Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tarkwa Nsuaem Constituency in the Western Region, Benjamin Kesse, has implored Ghanaian champions Medeama SC to make a meaningful impact in Africa next season.
He indicated that government is firmly behind the team hence the need to defy all odds and be impactful beyond just being counted among the participants.
The Yellow and Mauve boys will be Ghana’s sole representative in the CAF Champions League next season after emerging champions of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League title, their first-ever title in the club’s history.
They will be joined by Dreams FC as another representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, after winning the season’s MTN FA Cup.
Speaking to Medeama SC, when the playing body called on him, Mr Kesse charged them to demonstrate resilience and tenacity of purpose as they journey to participate in the 2023/2024 CAF Champions League.
“We all know the track records of Medeama SC in Africa – we have never gone out there and been eliminated in the first round of the competition.
“Medeama SC does not go to Africa to emulate the abysmal performance of Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak whereby they only exit the competition after a home and an away game in the first round,” he exclaimed during the team’s visit to the assembly as part of its trophy presentation.
But, according to the Municipal Chief Executive, “Medeama SC is known for going past the first round and making it to the group stage.”
Against this backdrop, Benjamin Kesse reminded the players and technical team of the task ahead of them, saying “making a significant appearance at the continental stage” should only be their priority.
He nonetheless cautioned that any performance that tended to dent the hard-won reputation of the club would not be accepted.
The former deputy administrative manager of the Tarkwa-based club is confident the ‘Never Give Up’ boys will raise the flag of Ghana high coupled with the necessary support from the assembly and government.
“All that we’re doing is to expand the frontiers of Medeama SC so that we will get the bigger support and when this happens that’s where the players are going to give their all by way of excelling,” added Benjamin Kesse.
The MCE furthered and congratulated the team for winning its maiden GPL title reiterating that Western Region is proud of them.
Nana Effah, a communication member of Medeama said the team was grateful to the MCE and the entire assembly for being supportive in the lead-up to their success story.
He also requested cooperation to secure more sponsorship deals for the club to be resourceful as they prepare to embark on their Africa journey since playing on the continent is costly.
Response
Mr Kesse responding to the request made by the team, indicated his office will ensure deserved support is given to them anytime and any day, adding that concerns of sponsorship will be dealt with accordingly.
“When it comes to sponsorship, the assembly will play the needed role. We are going to engage the major mining companies. Fortunately for us, our Member of Parliament is a minister in the sector of mines – he is the deputy minister.
“And God being so good, we have all the major mining firms here, such as Goldfields, AngloGold, and DMC, among others, so, together, we are going to sit them down and ask them to support Medeama,” the MCE promised.
Medeama’s preparation
To intensify its preparation ahead of the Africa campaign, the Ghana Premier League champions have set up a 10-member Planning Committee and five sub-others to oversee their first campaign in the CAF Champions League.
President of the club, Moses Armah, and the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem who doubles as Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, will co-chair the 10-member planning committee.
Other committee members are Dr Anthony Aubynn, Emmanuel Larbi Amoah, Joseph Cobbinah, James Essilfie, Kojo Allah, Joseph Tetteh Zutah, Augustine Evans Adotey, and Dr Baffour Kwarteng.
The Committee has been set up to oversee the smooth adventure of the Ghana Premier League Champions.
A further five sub-committees have also been set up to execute the mandate.
The committees are Finance and Sponsorship; Protocol and Operations; Ticketing, Safety, and Security; Communication and Marketing and Promotions.
Medeama SC has made two appearances at the CAF Confederation Cup tournament, the second tier of continental football, 2013/14, 2015/16, and made it to the group stage once.
In the 2013/14 season, they enjoyed a remarkable continental championship debut, edging past two sides before being eventually booted out by Congolese side AC Leopards in the play-off tie.
Fast forward to 2016, they advanced to the group face of the Confederations Cup competition after beating Al Ittihad (Lybia), El Shendi (Sudan), and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
They were drawn in Group A alongside former champions TP Mazembe (Dr Congo), Young Africans from Tanzania, and MO Bejaia from Algeria.
After the group matches, despite being tied on 8 points with Algerian side MO Bejaia, they got eliminated via the head-to-head rule.
