Istanbul FC have stepped up preparations ahead of the start of the National promotional play-offs this weekend.

The ambitious Eastern Regional-based side have been in camp for the past 12 days preparing adequately ahead of their first meeting against Great Olympics on Saturday April 26.

Istanbul find themselves in a difficult group which includes three former Premier League sides – Great Olympics, Okwahu United and Tema Youth.

They will need to negotiate their games against these sides to make a historic qualification to the Ghanaian top-flight.

They will start off with crunch tie against Olympics at the Len Clay stadium in Obuasi before they tackle Tema Youth and neighbours Okwahu United.