Medeama SC has been well-strengthened for CAF Champions League campaign, says board chairman Dr Toni Aubynn

The newly recruited players have already joined the club’s pre-season preparations, with Aubynn expressing confidence that the additions will make a significant impact when Medeama begin their continental campaign.

Medeama have been paired with Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, setting up a demanding test for the Ghanaian champions.

Aubynn said the new arrivals were settling into the squad well and believes they have the quality to help the club compete against some of Africa’s leading teams.

He also revealed that the Medeama players are highly motivated ahead of the Champions League, insisting their determination extends beyond financial rewards.

According to Aubynn, the sense of security offered by the club has also played an important role in motivating the players as they prepare for the continental assignment.

The board chairman also explained the club’s decision to part ways with several members of the squad, saying the departures followed a thorough assessment by the technical team.

He said the coaching staff identified players who best fitted the club’s tactical philosophy, while some of those released were allowed to leave in search of regular playing opportunities elsewhere.

“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,” Aubynn said.

He expressed confidence that the changes have left Medeama with a balanced squad capable of competing effectively against TP Mazembe and other continental opponents.

Aubynn also believes Medeama’s status as one of Ghana’s leading clubs could make their opponents wary ahead of the Champions League encounter.

Meanwhile, the board chairman has praised Gold Fields for its support towards the development of the club’s new stadium in Tarkwa and thanked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for accrediting the Tarkwa and T&A Park to host Medeama’s continental fixtures.

The approval means Medeama can stage their home matches in Tarkwa instead of travelling to another city, a development Aubynn believes will ease both the financial and logistical burden on the club.

He said playing in Tarkwa would also make it easier for supporters from the town and surrounding communities to attend Medeama’s matches.

“Sometimes, it was difficult travelling around, and the difficulty in carrying supporters was also a huge problem,” he said.

Although home advantage does not guarantee success in modern football, Aubynn said he was pleased that Medeama supporters would now have the opportunity to watch their team compete in international football on home soil.

The return of continental football to Tarkwa is expected to provide an additional boost for the club as they seek to make a strong impression in Africa’s premier club competition.

Medeama have moved their training camp to Côte d’Ivoire as part of their preparations, where they are playing a series of friendly matches to improve match fitness and fine-tune their tactical approach.

The Ghanaian champions will hope their new signings, improved squad depth, intensive pre-season preparations and home support can help them overcome the formidable challenge posed by TP Mazembe.

The tie will provide an early indication of whether Medeama can build on their domestic success and establish themselves as a serious force on the African continental stage.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet