Accra, April 12, GNA - Power FC's coach, Bashiru Hayford said he is envisaging a tougher season as the National Premiership which commences this Sunday replaces last year's Novelty Zonal league.

The coach who guided Kpando Heart of Lions to a respectable second place in the Southern Zone last season, reckons that "travelling every other week and playing more matches than last season's league won't be easy".

Power could expect tough opposition from Sekondi Hasaacas who needed a last minute miracle to survive relegation, when they lock horns at the Gyandu Park on Sunday, but coach Hayford insists that, "none of the teams would come that easy".

Coach Hayford explained that "the Gala provided me with some food for thought with the obvious being to anticipate in a competitive league which would require lots of hard work to excel ", he told the GNA Sports.

The coach said the two-day Gala fiesta, which was won by Kumasi Asante Kotoko provided him with a fair idea about the 15 teams he would come up against during the season and was convinced that "it would be unwise to underrate any of them".

He said he does not intend to replace the trio of goalkeeper Abubakar Suleman, Douglas Nkrumah and Wisdom Agblexo currently with Accra Hearts of Oak, but rather aims at building upon the team, which struggled for survival during the last Premiership.

"Those players were very instrumental last season yet none of them is indispensable. We do not really need any additions. I perfectly believe that those around have what it takes to push the team forward with the right attitude and guidance".

He said he aspires to participate in the lucrative Top Four competition with the Tema-based club.

Coach Hayford won the last edition of the Top Four tourney with the Lions with a superlative performance, which has seen the Club dominating the competition's Awards Night to be held on Friday, April 15.