Country: Ghana City: Berekum, Brong Ahafo Ground: Golden City Park, Berekum (5,000) Nickname: Blues Official website: http://www.berekumchelsea.com/ Honors: 1 Ghana Premier League title A background: Why Chelsea? Emerging from the small town of Berekum in Western Ghana, the club was founded in 2000 by Emmanuel Kyeremeh (president) and Obed Nketiah (chief executive). They initially started as Semereka FC, but the co-owners decided in 2004 to change the name after their favorite club; Chelsea. The legendary reputation of Ghana and Chelsea star Michael Essien smoothed the introduction of the new name to fans, while Berekum has officially been restored as the team's home town following a temporary switch to neighboring Bechem. The Blues were promoted to the Ghana Premier League in 2008 and for two seasons they settled for a mid-table place until they managed to bring down the house with a stunning triumph in 2010-2011. Top moment: First silverware After just two seasons at the top flight and barely a decade following their foundation, Berekum Chelsea clinched the Ghana Premier League to become the newest club in the country's history to win the domestic title. Despite losing nine games, they finished ten points clear of closest rivals Ashanti Gold and secured their first-ever trophy three weeks before the end of the season. The historic achievement of guiding the team belonged to veteran coach Orlando Wellington, who has also been in charge of the U-20 Ghana team. Their remarkable campaign witnessed another unprecedented achievement as they managed to beat all three rivals from the Brong Ahafo region; Aduana Stars, Berekum Arsenal and BA Stars. Man to watch: Emmanuel Clottey The current top scorer of the Champions League, Clottey is one of few local-based players who have been regularly selected in the Ghana squad of late, even though he has yet to stake his claim in the Black Stars' frontline. The 24-year-old striker is a typical number 9 thanks to his pace, technique and goalscoring attributes, which were key to Chelsea's fairytale season in 2010-2011. At the age of 19, he topped the Ghana Premier League scoring charts during his spell with Great Olympics in 2006-2007. However, Clottey has not been so lucky in his quest to play in Europe, having spent a couple of unfruitful loan spells at Austria's Wacker Innsbruck and Odense of Denmark a few years ago. Moreover, he had an unsuccessful trial with Polish giants Legia Warsaw last summer following his terrific campaign with Chelsea in Ghana. He was forced to remain in Africa for the moment but will have a point to prove when Chelsea tackle the likes of Zamalek, Mazembe and Ahli this season. Coach: Hans van der Pluijm A 63-year-old Dutchman who opted to leave his homeland and work in Ghana since 2000, declaring that ‘his heart is in the Western African country'. Before joining Chelsea last November, Van der Pluijm had spells with Ghanaian rivals Ashanti Gold and Heart of Lions. His career highlight though came during his early coaching days in Holland with Den Bosch, where he served for 28 years as a goalkeeper. He helped the Dutch minnows reach the KNVB Cup final in 1991, only to lose 1-0 to Feyenoord but one year later, Den Bosch were promoted to the Eredivisie. During his Den Bosch stint, Van der Pluijm handed Holland legend Ruud van Nistelrooy his senior debut at the age of 17. Interesting fact: One survivor! Following the club's promotion in 2008, Chelsea owners led a massive clear-out ahead of the team's inaugural top-flight season, sacking the entire first team except one player. The only survivor was midfielder Jackson Owusu, who is regarded as the club's longest-serving player despite being only 23.
