Some years, the Player of the Season is such clear cut that it’s barely worth holding a vote. This season has not been one of those seasons, though, with half-a-dozen players who would be worthy winners.
Yaw Annor has been one of the best forwards in Ghana’s elite division for the best part of a decade now. He had never really gotten the recognition he truly deserves, but following his ridiculous 2021/22 season- where he was the main man in the Ashantigold side that placed seventh on the log and won the top scorer award with 22 goals equalling Ishmael Addo’s record set some 22 years ago- he’s been showered with praise and is the favourite to win the Player of the Season award.
He has been, quite simply, the best player in the league this season. In a dysfunctional and listless team, Annor remained the gold standard. Finally this is the chance to acknowledge and reward that. Annor’s sudden elevation to individual award contention is certainly not a tale of overnight success, but instead a culmination of ceaseless work and undimming drive. To even be in discussion for the coveted prize is a marker of just how Annor has come since making his premier league debut with Bechem United in 2017.
While his dedication, talent and professionalism has never been in doubt, Annor, 25 in December, has stepped up his output this season, too. A senior figure among the squad- and an FA Cup winner- Annor was a vital piece of the jigsaw at the Len Clay. While many would perhaps view the award being given to him as a stats-only approach thanks to his Goal King accolade, that wouldn’t be fair.
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 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.
His reading of the game allows him to pick up the perfect starting position, which makes it easy for teammates to slot the ball into his path and let him through onto goal. It’s exactly these attributes that go unnoticed and perhaps ignored- because Annor does not feature for Hearts or Kotoko. It is a cliché to say that he would be held in a higher regard if he was foreign, but it also probably wouldn’t be wrong.
Annor has proven that he is one of the best footballers in the division, and his Goal King this season is testament to his hard work and qualities on the pitch. Winning the Player of the Season Award would be a culmination of another incredible season for the underdog.
It’s going to be difficult jousting with a number of Kotoko players- who have been pretty much perfect all season- for the award, but should Yaw Annor win the 2021/22 Player of the Season, he deserves to celebrate in style.
By: Godfred Budu
