For some inexplicable reasons, the general feeling in Ghana  football circles is that the sudden break in the Ghana Premier League has afforded  21 time champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko the respite to halt their astonishing string of  seven defeats when the first round has not even ended.

The league resumes this weekend with the last fixtures of the first round that should have been played two weeks ago but was cancelled following a self-inflicted rumpus between a state security apparatus and the Ghana Football Association.

The competition had reached quite an exciting stage with the two leading clubs from the middle belt of Brong Ahafo Region, Berekum Chelsea and Aduana Stars, the defending champions, setting a hot pace at the top.

Berekum Chelsea has 29 points and Aduana 23. The three nearest challengers Edubiase, Wa All Stars and Berekum Arsenal have 21 points apiece. There is no doubt that this has been a thrilling league with a lot of surprise results.

The hitherto unsung clubs are all putting up impressive shows. Indeed, perennial title winners Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, who between them have won 42 of the 51 league honours, are woefully playing below form. Hearts are right in the middle of the table with 19 points and Kotoko are third from the bottom with 14 points.

Football purists had all the time been wishing for a halt to the Kotoko- Hearts duopoly of the league but perhaps never did they envisage that the two best supported clubs would sink that low. Fact is, Kotoko and Hearts are still the number one gate pullers and it is in the interest of their opponents to see them continuing to be attractive for financial reasons.

The news from the camps of Kotoko and Hearts is that both clubs have gone quite far to revamp their teams; with Kotoko topping the chart with the recruitment of eight new players. None of them is qualified to play in the first round's matches this week- end but their presence in camp could ginger the current players to put up their best to justify their continued stay in the team.

Kotoko will be hosting Wa All Stars, fourth on the table and playing some brilliant football of late. An assurance has come from Kotoko's Serbian coach Korak to supporters of a much improved game and fans are looking forward to a victory that would give them hope of a revival in the second round.

Another interesting fixture is the Liberty Professionals and Cape Coast Dwarfs match in Accra. Liberty that produced Asamoah Gyan BBC Africa player of the year, have also experienced a rather sharp decline and are fourth from bottom. Perhaps they will take inspiration from the news of the honour bestowed on their protégé by the BBC and come out triumphant to mark the occasion.

The pick of the week is easily the regional derby between leaders Berekum Arsenal and defending champions Aduana Stars at the Berekum Golden City Park.  Arsenal has an unblemished home record and are capable of thwarting the efforts of Aduana Stars to retain the league title.

The other matches with their peculiar attractions are Obuasi Ashgold v Brong Ahafo Stars; Kpando Lions, New Edubiase; Real Tamale United v Hearts of Oak and Kessben v King Faisal.

As I always say we are blessed with fine weather for football in my country Ghana. Others are no so blessed as snow has taken over the playing fields.

Let’s make the best of it and also pray that our close neighbours Cote d’Ivoire, in the real sporting spirit would lay down their arms and ensure that peace and tranquillity prevail to enable the game play in the home country of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and co.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association is getting set to select a new coach for the national team Black Stars. My pick is the Serbian whose two other compatriots proved to be good to Ghana football.

Your choice is as good as mine though. Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.