Medeama SC have strengthened their squad with several new signings as the Ghanaian champions step up preparations for their CAF Champions League campaign, board chairman Dr Toni Aubynn has revealed.

The newly recruited players have already joined the club’s pre-season preparations, with Aubynn expressing confidence that the additions will play an important role as Medeama begin their continental campaign.

Medeama have been drawn against Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, with the Ghanaian side determined to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

Aubynn said the new players were settling into the team and that the club was confident they could make a significant contribution to the campaign.

He also insisted that the squad was highly motivated ahead of the tournament, stressing that the players’ determination was driven by factors beyond financial incentives.

According to the Medeama board chairman, the sense of security provided by the club was another major source of motivation for the players as they prepared for the demanding continental assignment.

Aubynn also shed light on the departure of several players from the squad, explaining that the decisions were made following a detailed assessment by the technical team.

He said the coaching staff had identified players who best suited Medeama’s tactical approach, while some of those released needed to move to other clubs in search of more regular playing opportunities.

“The technical team has already evaluated the situation before offloading every player, and we believe the new replacements would adequately fill the void created by the departed ones,” he said.

Aubynn believes the changes have left Medeama with a squad capable of competing effectively against TP Mazembe and other continental opponents.

He also described Medeama as one of Ghana’s leading clubs, suggesting that their reputation could make the Congolese giants wary of the challenge they face.

The Medeama board chairman expressed his appreciation to Gold Fields for supporting the development of the new stadium in Tarkwa, while also thanking the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for accrediting the Tarkwa and T&A Park to host the club’s continental matches.

The approval means Medeama will be able to play their home fixtures in Tarkwa rather than being forced to use a different venue.

Aubynn said the arrangement would significantly reduce the financial and logistical difficulties associated with travelling to other cities, while also making it easier for supporters to attend the matches.

“Sometimes, it was difficult travelling around, and the difficulty in carrying supporters was also a huge problem,” he said.

Although modern football has demonstrated that home advantage does not guarantee victory, Aubynn said he was delighted that Medeama supporters in Tarkwa and neighbouring communities would finally have the opportunity to watch the club compete in international football on home soil.

The return of continental football to Tarkwa is expected to provide an additional boost to the club as they seek to make a deep run in Africa’s premier club competition.

As part of their preparations, Medeama have moved their training camp to Côte d’Ivoire, where they have been playing a series of friendly matches to improve match fitness and sharpen their tactical preparations.

The club are hoping the combination of new recruits, a settled squad, intensive pre-season work and home advantage will help them overcome TP Mazembe.

Medeama are also determined to surpass their previous ambitions in the competition and make a serious push towards the lucrative latter stages of the CAF Champions League.

Their clash with TP Mazembe will therefore provide an early test of whether the Ghanaian champions can establish themselves as a genuine force on the continental stage.