The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has urged FC Samartex 1996 to draw inspiration from the progress made by unfancied Medeama SC and Dreams FC's in the 2023-24 CAF Inter-club competitions, ahead of their debut TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign.
President Edwin Simeon-Okraku gave this charge to the 2023-24 Ghana Premier League Champions when he visited their training session on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Adjiringanor Astro turf in Accra; as they wrap up preparations ahead of their trip to Cameroon to battle Victoria United FC, in the first leg of the preliminary match of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
He implored the defending Ghana Premier League champions to learn from the performances of last season's Ghanaian representatives in CAF inter-club competitions, as they embark on a journey to write their own history on the continent.
Medeama SC, winners of the 2022-23 Ghana Premier League Champions, reached the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in their maiden appearance, while Dreams FC, MTN FA Cup winners for that season, exited the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup at the semi-finals stage, in an impressive outing by Ghana's representatives.
President Simeon-Okraku, who is confident about the prospect of FC Samartex 1996, tasked the team to draw inspiration from their fellow Premier League campaigners.
"You are ambassadors of our dear country. You go there as a proud champion. The last time before the most recent that Ghanaian clubs did really well was way back in 2004-2005. That was the Hearts-Kotoko Confederation Cup campaign. And then, last year, Medeama SC and Dreams FC also showed that, if we stay together, we can achieve. That should be the source of your inspiration," he charged the players amidst applause.
"Your colleagues have done it just a few months ago. It's your turn to go the extra mile to put Ghana back on the map as far as Confederation of African Football Inter-club competitions go. I have no doubt that there's quality in this team. You are true champions and worthy representatives of our country in Africa. You won the Ghana Premier League on merit. I have absolute trust in the technical team to guide all of you in this adventure."
He congratulated the team for winning the 2023-34 Ghana Premier League title - a monumental feat for a young Premier League side.
"I’m happy to have a physical opportunity to say Ayekoo [congratulations] for being champions of Ghana. I think since you won the trophy, I have not been able to be physically present. I really wanted to be at the coronation but circumstances beyond my control didn't allow it to happen."
"You should be very proud of your team members. For you as individuals, for the group and for the community. For a team coming to the top flight to become champions not long afterwards is no mean achievement. It's something that each one of you must be proud of. You achieved that because you stayed together as a team. You worked together as a team and pushed for the top as a team. That’s the essence of teamwork. Football is a team sport. It's not about one individual." he reiterated.
President Simeon-Okraku also tasked the players to stay united and fight for each other on the pitch, drawing synergy with the famous Miracle of El-Wak, as they make the trip to Victoria United FC on Wednesday August 14, 2024.
"As you make this journey, know that you're playing away from home. And this is where you need to stay together. When you go on the turf and it's tough, you have to stay together. When it's good, you have to stay together. When the challenging moments come, you have to stay together," he advised.
"That's where you need to encourage each other. Talk about the miracle of El-Wak where a team had to come back to make it happen. We've seen many great feats on the domestic front. You've played tough games and won. Put in extra effort to achieve your desired results."
"So, everything is possible. Just have the belief and trust that the entire country is behind you, the Football Association is behind you. We want to achieve together. We want to win trophies for Ghana. And you are our ambassadors. Go out there and put in your utmost best. Lastly, don't forget that the Almighty God exists. As you train, as you prepare, pray for God's guidance and support."
The Timber giants will travel to Limbe, Cameroon, for the first leg tie, scheduled for Sunday August 18, 2024, before hosting their opponents in the reverse fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The winner will face either ASGNN of Niger or Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic in the second round in September.
GFA Communications