Chelsea aim for third title in Glo8 final

Berekum Chelsea have been in conquering form in 2011 and on Sunday they could add a third major trophy to their haul.

Having showed their utter dominance by the middle of the last Ghana Premier League season, Chelsea won their first title with three games to spare. A relative newcomer in top flight football, Chelsea´s feat was quite ironic, for their victory came at the expense of RTU – a traditional side – whose relegation they confirmed at the Golden City Park in May.

On July 1, the blues completed a hat-trick of victories over Kotoko to win this year´s Presidents Cup. Both trophy wins were done emphatically and with seeming ease, ensuring that they entered the GHALCA Glo8 as storming favorites.

On Sunday, they play an equally tough Medeama in Accra. Chelsea´s former coach is now the boss at Medeama. “It will be tougher than what we have seen. I cannot say because I have been there I still know everything Chelsea,” said Yusif Abubakar after winning the semi on Thursday.

Indeed, the Brong-Ahafo side has further strengthened the few cracks they had last season, which has made them quite impregnable. Yusif is aware of this.

“Chelsea have not taken in goals in all the games they have played [in the Glo8] and we are very aware of that. There are some new players with Chelsea. These players were not with the club during my tenure and now Coach Pollack is also at the club, so maybe they are quite a changed side.”

Chelsea captain Abdul Basit, aware of the occasional loss of concentration Medeama seem to have, feels things will be easier for his side. He weighed Sunday´s final against the semi with New Edubiase last Thursday.

“That game was very tough because the New Edubiase United defence was very solid so we had difficulty breaking through. Medeama SC has very good forwards, but we can prise their defence wide open to score goals.”

Basit himself has been in top form since becoming captain of the blues. His four goals in four games have been crucial in securing the final berth, but he credits his teammates for their fine performances. After beating Edubiase, Basit singled out ex-Hearts superstar Charles Taylor for his telling contribution.

‘When he joined us I thought he could only play for 20 minutes, but he surprised me with his determination and form. For me, he contributed 70% to our success this afternoon and I am overwhelmed by his ability.’

Medeama´s trump card is definitely in attack, with their swift counter-attacks and wingplay a prominent part of their game. The side has also been in the market to strengthen, adding goalkeeper Stephen Ahorlu to its defence.

Ex-Kotoko winger Francis Coffie has been good in this tournament, as have fellow additions Godfred Rockson, Ekow Benson and striker Tanko Mohammed. Club CEO Moses Armah reportedly spent close to $400,000 on players in this window and he is not about to let a trophy as close as the Glo8 go away.

‘‘We placed fourth last season and so we had to get other players that would strengthen the team. With the new players on board, we should be able to win trophies and our aim is the Glo Premier League and the MTN FA Cup.’ ’

And even as title sponsor, Globacom, is yet to pay the $250,000 that represents the sponsorship money for sponsoring the competition, this finale should whet appetites ahead of the big league kickoff on October 9.

Twitter: @garyalsmith