Constant venue changes affecting Ghana Premier League – Prosper Ogum

Asante Kotoko head coach, Prosper Ogum, has voiced his frustration over the recent closure of key stadiums, which has forced clubs to find temporary venues for their home fixtures.

The Baba Yara Stadium, Kotoko’s traditional home ground, has been closed for renovations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed a ban on the facility. This has forced the Porcupine Warriors to shift their home matches to the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.

The issue extends beyond Kotoko, as other stadiums like the Cape Coast Sports Stadium have also been shut, leaving several Ghana Premier League teams scrambling to secure alternative venues.

In an interview with 3Sports, Ogum expressed concern that the constant need to switch venues disrupts team cohesion and performance, making it harder for clubs to find consistency.

“Yes, I think so because you have to always be on the move,” the gaffer said. “Today you are at this venue, next time you have to go to a different place maybe because the venue not meeting a particular standard.

Ogum emphasized the importance of consistency in playing at a home ground, explaining that familiarity with a pitch boosts players’ confidence and helps them mentally prepare for matches.

He believes frequent venue changes disturb this process, making it harder for players to adapt to varying atmospheres and crowds.

“When it happens that way, it affects the flow of the team in terms of adaptation…the more the players play on a particular pitch as their home grounds for a period, it gives them confidence because they can have a mental picture of the crowd is going to be at any point in time.

“They know how to mentally adjust themselves before they come into the game. When you move from one venue to another, it will take time for them to adapt in terms of the crowd, in terms of the spectatoring; it will take time for them to adjust.”

Ogum also highlighted the strain caused by long-distance travel between stadiums, along with the substandard transportation available to the teams.

“Sometimes, the distance is an issue and the type of buses we use in Ghana are not sports-related buses. Travelling from venue to venue because of issues you have to change your home ground is not the best for our league,” he added.

Asante Kotoko is set to play Young Apostles in their matchday three clash this weekend, with the game to be held at their temporary home, the Len Clay Stadium.