Hearts makes it five out of five

Accra, Nov 14, GNA - When the country's Top Four clubs line up for next year's championship, Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club would stand tall as the only participant to have made it to all the five competitions initiated by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) some five seasons ago.

The lucrative tourney that serves as the biggest soccer fiesta beside the premiership would have Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Hearts, King Faisal and debutants Berekum Arsenals as the participants.

Hearts, winners of the maiden competition remain crowd pullers for the championship that has witnessed new champions event after event. Both Kotoko and Faisal with treble appearances under their belts are previous winners of the competition that for the first time has the defending champions, Kpando Heart of Lions missing out.

Lions who complete the set of winners in the competition with beverage giants, Coca Cola as the title sponsors would miss out on next year's tourney after only managing a relegation survival by the nick of time with abysmal performances during the season.

The Kpando lads finished a disappointing fourth from the bottom of the log with 36 points contrary to their glittering display in the last Top Four with performances that made them the biggest threat to the two most glamorous clubs, Kotoko and Hearts.

Arsenals must be feeling a sigh of relief after seasons of relishing for this opportunity, which almost looked a reality when they had the slot as the last minute replacement for Kotoko who threatened a pull out in the last competition.

By their splendid outing in the just ended premiership with decisive victories over both Hearts and Kotoko, Arsenals are seen by connoisseurs as worthy replacement for Lions who annexed the ultimate on their debut even before the event commences next March.

The Berekum team becomes the second club from the Brong Ahafo Region to have participated in the annual programme after Tano Bofoakwa made an appearance on its first inception.

Accra Great Olympics and Ashnatigold conclude the list of previous competitors.