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Goal.com Ghana takes a look at the top five defenders to lookout for when the new term opens this weekend

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By Juliet Bawuah

The 2012-2013 Ghana Premier League is set to kick off this weekend. This season’s title is set to be keenly contested after various clubs in the domestic top flight secured the services of some quality players.

Ahead of the Glo Premier League, Goal.com Ghana takes a look at the top five defenders to watch when the new term opens

5) RASHID SUMAILA - ASANTE KOTOKO

He is a commanding presence who can also pop up with aerial goals from time to time. Sumaila began his playing career in the junior ranks of Premier League club Ebusua Dwarfs in 2003.

He progressed through the ranks at Ebusua Dwarfs and made his senior debut in the 2010–11 Glo Premier League season.

He won the 2011 Ghana Best Defender Award at the end of the term. The 19-year-old who is on loan at Kumasi Asante Kotoko has been tipped to light up the Porcupine Warriors’ campaign with his stamina.

4) ABDOUL NAFIOU - BEREKUM CHELSEA

He is a product of Liberty Professionals Academy in Togo.

The Togolese international who has had stint with French Ligue 1 side Rennes and in the Danish league is rearing to do well in his first season in the Ghana Premier League for former champions Berekum Chelsea after he was loaned from Liberty Professionals Academy.

Known as being tough and playing aggressively, the on loan guardsman is bent on making a mark.

3) HENRY ENTSIL - MEDEAMA SC

After winning the best player accolade of the 2011-2012 season with Ashantigold, the defender has crossed carpets to sign for Medeama SC. During the transfer window, he was a hot cake for several domestic top flight sides including Accra Hearts of Oak.

A decent aggressive tackler they call him is expected to halt the goal scoring of strikers in the upcoming season, which is expected to kick off on October 7.

2) YAW FRIMPONG –ASANTE KOTOKO

The right-back after two seasons with ASEC Mimosas signed for the Porcupine Warriors in December 2010 where he played 15 of 26 matches for the Kumasi-based club. Frimpong marauding runs from full-back are a good avenue of attack for the Fabulous club.

The versatile defender is capable of shooting and passing with either foot. Frimpong dominates the right-side on a regular basis with his pace, crossing ability and free-kick taking, which have made him one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the game.

1) LAWRENCE LARTEY - ASHANTIGOLD FC

Regarded as one of the brightest spot, Lartey has earned himself the tag of a composed defender who is strong in the air and tackles. He is also adept at launching his team's attacks.

The current national Under-20 captain has almost everything a defender needs - a commanding presence that can also pop up with headed goals. Also, his leadership qualities cannot be underestimated, and he is more than a bit handy when shooting from range too.

Do you agree with our selections?
Who will be your favourite defenders in the 2012-2013 Ghana Premier League? Let us know!

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