Former Black Leopards head coach Maxwell Konadu has shared his perspective on the differences between the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), drawing from his coaching experience in both countries.
Konadu emphasized the mental strength and ambition of Ghanaian players, attributing it to their strong desire to pursue careers abroad.
“A South African player grows up having almost everything a European player does,” Konadu explained. “So, the hunger and drive to move abroad aren’t as intense as with Ghanaian players, who are always eager to travel to Europe.”
He believes this inner drive gives Ghanaian players a competitive psychological advantage over their South African peers.
In addition to player mentality, Konadu pointed out a notable tactical difference between the two leagues. He described South African coaches as more unpredictable and creative in their game plans, making it harder to anticipate their strategies.
“In South Africa, each team has its identity, and you never know what to expect next,” he said. “In Ghana, you can often predict a coach’s tactics before a game.”
