The search for the 2016-17 champions is all but set to commence on Sunday

After a series of setbacks, the Ghana Premier League returns on Sunday and Monday with matches across six centres.

The wait has been long, the five-month break has looked like a 100 years, but when all is said and done, the excitement of the nation’s biggest competition erases every mark of post-season depression.

Defending champions Wa All Stars and FA Cup champions Bechem United will, however, not be involved on Sunday and Monday due to continental assignments. The former face Libyan side Al-Ahli Tripoli in the Caf Champions League on Sunday, same day the latter host Algerian outfit MC Alger.

Giants Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have gone through torrid times in recent seasons, but there’s now another chance to make up for the disappointments.

In the only game on Monday, Hearts play away to Inter Allies, who have relocated to the El Wak Stadium in Accra from the Tema Stadium.

Kotoko, on the other hand, face a tough test at home to Liberty Professionals at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.

Aduana Stars came mightily close to lifting the trophy last season with a second-placed finish. The Dormaa-based club will hope to go one place further this campaign, starting with victory in their welcome of Ashanti Gold.

Under unusual circumstances, Tema Youth return to the topflight following a four-year absence. The side benefited from the demotion of Dreams FC to the lower tier for fielding an ineligible player en route to securing top tier promotion in 2014-2015. For their first match, the Harbour City Boys will host Berekum Chelsea.

At the Tarkwa T&A Park, Medeama will lock horns with Wafa, while Ebusua Dwarfs face off with newly-promoted Bolga All Stars in Cape Coast.