Deputy Communications and Administrative Manager of Bibiani Gold Stars, Joseph Oti Manu, has tagged the club’s win over Kpando Heart of Lions in Kpando as a “crucial” one as the club prepares to host Accra Hearts of Oak in a big clash this weekend.

Gold Stars host Hearts of Oak at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani in a clash featuring the second ranked Gold Stars and the third ranked Hearts of Oak.

Following its surprising 2-1 win over Heart of Lions in the immediate past round, the defending league champions are firmly back in contention to win the league title for the second year in a row.

Gold Stars trail league leaders Medeama (45 points) by three points ahead of the Hearts clash and in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports, Oti Manu believes beating Lions has set the team up very well for Sunday, March 1’s game.

Shot from Bibiani Gold Stars CAF Champions League game against JS Kabylie (yellow) Photo Courtesy: Gold Stars

“It was very crucial…It was very difficult to win an away match. We are the best club in the (Ghana) Premier League in home matches but we should do well if we want to win the league.”

Shot from Gold Stars (in green) game against Hearts of Oak Photo Courtesy: Gold Stars

“Fritz Schmid has done refresher training courses with the players since he arrived last two months…so psychologically, the team was up to the task to win that match [against Lions]. We are really ready to welcome Hearts of Oak on Sunday” Oti Manu said.

Bibiani Gold Stars head coach Fritz Schmid

After sacking Frimpong Manso in the early part of the season, Gold Stars appointed Swiss head coach Fritz Schmid a couple of months ago.