Jerome’s Take: Dream on in Africa

Early days yet but I have liked Dreams FC’s approach to Africa. How they have gone about their preliminary game in the CAF Confederation Cup and indeed the 1-1 draw away to Guinea’s Milo FC seems satisfactory. Not much talk but noticeable work.

“A watershed moment in [Dreams FC’s life]. Gael Aholou scoring the club’s first ever [Africa goal]. A 14-year-old club with the intent of pushing above its weight against established powerhouses” wrote their Administrative Manager, Ameenu Shardow.

I expect less from Dreams, Medeama and Ampem Darkoa Ladies but their Africa excellence would add value to our football. Their good results must therefore be applauded no matter how little. It is the small steps that culminate into big leaps particularly if there is money, consistency, and proper club management.

Medeama won 1-0 at home to Nigeria’s Remo Stars in CAF Champions League qualifier. Talk on their progress suddenly is one of gloominess. That may be the reality but they have been on something positive. That must inspire them, and should Medeama not advance, they must not be too disappointed. They must build on anything they achieve.

At the WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Nigeria, Ampem Darkoa whipped Amis Du Monde of Togo 4-2 in their first game. Fine start for the Nanammas; they should not look back. Indeed, for all our teams, Africa should be a project, not a one-off event, after which they go to sleep if they bundled out.

Investment and management of club football administration here must change significantly if team performance in Africa would improve. Medeama for instance planned carefully – using their media engagements to whip up enthusiasm in their campaign. Dreams have not been on a media blitz more because they went away. The same can be said of Ampem Darkoa Ladies who are in Nigeria.

In all, I like the modesty and conduct of our Africa reps. Flamboyant promises would lead to nothingness if not backed by positive results. Let Dreams, Medeama and Ampem Darkoa Ladies thus stick to what they have started and let us also laud the GFA and others have who financially supported them because in Africa club football, money is everything. Let our teams in Africa dream on.

Credit: Jerome Otchere