Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak fires head coach Martin Koopman
Hearts of Oak and head coach Martin Koopman have agreed to conclude their five-month relationship amicably.
Koopman, a Dutchman, took over as manager ahead of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
After ten games, the Phobians are in 11th place on the Premier League standings, with 12 points earned from two victories, six draws, and two defeats.
Following a goalless draw against Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium over the weekend, the 67-year-old faced rising criticism.
In response to mounting rumours, Hearts of Oak issued an official statement on Tuesday evening announcing their amicable split from Martin Koopman.
As a result of this situation, Assistant Coach Abdul Bashiru has been named temporary head coach.
Despite the recent draw with Legon Cities, Koopman remained steadfast, claiming, “Listen, I am not afraid of being fired, and that is the first thing.” If I’m terrified of being fired, I won’t be in this business.”
He showed confidence in his ability to work with the team and emphasised his conviction in his coaching talents.
After supporters’ unhappiness led to Matic’s resignation the previous season, Koopman had the challenge of improving the team’s performance.
Koopman formerly worked at AS Vita Club, FC Den Bosch, and BV Veendam before joining Hearts of Oak.
The team, currently under temporary management, is optimistic about the rest of the season.
Asante Kotoko is facing a GHC 80,000 fine from the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for their disruptive behaviour during a match against Nations FC.
The disciplinary punishment is the result of actions that occurred during their matchday 6 match at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Dissatisfied with a penalty call by the referee in the last stages of the game, a group of irate supporters resorted to violent behaviour. In protest, chairs were allegedly smashed, and items were hurled into the pitch. Despite the fact that the game ended in a 2-2 tie, supporters proceeded to vent their rage by destroying artefacts at the stadium.
The inquiry by the Disciplinary Committee revealed a ‘breach of Article 16(c) and Article 16(2)(f) of the GFA Disciplinary Code 2019.’ As a result, Asante Kotoko has been fined heavily, and the money will be given to Nations FC to compensate for the damages caused by the alleged Kotoko fans.
Meanwhile, Kotoko returned to winning ways on Sunday, defeating Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Stadium due to Sherif Mohammed’s penalty kick in the 60th minute.
Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak to play home games in Kumasi following the closure of Accra Sports Stadium
According to Onua Sports, Hearts of Oak have opted to transfer their home games to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following the shutdown of the Accra Sports Stadium due to scheduled Christmas celebrations.
The highly anticipated Ghana Premier League match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, which was originally scheduled for Accra on December 8, will now be played in Kumasi, with Hearts of Oak designated as the home team.
The temporary location change was caused by the Accra Sports Stadium, which was overseen by event organisers for the Christmas festivities. Alhaji Brimah Moro Akambi, a Hearts of Oak Board Member, confirmed the decision, indicating that the Phobians will play their home games at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the rest of the year. However, beginning in 2023, the club is open to evaluating alternative locations.
Hearts of Oak are currently 14th in the league rankings with 12 points. Following the resignation of coach Martinus Koopman, assistant Abdul Rahim Bashiru has been named to handle the squad until a permanent replacement is found.
On Tuesday, they meet the Accra Lions, looking to get back on track after three straight draws.
Maxwell Konadu, the head coach of Nsoatreman FC, has been released from the hospital following an attack by Bofoakwa Tano fans.
The incident occurred on Sunday, following Nsoatreman FC’s 1-1 tie with Bofoakwa Tano in Week 11 of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
Konadu was rendered unconscious during the assault and was taken to Sunyani Teaching Hospital.
According to a club release, the former Black Stars assistant coach has been fired.
“Our coach Maxwell Konadu has been discharged from the hospital. We thank everyone who said a prayer for our coach during these difficult moments. Efiri Tete Amanaso,” a statement from Nsoatreman FC said on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of one individual engaged in Maxwell Konadu’s attack and beating.
The police are also on the lookout for another suspect who is presently on the run.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned the Sunyani Coronation Park, which serves as Bofoakwa Tano’s home stadium.
Meanwhile, in the matchday 12 games this weekend at Nana Kronmansah Park, Nsoatreman FC will host Heart of Lions.
Harry Maguire accepts Isaac Adongo’s apologies
Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni, has hinted that he may resign
9 killed, several others injured in an accident at Ho
This was avoidable – Bonaa on fatal clashes in Nkwanta
I never indicated my house was sold – Speaker of Parliament
Akufo-Addo pardons eight Chiana SHS students who insulted him
Audio: Richard Attah’s wife narrates how ‘Aki and Pawpaw’ plotted the sack of Samuel Boadu
Video: I will marry 20 wives and have 10 concubines – Osofo Ajagurajahon Gh One TV with Serwaa Amihere
Reggie Rockstone vs Bongo Ideas on Twitter… Davido sends a DM to notorious Bongo Ideas
