Ghana Premier League champions Samartex are currently training in Akropong, Western Region, as they prepare for their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie against Victoria United.

The Samreboi-based club clinched the Ghana Premier League title in only their second season in the top flight, earning the chance to represent Ghana in Africa’s premier club competition.

With just 17 days remaining before the first leg of their encounter against the Cameroonian club, the Timber Giants are intensifying their preparations.

Last week, a delegation from the club visited the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, to seek support for their continental debut. Bagbin pledged financial assistance of up to 200,000 Ghana cedis.

“We are one of the three arms of government, and so on behalf of the Parliament of Ghana again, I pledge our support to you.

“Having last year donated 100,000 Ghana cedis [to Medeama SC], and in view of increasing interest rates and the depreciation of the cedi, if I give another 100,000, it means I've given you lower.

“So we'll do the exchange rate and other calculation and see how much that works up to. Even if it's up to 200,000, we'll give you.”

The first and second leg matches between Samartex and Victoria United in the first preliminary round are scheduled to take place between August 16 and 25, 2024.

Nurudeen Amadu's side will travel to Cameroon for the first leg before returning home for the second leg.