RTU Going After 30? - Zaytuna Have Answer

Real Tamale United (RTU) are sitting on a knife edge and face the danger of rejoining the Division One League after 30 years of elite football, with a resurgent Zaytuna F/C holding the key to their survival at the Sunyani Coronation Park on Sunday.

Founded as a result of a merger between two northern clubs, Real Sportive and Northern United, on September 26, 1976, through the instrumentality of the then Regional Minister, Colonel Bob Zumah, RTU have never looked back.

Indeed, the late Zumah had decreed that the two Northern teams be merged to produce a formidable team to represent the region. No wonder RTU were nicknamed the Zumah Babies in their earlier days.

A year after their qualification, RTU broke into the elite division but could not participate in the then Division One League because the 1977/78 league was abridged in view of the Nations Cup which was hosted by Ghana.

RTU were compelled to go back to compete in the national middle league which they won successfully and re-joined the 'big boys' for an unbroken 30 years.

Zaytuna's sudden revival following last Wednesday's GFA Disciplinary Committee's ruling in their favour in the 26th week protest against Real Sportive for fielding an unqualified player has changed the parameters of the relegation battle.

And with their chances enhanced, Zaytuna's otherwise dormant approach to the last match of the Onetouch Premier League has been invigorated, and they could become a banana peel on RTU's path.

The scenario has put RTU's coach Abdul Razak in an awkward situation as the entire Northern bloc in Ghana football wait to see whether the 1978 African Best Footballer of the Year will be able to save the once-feared club from the clutches of relegation.

Against the backdrop of having produced some of the nation's finest including Mohammed Cho, Mahama Nlai, Kwame Danger, P. M. K. Kusi, Ibrahim Tanko, Abukari Damba, Ibrahim Jentumah, Abedi Ayew Pele and Anane Kobo, Coach Razak has no choice than to triumph.

With the fate of a whole Northern soccer constituency in his hands, coach Razak needs just a point from three to deflate the ambitions of Zaytuna whose point build-up has increased to 33.

One of these (RTU and Zaytuna), and possibly Sportive, could join relegated Accra Great Olympics to the lower division next season.

Sekondi Hasaacas (34 points) stand a good chance at home against comfortable Kessben FC as Hasmal look hungrier for the points to secure their stay.

An apparently demoralised Sportive will have to put the pieces together as they play second-on-table Heart of Lions at the El-Wak Stadium.

Accra Hearts of Oak will see off Great Olympics at the Ohene Djan Stadium in what experts believe will be an emotional match before Accra fans as All Blacks host uncrowned champions, Asante Kotoko, in a 'coronation' match at the Swedru Stadium.

All Stars lock horns with Berekum Arsenal at Wa, Ashgold welcome Tema Youth at Obuasi, while King Faisal face Liberty Professionals at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Preview by Daniel Kenu