The just ended national premier league may have frozen all the tension and splendour that characterized the domestic scene. But two months away from now, a four-week thriller would be the focus of all soccer-loving fans.

The grand stage is the fast-rising Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) ‘Top 4’ competition which, this time, is expected to enjoy the most mouth-watering package since the contest begun over a decade ago.

Observers have tipped next January’s event to dwarf all previous ones in view of the quality of team representation. With the sixth successive league champions, Accra Hearts of Oak, second-placed and CAF Cup Winners Cup finalist, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, third-placed Liberty Professionals and the ‘wonderers’ of Ghana soccer Accra Great Olympics all vying for the coveted trophy, one can look forward to a non-stop action.

“This is why we are putting together every bit of work, to ensure we have a magnificent competition,” Kudjo Fianoo, GHALCA Administrative Manager stated on Monday.

Of the four clubs it is Asante Kotoko who would vie for honours for the northern sector of the country and they would have a herculean task of upstaging the three Accra-based sides of Hearts, Oly and Liberty.

According to the GHALCA manager, next year’s extravaganza has been effectively designed to rival the prestigious COSAFA Castle Lager and Vodacom Cup which is held in East and South Africa, with the winner pocketing ?25m.

The biggest prize for the winner of last year’s edition whose real competitiveness was overshadowed, following its boycott by Kotoko, was ?10m. Fianoo revealed that consultants of the ‘Top 4’ event- Logic Communications and EVR Limited, a reputable Accra-based marketing firms are making inroads in the search for a worthy bankroller for the annual show.

According to the competition’s league format, a total of 12 matches over a tentative period of six weeks would be played on home and away bases with the club that emerges tops carrying home the ultimate. Attractive prizes for the Most Valuable Player, Golden Boot, Best Goalie, Best Team (Offensive and Defensive) among others, also await winners.

Should all go well as envisaged, all the four competing premier clubs would get cushioned up with ?10m appearance fees. The rational behind the GHALCA ‘Top 4’ is to raise funds for GHALCA’s activities, purchase equipment for premier, division one and two clubs, as well as giving the clubs the opportunity to be in shape and try out newly signed-on players for the subsequent season.