Wise Qualify

Sekondi Eleven Wise yesterday completed a return to Premier League after 10 years in the wilderness, beating Western Regional rivals, Samartex, 2-0 at the El-Wak Stadium in Accra to emerge tops of Zone 2 of the Division One Middle League.

The Western Show Boys struck in each half and seemed totally in charge of their destiny and in full control of affairs, sending their travelling fans, including Member of Parliament for Sekondi and Minister of Trade and Presidential Special Initiative, Papa Owusu Ankomah, into an unending frenzy.

Former Great Olympics and Hearts of Oak player, Winfred Dormon, scored for Wise after 27 minutes, and substitute Jeff Aryeh added a second on 58 minutes to consolidate the lead.

Then it was a case of experience and determination against ordinary triers as Wise put their opponents under greater pressure that sparked celebrations across the stands, with time becoming the only inhibition to the explosive jubilation that followed.

“It is a great feeling, and I am happy for the supporters,” Scottish coach of Wise, Edward Gallagher, told the Daily Graphic after the game.

His black suit drenched in sweat, and made white on portions by talcum powder, sprinkled on him to traditionally, signify victory, Coach Gallagher epitomised in every sense the mood of the large army of supporters who expressed elation at the end of a long 10-year wait.

For Coach Tony Mensah of Samartex, it was another narrow miss and an unforgettable experience as he reflected on the day and recalled how far he once brought Mine Stars only to fail at the crunch moment in the 2004 Middle League.

The two teams were tied before the game on equal points after successive victories in their two previous games.

And as the celebration grew in the Sekondi-Takoradi township, Goodnews FM, a private radio station in the town, donated GH¢100 to the club for their glorious return to premiership football.

Story by Michael Quaye