After topping the log for a large part of the first round, AshantiGold are finally confident of halting their 19-year FCPPL trophy drought.

The last time they won the league was the 1995/96 season under their former name, ‘Goldfields.’ The club was renamed on April 16, 2004 by new owners Anglogold Ashanti.

The Miners, despite their impressive start and consistency, had been shying away from talks of winning the title this season but with almost half the season done, club CEO Cudjoe Fianoo says they can now think of solidifying their lead and above all, win the title.

“At the beginning we were shying away that we are not interested in winning the league but now that we are about to play the last batch of matches for the first round, we can confidently say that our chances of winning the league is getting brighter and brighter.”

“The whole of Obuasi should be ready, after 19 or so years, to welcome the league trophy to Obuasi,” Fianoo declared.

AshantiGold currently top the league with 28 points – three better than second-placed Aduana Stars. They had their lead reduced after their away defeat at Wa All Stars last Sunday.

”From what I’ve seen from AshGold so far, I’ve not seen a team that is able to overwhelm us. Even in defeat, we come out with our chins up. We’ve never disgraced ourselves so I don’t expect the team to disappoint.”

“The coach and the team are doing their job well, likewise we as management are also playing the leadership role expected of us,” Fianoo added.

AshGold host Hearts of Oak in their last game of the first round at the Len Clay Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.