Van der Pluym: Chesea lucky to be underdogs

Hans van der Pluym, head coach of Berekum Chelsea is happy his side are not rated among the favourites for this year’s CAF Champions’ League following a very tough draw.

Chelsea, making their debut in Africa’s flagship club competition, have been paired to face record winners Al Ahly, their fierce Egyptian rivals Zamalek and recent double champions T.P. Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the group stage.

Ahead of the money zone’s kick-off in August, van der Pluym insists Chelsea will work hard to be ready for the big boys of African football. More so, the Dutchman is confident the fact that his just dethroned Ghana champions are rank outsiders in what is arguably the toughest African Champions’ League group in history, could play into the hands of the Berekum side.

“Yes it’s a very tough group but in football everything is possible. We are lucky to go in as an underdog which gives us an opportunity to surprise everyone. All we need to do is continue working harder and we will be ready,” the Dutchman told www.sportsinghana.com exclusively.

Chelsea also open the group stages with a home fixture and van der Pluym is counting on home advantage to propel his side to victory and a much needed break right at the start of the competition.

He stated: “It’s good that we have the first match at home which gives us a very good chance. We have to try and go all out in that first match and win that match and give ourselves a good start. Then anything can happen.”