SAMUEL BOADU'S CHALLENGE: CAN HE TURN BEREKUM CHELSEA'S FORTUNES AROUND?

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh

Berekum Chelsea gained promotion to play Ghana's top-flight football in the 2008-09 season after being crowned the champion of their zone in the Division One League.

The club played at the Accra Sports Stadium for their first Glo Premier League match on November 24, 2008, and won the match with a 3-2 victory against Liberty Professionals.

Several coaches, both local and foreign, have managed the team since their inception in the Ghana Premier League.

Notable names include Orlando Wellington, who guided Berekum Chelsea to the historic record of winning the 2010-11 league title for the first time; Hans Van Der Pluijm, Yusif Abubakar, Tony Lokko, Rui Gregório, Joseph Asare Bediako, and Christopher Ennin.

The current coach, Samuel Boadu, is the head coach of Berekum Chelsea. He was appointed in March 2024 during the 2023-24 season, signing a one-year contract after the exit of Coach Christopher Ennin.

Boadu aims to enhance the team's fortunes, making a formidable push for success in the Ghana Premier League.

After the end of the 2024-25 season, Berekum Chelsea recorded their worst performance in the league since their promotion into the Ghana top-flight league in the 2008-09 season.

Coach Samuel Boadu was appointed due to his experience and ability to read opponents' tactics and win matches.

The manager is renowned for his numerous trophies, having won five titles during his stint with Accra Hearts of Oak. Below are the trophies from those competitions:

- Ghana Premier League: 2020-21

- Ghana FA Cup: 2021 and 2022

- Ghana Super Cup: 2021

- President's Cup: 2022

He is known for his successful stint at Medeama SC and Hearts of Oak, guiding them to Ghana Premier League titles and other trophies.

During the 2010-11 season, Berekum Chelsea won their first league trophy under Coach Orlando Wellington's management, accumulating 57 points.

However, the 2024-25 season was the worst season for Berekum Chelsea under Samuel Boadu's tenure as head coach.

The team is struggling to win matches in the 2025-26 season, currently sitting in 18th position after two games and one match pending against Bibiani Gold Stars at Dun's Park, still without a win.

Here are the season-by-season performances of Berekum Chelsea since their debut season in 2008-09:

- 2008-09 season: 6th position with 43 points

- 2009-10 season: 8th position with 42 points

- 2010-11 season: 1st position with 57 points

- 2011-12 season: 7th position with 45 points

- 2012-13 season: 2nd position with 53 points

- 2013-14 season: 12th position with 40 points

- 2014-15 season: 3rd position with 44 points

- 2015-16 season: 8th position with 40 points

- 2017 season: 8th position with 42 points

- 2020-21 season: 10th position with 43 points

- 2021-22 season: 8th position with 47 points

- 2022-23 season: 8th position with 47 points

- 2023-24 season: 3rd position with 51 points

- 2024-25 season: 13th position with 44 points

After finishing 13th in the 2024-25 season, which was their worst performance in the Ghana Premier League, the team has also lost a significant number of key players following the close of the transfer window.

Consistent goalkeeper Gregory Obeng Sekyere, a regular starter, left Berekum Chelsea to join Aduana FC on a three-year contract.

Two-time Ghana Premier League top scorer Stephen Amankona is now playing in Egypt. Team captain Fuseini Zackaria and key midfielder Hubert Gyau have joined Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

Center back Rii Opoku Twumasi and forward Mizack Afriyie have been transferred to Aduana FC, while winger Jonah Attuquaye has signed with Latvian Higher League side FK Auda.

Berekum Chelsea are playing their second home match in the Ghana Premier League against Basake Holy Stars in a week four fixture on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Golden City Park with a 3:00 pm kickoff.

Previous matches played this season:

- Berekum Chelsea 0-1 Asante Kotoko

- Swedru All Blacks 3-0 Berekum Chelsea

The team is yet to score a goal in the season but has conceded four goals after two league games played.

The team is struggling to win matches in the 2025-26 season, sitting in 18th position after two games without a win .