- FC Samartex will play against Victoria United FC this Sunday at the Japoma Stadium in Douala
- GFA capo Kurt Okraku visited the team on Tuesday in Accra and encouraged them
- The two clubs will be making their debut in the CAF Champions League
The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Okraku has paid a courtesy visit to the current Premier League champions, Samartex FC ahead of their trip to Cameroon for a weekend date against Victoria United FC.
Tuesday’s motivational stop in the Samartex training camp was part of efforts to spur the team ahead of their debut in the CAF inter club competition.
Despite it being their first participation in the CAF Champions League, President Edwin has charged the team to draw inspiration from Ghana’s ambassadors last season in Dreams FC and Medeama FC who reached the business end of the CAF interclub Competitions.
“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 told the players who applauded in return.
“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.”
Okraku also took advantage of his first calm contact with the team since winning the Ghana Premier League to congratulate them.
“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.”
Samartex is targeting a run beyond the first preliminary round in their first time of asking.
With the matches for the first preliminary round set for the this weekend, Samartex are focused on securing a favourable outcome and making a strong statement in their CAF Champions League debut.
An aggregate win for FC Samartex against Victoria United will pit them against ASGNN of Niger or Moroccan side Raja Club Athletic in the second round. The fixtures for the second round are scheduled to take place from September 13-22.
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