2 years ago
If someone had predicted this season’s scoring forms, many would have doubted. For several seasons, players in the Ghana Premier League are content with just hitting the teens. The mentality and satisfaction of the Goal King award contributed to this performance. However, this season proved different, thanks to Mbella Etouga.
The Cameroonian striker joined Asante Kotoko this season, along his countryman Georges Mfegue. They both came as top scorers for the Cameroon Elite league. Around the same time, the Ghanaian club had lost the league and were facing a serious striking problem. With so much expectations, all eyes were on these men.
Even though they couldn’t start the season from Day 1, they made an instant impact when the chance came. Mbella Etouga picked up his scoring boots and scored consecutively for the fabulous side. In no time, he had cemented his position as the marksman and, also, the household name among GPL lovers.
He brings joy and excitement to his club and the league as a whole. However, there are more things he has changed through his exploits. Here are some of them.
First, he has confirmed one thing we always knew. Fans and journalists usually complain about the performances of our strikers. In a single game, more chances are created, but only few are scored. They aren’t prolific, so it’s understandable why they don’t cross the teens mark. Now that Mbella has a standard, others will work harder to beat them.
Also, we can all see the excitement and the raised performance of certain players. This holds for both his teammates and opponents. For instance, Mbella has brought out the best in the likes of Yaw Annor. Had it been previous seasons, these players wouldn’t have pushed so hard to score more, especially when they had already scored 10+ goals. In the same way, his teammates give out their best because they know they have a reliable man upfront to make use of their efforts. It’s no surprise a Kotoko player leads the Assist chart as well.
Lastly, he makes us reflect on our league standard in general. Our mentality was the league was difficult, so any player who scores 10+ deserves a kudos. He has also highlighted certain qualities our folks lack, hindering the explosive growth. His composure in front of goal, technique and positioning stand him out in comparison to the other strikers.
It will be beneficial to keep him in the league for one or two more seasons, but his quality will make it very very difficult. However, the league will need a player of his caliber.
Total Comments: 0