Dream FC is currently basking in a season of remarkable success in Africa, a feat that sets them apart in the Ghanaian football landscape. As the country celebrates their achievements, questions arise about what the team did differently and more importantly what lessons can be learned to inspire a new era of excellence in Ghana’s football. With that in mind, the Awakenewroom spotlighted Dreams FC’s journey, exploring the valuable insights and strategic approaches that fueled their storied run.
Dreams FC qualified for the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup after eliminating Stade Malien in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 aggregate score. In doing so, they became the first Ghanaian club to qualify to the semi-finals of the CAF competition since Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in 2004.
They have extended their unbeaten home streak to 4 in the Confederation Cup, with 5 wins and a draw. They have conceded 4 goals while scoring 12 in the process. Overall, they have scored 19 goals, conceded 13, kept 2 clean sheets and failed to score in only one match.
Their heroics has pitched them up against Egyptian giants and 2019 winners, Zamalek in the semi-final. The first leg will take place in Egypt on April 21, 2024 before the return leg in Ghana a week later. It is their maiden appearance in Africa and they have already outdone expectations.
Success built on strategy, work and continuity
Dreams FC’s success can be attributed to their clever player recruitment and development strategies. The club’s ability to identify and nurture talent has been key in gathering a competitive squad that is now powering them to history in African football.
The club’ focus on youth development and talent nurturing is an underlining factor on which their recent success has been built. It did not, however, start today as they pulled through to claim the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
Credit must honourably also be given to their tactical astuteness and team cohesion. Their ability to execute game plans effectively and function as a cohesive unit has been a key factor in their triumphs on the continental stage.
Through strategic planning and unwavering resilience, Dreams FC has controlled challenges with poise and determination. Their ability to adapt to varying circumstances and bounce back from setbacks showcase a maturity and resolve that are vital in achieving sustained success.
The club under Karim Zito has been able to establish a dynamic culture that enables them to adjust their game plan as per the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses. This a basic requirement in football coaching but it is one that many football manager lack or are unable to use effectively. However, Karim Zito and his technical staff have been able to use this so well. It has been a key factor in their performance in Africa.
Tough mentality and resilience
As a mark of their technical adaptability and mentality, they have often been able to fight back even from losing positions and did so thrice in the Confederation Cup. Impressively, they did that twice against Stade Malien in the quarter-finals where they came from a losing posing to win the first leg in Bamako and drew the second leg in Kumasi.
Throughout their run to the semi-final, they exhibited their strong team cohesion and effective leadership on and off the field. Even while staring at defeat just like in the game in Mali, they remained unity and adapt as the game progressed. Leadership has thus been crucial in Dreams FC navigating through to the penultimate stage of the Confederation Cup.
One thing that has often impeded the progress of Ghanaian clubs in Africa is the financial burden. It has been the key factor that has made North African clubs outshine all others in CAF competitions. The financial burden was what caused 2011 FA Cup champions FC Nania to withdraw from the competition in the last minute. It is no secret that most Ghanaian clubs even the ones with large fanbase struggle financially to compete in Africa.
But Dreams FC are waving a strong financial muscle. They have been able to pay players salaries very well and timely. Their ability to cater for the expenses in the Ghana Premier League and in the CAF Confederation Cup is admirable for a club that has not been around for long. General manager Ameenu Shardow recently revealed that they have so far spent north of $400,000 so far o their campaign.
“Do you know how much it costs to host a match? Now you must first purchase tickets for all officials who attend the match: the referees and his assistants, the match commissioner, if there are VAR officials, the media officer, the general coordinator, and the security officer. These are all people you must cater for in terms of flight, and you know how much an average ticket costs,” Ameenu Shardow said.
His statement meant the club prepared ahead, budgeted for the cost and pulled together resources from wherever they can get them. It shows a team working at all stages so they are able to keep out off-field issues from distracting the playing squad.
What Ghanaian clubs can learn from Dreams FC
Ghanaian clubs can take a cue from Dreams FC by doing proper investment at the top and also with the youth development programs that identify and nurture talent from a young age. By prioritizing the growth and progression of young players, clubs can build a sustainable pipeline for the future. It becomes easy for coaches when they have a group of players who have worked together for a long time. Nurturing talent helps clubs to build a particular culture in them and also improves cohesion, a key requirement to compete successfully at the top level.
Emphasizing tactical innovation and strategic flexibility can set clubs apart in the competitive football landscape. By encouraging creative and adaptable gameplay, teams can unlock new possibilities and enhance their chances of success both domestically and internationally. This is what experienced tactician coach Karim Zito is executing with Dreams FC.
Another key thing is trust. Dreams FC have shown that they can trust people and that has helped their technical team to be able to relax and strategize. Results are important but terms that prioritize long term results over short-term results often stand a greater chance of success. Karim Zito has been around Dreams FC for a while and has been able to instill his own culture that perfectly aligns with the club’s goals and now they are reaping the benefits.
A New Dawn for Ghanaian Football
As Dreams FC continues to make waves on the African football stage, their remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Ghanaian football. The lessons learned from their successes pave the way for a new approach to football in Ghana, one rooted in innovation, diligence and commitment to excellence.
With Dreams FC leading the charge, Ghanaian football stands at a pivotal juncture, poised for a new chapter defined by ambition, resilience and a determination to soar to greater heights. As clubs across the nation watch Dreams FC’S storied run, they must not only be wowed by it but pick inspiration from their achievements.
A win for Dreams FC is a win for Ghana as their deep run means Ghana has improved on its ranking for inter-club competition. This is just the beginning but it marks the true rebirth of Ghanaian football. If Dreams FC go on to win the CAF Confederation Cup, Ghana could likely earn a second spot in the competition in the next two years. The Still Believe is heralding a new era of promise and possibility, signaling a bright and exciting future for football in Ghana.
In conclusion, Dreams FC’s exceptional performance in Africa signifies a great shift in Ghanaian football. A blueprint for success; built on strategic planning, huge financial investment, talent development and relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the pitch.