Medeama SC midfieldercaptain, Malik Akowuah, says the current financial stress his club is facing will not affect them as they fly to DR Congo tonight ahead of their group opener against giants TP Mazembe this weekend in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The management of the Tarkwa-based club made mouth-watering promises to the team including a bonus of $2,000 to each player if they overcame Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa after the two legs to reach the ‘money zone’.
However, one month after qualification, officials of the two-time MTN FA Cup holders have been saddled with financial challenges making it impossible to honour their promise
Speaking to the Graphic Sports on phone yesterday, the energetic midfielder said: “We have not been paid the bonuses but I believe management is waiting for the money from CAF. I don’t think unpaid bonuses should affect our performance. For me I am okay but I don’t know about my colleagues so I’m going to talk to them so that together we can do our best in this competition,” he said.
“Mazembe is a big club but we are a tough nut to crack so we are going to face them squarely,” he added.
As part of the preparations, Medeama hosted Techiman City in an outstanding league match at Tarkwa and Aboso Park yesterday which ended 4-2 in favour of the homesters before moving camp to Sogakope to prepare adequately on the slippery astro turf park.
Meanwhile, CAF has appointed Seychelles referee, Bernard Camille, as the referee for Medeama’s first-ever CAF Confederation cup group stage game against TP Mazembe.