With the 2022-23 season drawing to a close, the true value of some of the signings made across the Premier League over the last 9 months can start to be judged. Was money well spent on Yassan Ouatching? Was Stephen Desse Mukwala a hit? What of Bibiani Goldstars’ purchase of Abednego Tetteh?
Here, we pick the best seven additions of the campaign.
Abednego Tetteh (Bibiani Goldstars)
Appiah McCarthy and Stepehen Owusu Banahene have been excellent in their debut season for the Miners, but it's Abednego Tetteh who gets the nod. Ostracised at Hearts, the 32-year-old forward was later deemed surplus to the club’s requirements and was later released after just a season.
Kumasi-based King Faisal offered to give him the opportunity to show the Phobians what they’ve lost but his stint with the Insha Allah boys was short-lived but he managed to score to goals before joining Bibiani Goldstars in the second transfer window. At first, it looked like the Miners were taking a gamble but it appears it was a shrewd business with Tetteh repaying his employers for the faith reposed in him.
He looks a different than the one at Hearts and King Faisal. He has scored an astonishing 16 goals for the Bibiani club is currently leading the top scorers’ chart with 18 goals. How many saw this coming?
Francis Andy Kumi (Kotoku Royals)
Another player with a similar story to Abednego Tetteh’s is Kotoku Royals’ Francis Andy Kumi. The forward was released by Kotoko after a disappointing season.
A move to Bechem United was to restore his confidence but he struggled to carve a niche for himself there and was left with no option than to seek solace elsewhere.
Kotoku Royals offered to give him that platform to relaunch his career and he has become an instant hit for the Royals having joined them in the second transfer window. He has scored 11 goals in 24 appearances for his club.
Abdul Manaf Umar (RTU)
Abdul Manaf Umar was a surprising, yet much-needed signing for RTU. He added both a goal threat and some excitement in a team whose play style hasn't always satisfied the masses. With his 6 goals and 3 assists, Umar has filled the void vacated by David Abagna Sandan with effortless ease.
His pin-point passes have launched many an attack, but overall, he has given the team more control and balance. And he cost RTU nothing at all, joining as a free agent having being released by Hearts. The fact he has managed to return to the elite as an influential player for a club like RTU is truly remarkable.
Felix Kyei (Medeama)
Kyei had been a colossal force for Karela United and a big reason why Karela are struggling after his departure to join Medeama SC. He has made a seamless transition from a team used to fighting relegation to one trying to win the league title for the first time. He has kept 14 clean sheets and conceded 21 goals in 29 appearances for the Tarkwa-based club.
His distribution is key for a team who plays such fluid football, while he is consistent in making a string of difficult saves week in week out.
Stephen Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko)
When the Porcupine Warriors lost Franck Etouga Mbella to Egyptian side El Masry, the club acted quickly to replace him with Ugandan international Stephen Dese Mukwala. With 11 goals, 5 assists in 30 appearances, the 24-year-old’s heroics for Kotoko have been sensational and he has bailed them on many occasions with some stunning goals.
He had to deal with the burden of being Kotoko’s record signing but fleet-footed forward has justified the hype around him since his arrival, dazzling opposing defences, and proving highly effective for the Kotoko attack. Mukwala has been one of the brightest sparks in Kotoko’s season.
Linda Mtange Don (Hearts of Oak)
The DR Congo international has been one of the few green shoots from an otherwise dark season for the Phobians. The 20-year-old has brilliant technical ability and is adept at holding on to the ball under pressure. But his real asset is his ability to make accurate long passes, with both feet, allowing his team to switch play and launch counter-attacks. He has scored 4 goals, registered 4 assists in 30 games for the Accra club.
Johnathan Sowah (Medeama)
Some eyebrows were raised when Medeama expressed interest in the 24-year-old forward, but the Mauves and Yellow will have no regrets after a stunning first season for Sowah who joined during the second transfer window.
He has scored 10 goals, provided 1 assist in 19 games. He has been one of the many stars of Medeama’s remarkable campaign that could see them win their first league title since their existence.
Sowah has added power and commitment to a lightweight attack and providing ammunition for the attack.
