Fresh off masterminding Bibiani Gold Stars’ fairy-tale Ghana Premier League triumph, defensive stalwart Vincent Atinga has issued a clear warning ahead of the new season – he’s not finished yet.

The 31-year-old centre-back was a rock at the heart of Gold Stars’ rock-solid defence last season, guiding the Miners to their first-ever top-flight title in what will go down as one of the most remarkable campaigns in Ghanaian football history.

And for Atinga, who also led Medeama SC to their maiden crown just a season earlier —a campaign that saw him crowned the GFA Player of the Season — the taste of glory is far from over.

“We worked towards this and it wasn’t easy,” Atinga told the Daily Graphic after a training session at the University of Ghana Stadium.

“We put in a lot of hard work. Our mentality was to win the league, and fortunately, we were able to do it. I think our hard work paid off.”

Gold Stars were the embodiment of resilience and discipline. 

Over 34 league games, they kept a staggering 19 clean sheets, conceding just 21 goals — only Hearts of Oak boasted a better defensive record (18 goals conceded). Crucially, they suffered the fewest defeats (seven- of any team in the division.

Atinga, now deputy captain, was the lynchpin in that backline and played a leading role in making Bibiani the unlikeliest of champions.

“It’s a big achievement for me personally to win it with another club,” he added.

“Medals are very important to any player. I thank God, my coaches and teammates for their support. Now the goal is to win more trophies.”

And the hunt for more silverware kicks off in just a few weeks. Atinga and his Gold Stars teammates will feature in the GHALCA Top 4 tournament from 20–24 August, before clashing with FA Cup holders Asante Kotoko in the Super Cup on August 31.

With their CAF Champions League debut looming in September, Gold Stars are bracing themselves for a season that could define their legacy on both domestic and continental fronts.

“We hope to qualify for the Champions League group stage, but the draw hasn’t been made yet, so we’re taking it one step at a time,” Atinga said.

“Our immediate focus is on the GHALCA Top 4 and the Champion of Champions match against Kotoko.”

“Gold Stars fans should expect a good season. They should keep supporting us and keep us in their prayers. My goal is to help the club defend the league title and go for the FA Cup.”

Atinga, who previously turned out for Hearts and Ebusua Dwarfs, also boasts experience on the international scene, having won the WAFU Cup with the Black Galaxies in 2017. He’s also had stints with FK Tirana in Albania, Qadisia and Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia.