Berekum Chelsea will enjoy massive support from Ghanaian soccer fans

By Patrick Akoto

Hearts fans have promised to cheer Berekum Chelsea to victory ahead of their Champions League clash against Zamalek on Saturday.

The Berekum-based side will battle the Cairo-based side in the opening group game at the Accra Sports stadium after their home venue was passed unfit to host the international fixture.

Chelsea do not boast of a commanding support base in Ghana but surprisingly enjoyed massive support from many Hearts fans when they beat Kotoko 2-1 to clinch the President Cup on July 1.

Hearts supporters umbrella body (National Chapters Committee), have promised to cheer their compatriots to victory.

“Berekum Chelsea is our second team and all Hearts fans should be at the stadium to cheer them to victory,” NCC Chairman Alhaji Akanbi said

“We want to assure them that, we will be there in our numbers. We’re going to put on Chelsea colours because this is a national affair.

“We’re happy they chose to play the match in Accra. This is where they will get the maximum support apart from their base in Berekum.

“The two teams have a special bond and so we’ll not let them down at all. Zamalek will be tough but we will cheer them on to win.”

The former Premier League Champions face a daunting task to progress from a group that comprises of three sides that have 15 titles between them.

They will face Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahy and Zamalek as well TP Mazembe of DR Congo

Chelsea are hoping to emulate Ghana’s two biggest clubs, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, who have both been crowned African champions in the past.

Hearts won the title in 2000 while Kotoko were victorious in 1970 and 1983.