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Soccer News of Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Source: goal.com

Medeama coach Strand not fazed by Bechem visit

Medeama players Medeama players

Medeama SC coach Tom Strand says he is not disturbed ahead of mid-week clash with former club Bechem United in Week 23 of the Ghana Premier League.

The 34-year-old joined Medeama at the end of last season after guiding the Brong Ahafo club to finish fifth.

The Swedish manager is upbeat ahead of Wednesday’s encounter after narrowly losing the first leg 2-1.

"It's one of the games I'm always looking up to witness this season after losing in Bechem but I'm calm because we're winning," Strand told Goal.

"Bechem United are my former club and I know to some extent the strength and weaknesses of the team. Many of their current first team players were with me last season and the new coach [Erol Bekir] is also my countryman from Sweden so I'm happy we all are making a reunion.

"I definitely have to win this game to push for a respectable position on the log. We couldn't take our chances last Sunday against Liberty but we will make amends,” he said.

Strand also revealed that he is working on the league’s current top scorer Nathaniel Asamoah after he has gone four games with a goal.

"Asamoah is not scoring like he started the season but scoring three goals after seven games is not bad. The other strikers are gradually closing up but he is calm and we're seriously working on him to sharpen him more. I believe he will start banging in the goals.

"I want to make a record as the coach to produce two different top scorers in successive years. Last season it was Augustine Okrah with Bechem and hopefully, it will be Nathaniel Asamoah this season,” he added.

Strand guided United to finish fifth on the log last season after picking them from 11th position. He also played a huge role in Augustine Okrah’s success when the striker won both the league's goal king diadem and best player's accolade. Okrah netted 13 goals in 13 games under Strand in the second half of the season.

Medeama currently lie 9th on the log with 30 points, one above Bechem who are lying 11th.