Ghana Premier League: “European football has sunk interest in Ghana derby” – Donkor

Photo Credit – Asante Kotoko.

Former Asante Kotoko captain, Eric Donkor has said that, the massive patronage of European football by Ghanaians is taking the shine off the country’s biggest derby.

Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko encounter, which is the biggest Ghana Premier League derby, has struggled to whet the appetite of Ghanaian football lovers in the past few years with many giving varied opinions about their disinterest in the clash.

Donkor, who spent seven seasons at the record Ghana Premier League holders, winning three consecutive domestic titles between 2011 and 2013, spoke to Accra-based Radio Gold.

“I think the European football is taking the shine because before we had less coverage of the European football. I quite remember growing up, we only watched the Bundesliga on TV. But now each and every day, you can even stream games live on your phone and have your preferred games to watch,” Eric Donkor told Radio Gold.

“But you the journalists and the media houses can help promote our league. Because this is a game [Hearts vs Kotoko] growing up, a week before the game, you will see cars designed with flags or posters. You can see fans wearing their jerseys a week or two before the game.

“You can see young guys gathered somewhere talking about Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak. You can see people talking about players but we need to promote the league because this is what we have in order to bring that euphoria back.

“That Kotoko and Hearts game that brings tension to town and it is amazing to watch these two clubs play and having joy to be at the stadium. So the media has to help in promoting the league.”

Hearts of Oak will host Asante Kotoko in week 30 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday May 4. The Phobians are seated 6th in the league with 45 points with Kotoko in 3rd, sharing 50 points with Heart of Lions after 29 matches.