And as the current season has evolved with all its problems — schedule difficulties last-minute changes — so too have the players stepped up, scoring world-class goals, turning in outstanding displays and thrilling the few who bother to turn up at the stadiums.

Here are the top five breakout stars of the season so far.

Charles Boateng (WAFA)

He has been the main man for WAFA this season, drawing on his relative experience in a young squad and coming through for them with big goals when it’s been required. He missed an entire season through injury but has returned to great effect, providing leadership in a squad that is depleted every year with major departures.

Victorien Adebayor (inter Allies)

Inter Allies swooped for the Niger striker during the West Africa Football Union Championships in Ghana last year, and it’s a move they have not regretted. He has scored seven of the team’s 12 goals so far this season, with his combination of pace and power causing problems for defenders, along with his ability from dead-ball situations. In line with Allies’ form this season, Adebayor has been functional mostly at home. They will now hope he can produce the goods on the road too.

Sharani Zuberu (Dreams FC)

The national Under-20 striker has been one of the standout players in a thrilling Dreams FC side this season. In his first top-flight campaign, Zuberu has shown “all the qualities to become a top striker”, according to coach Karim Zito, who gave him his Ghana Premier League debut. His strength and speed has reflected in the goals he has scored, especially against Liberty Professionals when he smashed in a beauty from outside the box. Zito reckons Dreams FC, third in the Ghana Premier League at the moment, cannot do without the forward this season: “He is unpredictable and that works to our advantage,” he stated.

Hafiz Konkoni ( Bechem United)

The Bechem United forward tops the scoring charts alongside Adebayor, and looks the complete package. Often played on the right side of attack, he has the skills to take on defenders, holds the ball up brilliantly, has a good pass and, as his seven goals so far shows, has a good finish too. Those seven goals represent 50 per cent of the club's total this season. “I can pass, I can run, I can head the ball well, and I have good skills on the ball. I try to be very good in as many aspects of the game as possible. That much has been evident this season,” Konkoni told KweséESPN.

Jean Vitel Ourega (Karela United)

The Ivorian midfielder has been the driving force behind Karela United’s fine start to the season. Strong on the ball and tall, he has a striking resemblance in movement on the field to Yaya Toure. His perfectly timed tackles have provided a significant shield for the Karela defence, as have his passes to set counter-attacks in motion.