Bibiani GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso says his side can make a meaningful impact in the CAF Champions League without splashing cash on high-profile players, insisting that mindset and preparation are more important than marquee signings.
GoldStars are set to represent Ghana on the continental stage for the very first time, after a historic Ghana Premier League triumph last season. The club has since bolstered its squad with strategic signings but has opted against pursuing big-name players.
Speaking to Joy Sports, Manso dismissed the idea that success in Africa is only possible with football superstars.
“The moment you mention Africa, it’s like you need some special players. No, they are the same players,” he said. “What we need is to orient their mindset. And that is what we’ve started to do, because you cannot go and then bring in the Maradonas or the Peles at this time.”
A former Ghana international himself, Manso believes that success in the CAF Champions League is more about tactical discipline and psychological readiness than assembling a squad of household names.
“What we have, we’ve added some to it, but then we still need to talk to them,” he explained. “It’s something that is on earth. Every year, a new team comes in, some get further, some drop out early.”
“You see, it depends on the way you also prepare yourself. That also counts a lot. So for me, I think we are new to the competition, but we will make the best out of the competition.”
The GoldStars will find out their preliminary round opponents on August 12, with fans across Ghana eager to see how the Premier League champions will fare on African soil.
For Manso and his side, the goal is clear: go as far as possible by believing in their own system and not chasing the shadows of legends past.
