GHALCA Top Four to kick off on July 31

Accra, July 7, GNA - This year's edition of the annual Top Four Championship may kick start on July 31.

The championship organised by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) is among the top four finishers of the just ended 2007/2008 Onetouch Premiership.

League Champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Kpando Heart of Lions, Berekum Arsenal and Dansoman Liberty Professionals will vie for honours in the championship that will last till September 7 and slated for the Ohene Djan and Baba Yara Stadia in Accra and Kumasi respectively. Kurt E.S. Okraku, Administrative Manager of GHALCA told GNA Sports on Monday that his outfit has made some modifications to the competition describing it as the most sought after in Ghana football. He explained that unlike previous editions this year's will have 13 matches including a decider between the first and second placed teams. This, he mentioned as one of the many innovations being taken into consideration as part of efforts towards making the tournament whose budget is pecked at 700,000 US Dollars very attractive.

"The Top Four' competition is meant for the cr=E8me dela cr=E8me and we are putting many things in place to make it the best.

"For the first time in the history of the competition which was launched in 2003, the top scorer and the coaches of the two finalists will have two-week stints with an unnamed European club with the staff of all participating clubs taken through some basics in computer training."

On sponsorship, Mr Okraku said his outfit is in negotiations with two companies and hinted that "we are 99 percent through with the deal." Okraku concluded that his outfit has taken into consideration the congested football calendar including the participation of Asante Kotoko in the Confederations Cup and the Black Stars in the 2010 World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The winner is assured of a giant trophy, medals and souvenir from sponsors. Asante Kotoko is the defending champions of the Top Four trophy. 07 July 08