The Tamale-based side narrowly escaped relegation last term, but Amadu believes a strong home record could be the key to avoiding another relegation dogfight. 

Already, Karela have shown promise, having won their opening fixture and drawn their second, results that the coach sees as a solid platform to build on.

Speaking to Graphic Sports in an interview yesterday about his return to Samreboi, Amadu said the experience was emotional but also provided important lessons. 

“Returning to Samreboi brought back great memories, and the reception was amazing, although the game itself was very difficult. But this is football — and for me, the focus now is on making sure our home ground becomes a place where no team can walk away with three points,” he said.

He admitted, however, that fixtures against some of the country’s biggest clubs would be daunting. “Clubs like Medeama SC, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko will surely present us with a lot of problems because of their experience and quality. But we are not going to underestimate or over-respect anyone. We will prepare to play every team with the same seriousness,” he stressed.

Karela’s ambitions this season are modest but realistic. Having endured a turbulent campaign last year, which saw them battling relegation until the final weeks, the club’s primary focus is stability. 

A mid-table finish, Amadu said, would be a significant improvement and a statement that Karela belong in the top flight.

“We escaped relegation by the skin of our teeth last season, and that is not a situation we want to find ourselves in again. Starting well has given us belief, but the real work is ensuring consistency, especially at home. If we can win the majority of our matches at Aliu Mahama, then we can fight for a respectable position on the league log,” the coach remarked.