Accra Lions head coach Rainer Kraft has acknowledged the challenging situation the club is currently facing but remains determined to rebuild the team’s psychological strength.
Kraft, who took over from Tanko Ibrahim, has already made an impact by guiding the Lions to an impressive fourth consecutive home victory, defeating Medeama; a streak that dates back to the 2021/22 season following their win against Medeama SC
FULL-TIME at Legon Stadium
A winning start to the second round.
Lucky Nwafor’s second half penalty was enough for the lads to secure an important victory over @MedeamaSC.
Accra Lions 1️⃣:0️⃣ Medeama#yennyinaadea #accralions #GhanaPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/L9VZeDf6RW
— Accra Lions FC (@AccraLionsFC) January 25, 2025
Speaking in a post-match interview, Kraft expressed his unwavering commitment to the team’s progress.
like it was three years ago when I left, to develop every single player, to bring them further.
I give them everything I have, all the experience I have, for them on the pitch, beside the pitch, physically, mentally, to help them to become a better player.
Some will take it, some won’t.
This is the mission.
The coach’s emphasis on mental resilience is set to play a crucial role in the club’s bid to overcome challenges and sustain their winning form.
They have an average age of 18 something, So mentally, psychologically, this is the thing we have to work on most to make them mentally strong.
To face that challenge and also to tell them you don’t have to be afraid. Don’t have to be afraid. Nothing happens when you lose. It’s a game.
Nobody is dying if you lose a game.
Nothing happens. So be brave. Go forward. Don’t be shy. That’s what we try to do
Coach Rainer believes it’s understandable following the average ages which are within the squad and sympathizes with them about the mental toll it has on them following their battle with relegation every single game
Most of them have never been in such a situation because they’re the best of their teams. Yeah, so, and now they fight for relegation, which is hard, hard.
I know that as a player.
It puts high, high pressure on the guys again.
They have no experience.
As the second round of the league unfolds, Accra Lions will hit the road to face Vision FC at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema. Vision FC currently sits 12th on the table with 19 points, setting the stage for an exciting clash as both teams aim to make their mark.
