Medeama SC have returned to Côte d’Ivoire for their pre-season camp in the hope that the country can once again prove to be a good-luck charm ahead of the new season.
The reigning Ghana Premier League champions are currently in Abidjan for a three-week residential camp as they prepare to defend their domestic title and compete in the CAF Champions League.
Medeama’s 35 players and 14 technical and management staff members travelled to Côte d’Ivoire on August 1, with their training sessions taking place at the Parc des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Medeama communications director Willie Graham explained that the decision to return to Abidjan was influenced by the club’s successful pre-season there last year.
“Last season we were in Abidjan here, specifically for our pre-season. We came back to Ghana and we had a good luck charm obviously helping us to win the league,” Graham said.
“So we felt we were very comfortable. It helped us in planning and preparing the team and the players mentally, physically, emotionally.”
Medeama are using the camp to fine-tune their preparations through a series of friendly matches against Ivorian opposition.
They began with a 2-1 victory over Yamoussoukro FC before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against Societe Omnisports de l’Armee (SOA).
Graham believes the familiar environment will help the team prepare for what promises to be a demanding campaign.
“It’s a pre-season and you’re allowed to move freely anywhere you feel comfortable and the players need to have a very serene atmosphere to prepare for the targets ahead,” he said.
“So we believed that this is a very good place for us and that’s the reason we are back again at the same venue for our pre-season.
“I think that we’re really enjoying the warm service that we are receiving here just as we did last season. We are looking forward to coming home with something spectacular just as we did.”
Medeama will have little time to settle once they return to Ghana, with a busy domestic and continental schedule awaiting them.
The Tarkwa-based club are preparing for their CAF Champions League campaign, where they are set to face African giants TP Mazembe.
Having already tasted success after their previous pre-season in Côte d’Ivoire, Medeama will be hoping the familiar surroundings can once again provide the foundation for another memorable campaign.
