Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara has strongly condemned the “abnormal” nature of player contracts in the Ghana Premier League, citing the non-professional practices surrounding contract timings as a major challenge for teams.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Ouattara expressed his frustration with contracts that expire just before the start of a new season, leaving clubs vulnerable to losing key players at critical times.
This, he believes, disrupts team cohesion and hinders preparations for the upcoming season.
“It’s only in Ghana that I see a player’s contract end in September or December,” Ouattara remarked. “It’s not normal for a contract to end just a week before the league starts. It’s not professional.”
Ouattara’s comments come on the heels of recent issues where players have departed Ghanaian clubs due to the timing of their contract expirations, affecting teams during crucial periods of the season. This has led to a lack of consistency and continuity, ultimately impacting team performance.
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The Hearts of Oak coach’s criticism reflects his commitment to bringing professionalism and stability to the club, following a difficult 2023/24 season where the team narrowly avoided relegation. With the new season approaching, Ouattara is determined to strengthen his squad and avoid a repeat of last season’s performance.
Hearts of Oak to adopt Ouattara’s advice?
Ouattara’s concerns have sparked a conversation about the need for reform in Ghanaian football contract practices. Many agree that contracts should be structured to align with the league’s calendar, ensuring players are committed to their clubs for the entirety of the season.
As the Ghana Premier League continues to grow and develop, addressing these contractual issues will be crucial in attracting and retaining top talent, as well as enhancing the overall competitiveness of the league.
