GPL player writes: The Life of a local based Player - Part 1

A football player who features in any of the 16 clubs that play in the Ghana Premier League is termed as a local player in Ghana.

Most of these guys leave their comfort zones with a dream, to bring joy and glory to themselves, family and community as a whole.

They wake up at odd times of the day, before other colleagues, run miles climbing hills and valleys using their own description to measure their own training rudiments, not even knowing they are over training, which can sometimes affect their performance during the season.

As they are soaked with sweat, some pray and hope their prayers will be answered for them to sign that contract to change their destiny.

Players, unfortunately, have to share their small peanut as salaries with a coach who is corrupt and thinks players have to pay because of favoritism and what they term as competition in the team which they, in their minds, know it doesn't exist.

In the long run, management prepare selection for these coaches ignoring the player who is giving his heart out throughout the week training. Those with children and wives back at home must always beg for time and keep assuring them that things will be fine, pushing big responsibility to their own siblings and parents to play their roles as fathers.

Godfathers who are spiritualists also take their share of these meagre salaries that come once in four months with a believe that they are protecting these players as they play weekly in their games.

It is not surprising players smear all kinds of oils and water of different forms, onto their jerseys, boots and their bodies believing that, these will work the magic for them in the matches.

It is not surprising that these locally-based players will do anything from rituals, paying of their tithes, spilling blood, wearing special chains and rings on their fingers, legs and waist for protection and success to their playing careers.

Who will you blame for all these mirages they have built in their minds?

If players are giving their signing-on fees on time, as they sign their contracts, their monthly salaries enough to feed themselves, family and help the community - the locally-based player will play bringing the best of himself.

Do u want us to stay and play in the Ghana Premier League when you give us small money as signing-off fees and salaries...? I don't think so....

I am Abel Manomey and locally-players deserves better.