It was a calm Saturday morning at the studios of Zangali 106.1FM when sports writer and pundit Mohammed Issah once again pushed his long-standing advocacy: the need for the Northern Regional Division Two League to adopt a strong theme or motto each season.
According to him, the Division Two League is the foundation of grassroots football, where young talents first develop. He believes that giving each season a purposeful theme will help promote the league, guide its direction, and attract much-needed corporate support.
Mr Issah noted that football at this level must go hand-in-hand with education, since many players are still in school. Encouraging a balance between learning and sport, he said, gives young footballers a greater advantage.
He explained that past seasons would have benefitted greatly from such guidance. For instance, when hooliganism plagued parts of Ghana’s football two seasons ago, a theme like “Football Against Hooliganism” could have unified the campaign against violence, supported by banners, sensitization messages, and club involvement. He further suggested future themes such as Football Against Corruption, Football Against Racism, or Football Against Match Fixing and many others.
Again , Mr believes that well-defined messaging especially around health and education can draw the attention of corporate bodies, since football provides the numbers they seek. He encouraged the Football Association to be proactive in approaching sponsors if they do not come on their own.
“I have been advocating for this and will keep pushing until it is implemented,” he said. “That is how the game grows.”
He concluded by urging stakeholders to work together to refine and brand the league, emphasizing that a change in presentation could help elevate grassroots football and attract life-changing opportunities for young players.
FEATURE BY – Alhassan S Suhiyini