Hayford reveals secret behind Ashgold title

Ashanti Gold coach Bashir Hayford says his side’s 2014-15 Ghana Premier League title came courtesy of “hard work and dedication”.

The Miners were handed their trophy on Sunday in a colourful ceremony at the Accra Sports Stadium after a 2-1 defeat to Great Olympics in their last game of the season.

The title was the first for the club in 19 years, having earlier won three successive titles in 1994, 1995 and 1996.

“I will say it is due to hard work and dedication,” Hayford told Ghanasportsonline.

“Right from the onset we said to ourselves we were going to win the League.

“We did not only say it because we wanted to please our fans but we worked towards it.”

Having picked up the top spot, the Obuasi-based side are set to play in the 2016 Caf Champions League as Ghana’s sole representatives.

“My players always gave their best,” Hayford added.

“They always showed determination on the field of play.

“So for me, I will say the secret of our success is hard work on the part of the playing body and management staff.”

Ashgold won a total of 15 matches, drew seven and lost eight times as they amassed 52 points to set themselves six points clear of second-placed Aduana Stars, who were handed a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Asante Kotoko on Sunday.

Mohammed Yakubu ended the league as the side’s top scorer with 11 goals, seven adrift winner Kofi Owusu of Berekum Chelsea.