By Patrice Yirenkyi
MTN FA Cup winners, Bechem United, will dominate this year’s FA Cup awards ceremony next month as five of their players have been nominated to compete for various categories of the award.
Gunning for the topmost award of Player of the Season will be midfielder Yaw Anorl, whose brace helped the Bechem side win a trophy for the first time when they defeated Okwawu United 2-1 in the final in Cape Coast.
Unfortunately, he will have to fend off competition from equally talented stars such as Akoto Danso of the runners up Okwawu United, Liberty Professionals’ wonder kid, Latif Blessing, and Gideon Waja of WAFA.
On the same day, Anorl would mount the podium to receive the highest scorer award having bagged four goals in the competition to finish ahead of prolific goal poacher, Latif Blessing, who ended a goal shy despite emerging as the premier league highest scorer with 17 goals.
The competition for Defender of the Season will equally be keener when three formidable defenders, Bechem United’s Alfred Nelson, Kadri Mohammed of Ashgold and Daniel Egyin of Hasaacas, line up for the award.
For his exceptional qualities at the rear of the Bechem backline, Nelson looks favourite for this award but one cannot discount the contribution of Mohammed who played a significant role in the Ashgold set up that earned him a call up to the Black Stars.
Danso added so much to the attacking midfield of Okwahu United side and it is not surprising he would be competing for the Most Promising Player of the Season award.
Although he is the favourite for this particular award, he will face competition from goalkeeper of the two sides, Asempa Prince of Bechem United and Okwawu’s Abass Mohammed.
Sporting a head gear, the type famously worn by Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech, Okwawu’s shot-stopper, Abass, impressed and was one of the most exciting players throughout the competition after making some fantastic saves and if the Most Promising Player award eludes him, he could still grab the Goalkeeper of the Season if he can beat competition from Asempa Prince of Bechem United.
Bechem United’s Portuguese trainer, Manuel Zacharias, who guided the Brong Ahafo Region side to victory, is prime for the Coach of the Season award. He will face off with Okwawu trainer, Ibrahim Merigah, George Lamptey of Liberty Professionals and Joseph Fosu of Wa Rockets