Kuuku Dadzie to clubs: Seek sponsorship to check player exodus
Former Black Stars captain and former Black Queens Coach, James Kuuku Dadzie, has called on Ghana Premier League clubs to strategically position themselves to attract sponsorship from corporate bodies to help resource them and avert the player exodus menace which is due to low wages and poor remuneration.
While most clubs generate their revenue from gate proceeds and player transfers to keep them running, Coach Dadzie insisted that though it was legal to trade players across the globe to raise funds, it was equally important for the clubs not to solely depend on that but also initiate other means of making money.
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In an interview with the Graphic Sports newspaper, Kuuku Dadzie said, “a good salary structure by clubs would keep good talents in the Ghana League for a longer period to enhance the beauty of the Premier League and also reduce the frequent player exodus.’’
He noted that the low wages paid to players by Ghanaian clubs as compared to some clubs on the African continent was demotivating, making way for players to travel outside anytime an offer comes up.
“They (players) are quick to move out to make good money elsewhere no matter the country involved,” he observed.
The former Black Stars defender also urged the GFA not to relinquish its duty of finding sponsorship for the Ghana League after the abrupt end of the previous sponsorship deal with the First Capital Bank five years ago.
He also entreated clubs not to remain entities without sponsors as they wait for a headline sponsor from the GFA.
“Good sponsorship will go a long away to strengthen the clubs; if they can package and market themselves professionally, they are likely to get sponsorship from corporate organisations and that will help the clubs to be resourceful,” he stressed.
The coach, however, advised clubs not to rush to sign any sponsorship deal due to the stress clubs are going through but rather append their signatures to deals that would make a meaningful impact.
Kuuku Dadzie believed that the current GFA, led by Kurt Okraku and Executive Council members, were capable of securing a sponsorship deal for the League, considering their qualities and experience.
