Joseph Osei Owusu: The brain behind Jonina Ladies inspirational turnaround

Jonina Ladies are having a fantastic 2024/25 season. They currently sit in third place after 15 games. They have also reached the Women's FA Cup final. However, one key figure has not been mentioned—Joseph Osei Owusu.

Osei Owusu, known as "Time Daso," has been pivotal since mid-2023. He helped the team avoid relegation and become title contenders.

In October 2023, Jonina Ladies debuted in Ghana's Malta Guinness Women's Premier League. They secured their spot by defeating Epiphany Warriors for one of two qualification places.

Initially, they struggled in their first top-flight season. The team parted ways with coach Charles Dushie and appointed Osei Owusu during the season.

At that time, Jonina was in eighth place. Osei Owusu embraced the challenge and focused on improving game by game. By April 2024, they climbed to fourth place but still trailed the leaders significantly.

In five matches under his leadership, Jonina achieved three wins and two draws while conceding only one goal. At the end of the season, they finished fifth, 13 points behind Hasaacas Ladies.

Osei Owusu recorded five wins, three draws, and one loss in nine games after taking over. Following this campaign, Jonina released some top players but managed to avoid relegation.

In the current season (2024/25), Osei Owusu is fulfilling his promise to elevate the club's status. His coaching has led to remarkable improvements in performance and determination.

Jonina Ladies now sit third in the Southern Zone league table after 15 games played. They have eight wins, four draws, and three losses this season for a total of 28 points.

They trail league leaders Hasaacas by six points with three games remaining.

Away from league play, Jonina is on track for their first silverware since promotion. They have reached the Women's FA Cup final after an impressive run.

Two weeks ago, they advanced past lower-tier side Somanya Rootz Sistaz to secure a spot in the final. Along the way, they defeated teams like Epiphany Warriors and GRA Ladies to reach the semifinals.

Starting from Round of 64, Jonina won narrowly against Epiphany with a score of 1-0 at home. In the Last 32 round against GRA Ladies, they won decisively with a score of 3-1 away from home.

Next up was Sissamba Ladies from Division One League; Jonina won that match 2-0 in the last sixteen rounds. Their biggest victory came during quarterfinals against Sung Shining Ladies when they scored five goals to advance to semifinals.

On March 16th, braces from Matilda Fodu and Joyce Atimbila led them to a convincing 4-1 win in semifinals.

Jonina is now favored to win as they prepare for their final against Faith Ladies; date and venue are yet to be announced.

Osei Owusu has been crucial to Jonina's successes over the past year and a half. A title would be fitting recognition for his hard work; however, he remains focused on finishing strong this league campaign.