Medeama SC have added several new players to their squad as the Ghanaian champions prepare for a difficult CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie against TP Mazembe, board chairman Dr Toni Aubynn has confirmed.
The recruits have already joined the club’s pre-season programme, and Aubynn believes they can make an important contribution as Medeama begin their latest continental campaign.
Medeama were drawn against the Congolese giants in the opening round of the CAF Champions League and are seeking to assemble a squad capable of competing with Africa’s leading clubs. Aubynn said the new arrivals were adapting well and that the club was confident they could strengthen the team.
He also said the players were strongly motivated for the tournament, with their drive coming from more than financial rewards. According to Aubynn, the sense of security provided by Medeama has also helped create a positive environment for the squad ahead of the demanding assignment.
Several players have left the Ghanaian champions, but Aubynn said those departures followed a detailed review by the technical team. The coaching staff assessed which players best fitted Medeama’s tactical plans, while some of those released needed to join other clubs to find more regular first-team opportunities.
“The technical team has already evaluated the situation before offloading every player, and we believe the new replacements would adequately fill the void created by the departed ones,” he said.
Aubynn believes the changes have produced a squad capable of competing with TP Mazembe and other opponents in the competition. He also described Medeama as one of Ghana’s leading clubs, a status he feels could make the Congolese side cautious about the challenge awaiting them.
Medeama secure Tarkwa home venue
The club will be able to host their continental fixtures in Tarkwa after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) accredited Tarkwa and T&A Park for Medeama’s matches.
Aubynn thanked Gold Fields for supporting the development of the new stadium and praised CAF for approving the venue. The decision means Medeama will not have to move their home games to another city.
The board chairman said playing in Tarkwa would ease the financial and logistical pressures involved in travelling elsewhere. It should also make it simpler for supporters to attend matches and follow the club’s continental campaign.
“Sometimes, it was difficult travelling around, and the difficulty in carrying supporters was also a huge problem,” he said.
Aubynn acknowledged that home advantage does not guarantee success in modern football, but said he was pleased supporters in Tarkwa and nearby communities would be able to watch Medeama play international football on home soil.
The return of continental competition to Tarkwa is expected to give the club an additional lift as they aim to progress deep into Africa’s leading club tournament.
Training camp moved to Cote d’Ivoire
Medeama have moved their training camp to Cote d’Ivoire as part of their preparations. The Ghanaian side have been playing a series of friendly matches there to build match fitness and refine their tactical work.
The club hope that the arrival of new players, a settled squad, intensive pre-season preparation and the opportunity to play at home will help them overcome TP Mazembe.
Medeama are also targeting a stronger run in the CAF Champions League and want to reach the lucrative latter stages of the competition. Their meeting with TP Mazembe will provide an early indication of whether the Ghanaian champions can establish themselves as a serious force on the continental stage.
