GoldStars chief urges Medeama to prepare for CAF Champions League test

Bibiani GoldStars chief executive Kwasi Adu has called on Medeama to make detailed preparations for their CAF Champions League meeting with TP Mazembe. The Ghanaian champions will face the five-time African champions in the first preliminary round, with the opening leg set for September 5 at the renovated TNA Stadium in Tarkwa.

The tie will be decided over two matches, with the return fixture scheduled for the following week at Stade du TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi. Medeama will therefore have to deal with a demanding away assignment at one of the most established clubs on the continent.

Adu said Medeama’s work before the matches must extend beyond training and tactics. He identified player management, motivation and travel planning as areas that could have a major influence on whether the Ghanaian side reaches the next stage.

His warning comes against the backdrop of recent difficulties for Ghanaian clubs in the Champions League. Medeama and Dreams have been among the Ghanaian teams to make progress in continental competition, but Adu believes the level of preparation required against Mazembe must be especially high.

Adu also cautioned Medeama against being overawed by Mazembe’s reputation. He noted that the Congolese club remain champions of their domestic league, just as Medeama are in Ghana, and argued that both sides should be approached as competitive title holders rather than through history alone.

For Medeama, the first leg in Tarkwa offers the initial opportunity to establish an advantage before travelling to Lubumbashi. Adu’s assessment is that disciplined planning, strong player handling and proper motivation will be necessary if the Ghanaian champions are to overcome Mazembe and continue their Champions League campaign.