-up play and running pattern allows his teammates to thrive.
Caleb Amankwah (Hearts of Oak)
Caleb Amankwah is one of the most versatile players in the division. He can play as a centre-back, right-back and as a defensive midfielder. His resolve is matched by his acute sensibility in defensive situations. His awareness of when to close down and strip the ball from opponents is impressive.
On the ball, he’s comfortable with both feet, equally capable of a fast-paced delivery into his centre-forward or playing a diagonal cross-field pass to a winger.
His anticipation and reading of the game gives him an excellent interception rate, while his speed enables him to recover against the majority of forwards. He has scored 2 goals in 15 games this term.
Sampson Eduku (Tamale City)
Someone who might compete with Mizack Afiyie and Hafiz Konkoni for the Top Scorer of the season status is Sampson Eduku. With 7 goals, 3 assists to his credit, Eduku does, of course, get recognition for his performances, but it's nowhere near what he deserves.
The nimble-footed player is as versatile as they come, playing on the right, the left, or even in the middle - and he never looks out of place or uncomfortable.
Equally, he never kicks a fuss over the fact that he may not be playing in his preferred position, instead, he works tirelessly to help his side. This attitude mixed with his ability on the ball (and goal threat) makes him a truly outstanding footballer.
Issah Kukah (RTU)
As silky and talented as they come, Issah Kukah makes football look easy such is his vision and quality on the ball. Yet, the RTU man does not earn the public admiration of the Ghanaian football community that he deserves.
With 7 goals and an assist in 14 appearances for his side, the on-loan Hearts forward deserves some recognition for chalking these numbers in listless side. He is starting to get praise from the RTU fans but not beyond that which is something that needs to change
Joseph Addo (Aduana Stars)
Time to put some credit back behind the name Joseph Addo. Sure, his form has dipped considerably in the past couple of campaigns, but it was always going to be impossible to maintain the ridiculous standards he had set over the years prior to that slip. There's now signs he's getting back to his best, and plenty of time for him to recapture the form which made him a contender as the very best in the division.
Easy to bypass the fact that Addo is now in his 14th year as a professional and he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.
His performances between the sticks for the Ogya family have been crucial in propelling them since his arrival in 2016. The 32-year-old has kept 11 clean sheets and conceded 7 goals in 17 appearances this season.
Addo is a traditional goalkeeper who commands his box well and is good in one-on-one situations. He is not the best with the ball at his feet, but his acrobatic capabilities make up for it.
