Bibiani GoldStars coach Petros Koukouras believes hunger, passion and commitment will be crucial when his side face FC Samartex 1996 in their Ghana Premier League Matchday 9 clash on Sunday.

GoldStars will travel to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi to face the hosts, who sit third in the standings with 15 points. The visitors are 12th with 10 points after recording a 2-1 victory over Heart of Lions.

Samartex, meanwhile, drew 0-0 away against Berekum Chelsea in their previous league fixture and will look to maintain their unbeaten domestic run.

Koukouras acknowledged the quality of the hosts, describing Samartex as one of the strongest sides in the league ahead of the regional derby.

“We know it's a derby. We know Samartex is one of the best teams in the Ghana Premier League. They are very organised, they have a very good coach, and they are in good form,” he said.

The GoldStars coach expects his players to prepare thoroughly and match their opponents’ intensity, with the battle for possession and second balls potentially proving decisive.

“We have to prepare very well for that game, and hopefully, we will take something positive from it. Derbies are always about who wants it more, who has more passion, who is going to run more, and who is going to win the 50-50 balls. Then, it's about the tactics,” Koukouras added.

“I hope we will be ready mentally first of all for that game, and then we will go out and try our best.”

GoldStars have won three of their last eight league meetings with Samartex, while the hosts have recorded two victories.