Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has warned that Ghanaian football giants Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak could struggle to win the league title over the next five years if fundamental problems within the country's football system remain unresolved.

He believes the current structure of Ghanaian football is undermining the competitiveness of the two historic clubs, which have traditionally dominated the domestic game and attracted significant public attention.

According to Vanderpuye, the challenges facing the clubs extend beyond their performances on the pitch, pointing to broader systemic issues that require urgent attention if they are to reclaim their former glory.

The current football system is affecting clubs like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, he said.

He stressed that failure to address the problems could leave both clubs struggling to compete for the league title in the coming years.

If we fail to address these issues, there is no way these two clubs will win the league in the next five years, Vanderpuye warned.

His comments raise fresh concerns about the state of Ghanaian football and the difficulties facing two of the country's most recognisable clubs as they seek to return to the top of the domestic competition.

Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak boast extensive histories, passionate supporters and strong identities within Ghanaian football. Their rivalry remains one of the biggest attractions in the domestic game, with their performances often influencing public interest in the league.

However, Vanderpuye's assessment suggests that the fortunes of both clubs cannot be separated from the wider football environment in which they operate.

His warning also places renewed attention on the need for stakeholders to examine the existing system and identify the changes required to improve competitiveness and support the development of leading clubs.

For supporters of both sides, the prospect of another five years without league success would be deeply disappointing, particularly given their expectations and the historic standing of the clubs.

Vanderpuye's remarks serve as a challenge to football administrators and other stakeholders to confront the problems affecting the game rather than allowing them to persist.

Ultimately, restoring the competitiveness of Kotoko and Hearts of Oak may require more than changes within the clubs themselves. Addressing the wider challenges in Ghanaian football could prove essential if the two giants are to challenge consistently for the league title again.