ABOUT THE CLUB
From a small community team in the heart of Ghana’s Western Region to Ghana Premier League champions and CAF Champions League contenders, FC Samartex 1996 has become a symbol of unity, resilience, and triumph. This is the story of how a timber company’s social responsibility project grew into one of Ghana’s most inspiring football clubs.
The Beginning of Samartex Timber & Plywood Company
The story begins in May 1995, when Samartex Timber & Plywood Company was established after taking over the African Timber & Plywood Company. The company found its home in Ghana's Western Region, nestled in the heart of the forest area. The decision to start a football club came from a simple but meaningful desire: to give back to their workers and the local community. Football was chosen as the perfect way to bring entertainment and unity to everyone involved with the company.
The Birth of FC Samartex 1996
The club's official journey began with its registration in early 1995. Success came quickly, and by July 1996, the team had already progressed from the 3rd Division to the 2nd Division. The early days were led by Chairman Azaleko, with Alex O. Eshun serving as Secretary, and Budu Kumi, a company worker, taking on coaching duties. What made the team special was that every player was a Samartex worker who would train after finishing their day jobs, showing true dedication to both their work and the sport.
Thomas Hirsch's Transformation
A significant change came with Thomas Hirsch, a German football enthusiast who became the club's CEO. His passion for the sport led to several important changes. He brought in Abdul Tahir Salaami as the new coach and chose green and white as the club's colors to represent the forest. Under his leadership, the team was renamed FC Samartex 1996. Hirsch even brought equipment like jerseys and footballs from Germany. The club's motto, "UNITY and VICTORY" was thoughtfully chosen by Anthony Wilson, capturing the team's spirit.
Notable Players
Throughout its history, FC Samartex has been home to several talented players who went on to achieve fame in Ghanaian football. Armah Senegal made his mark with the club, while Bernard Don Bortey later became a star at Hearts of Oak. Michael Addo showed his skills as a goalkeeper, and Asamoah Makwekwe went on to play for Asante Kotoko. These players and many others have contributed to building the club's reputation as a nurturing ground for football talent.
Building a Strong Foundation
The club's commitment to growth showed in their infrastructure development. They built a proper stadium complete with dressing rooms and fan seating. For their players, they constructed a 26-room building with modern facilities including toilets and baths. The complex also featured a dining hall, gym, TV room, and offices for the technical team. This impressive facility was officially opened by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Kojo Baah Wiredu, in 2004.
Richard Duah Nsenkyire – The Managing Director Leading the Team
Richard Duah Nsenkyire, as Managing Director of Samartex Timber & Plywood Company, has transformed the club into what it is today. Known as the "THE TIMBER GIANTS" - a motto that perfectly captures their dominance and connection to their timber industry roots - FC Samartex has grown exponentially under his leadership. Nsenkyire took charge of the club's management and expanded its structure, leading the team through its historic promotion to the GPL and its first league victory. His vision extends beyond domestic success, aiming to establish FC Samartex as a prominent team in both Ghana and African tournaments.
The club now operates with a professional structure, with Nsenkyire supported by a dedicated Board of Directors and Management Team. Under his guidance, the technical team was strengthened with additional staff including a goalkeeper's trainer and assistant coaches. The club enjoys growing support from the Wasa Amenfi and Aowin Suaman communities, who have embraced the "THE TIMBER GIANTS" as their own.
Their facilities rank among the best in Ghana, featuring a well-maintained stadium, player accommodations, and training facilities. Looking ahead, the club aims to maintain their Premier League status, add more trophies to their collection, and establish themselves as regular competitors in CAF tournaments. The combination of strong leadership, community support, and world-class facilities has positioned the Timber Giants as a model for professional football clubs in Ghana.
Achievements
The club's journey to success has been marked by several notable achievements throughout its history. In the MTN/FA Cup, they made headlines by defeating the mighty Accra Hearts of Oak in 2014 and consistently reached the Round of 16. They also claimed victory in the first Western Region Invitational Tournament in 2019 by overcoming Elmina Sharks. Even when faced with relegation to Division Two in 2011/12, the team showed resilience by bouncing back stronger under the guidance of Coach Nassam Abubakar.
The club's recent years have brought even greater success, starting with a significant move off the field in the 2021/22 season when they secured a kit sponsorship deal with Icarus. This partnership marked a new era for the club as Icarus began producing the official Samartex kits, elevating the team's professional image. On the field, the 2022/23 season marked a turning point as the team earned promotion to the Ghana Premier League, finishing an impressive 10th in their debut season.
The following 2023/24 season brought unprecedented glory as they won the Ghana Premier League for the first time in their history. This historic achievement led to their first appearance in the CAF Champions League preliminary stage, and they added to their trophy cabinet by winning the GFA Super Cup. These recent successes have transformed the club from a regional powerhouse into a national force, setting the stage for even greater achievements in African football.
