Connect with us

Ghana Football

Jerome Otchere Writes: Thumbs up Hearts of Oak

Published

on

B2944566 A4E0 4F7C AAB1 92F5211B99B8

I don’t hide my Asante Kotoko affinity. I’m proud of it. So, it’s often not expected of me to see any good in rival club, Accra Hearts of Oak. Yet, as a Ghana football journalist, it’s necessary that, I applaud what’s progressive, and that which advances development of clubs and Ghana football as a whole. 

It’s why I doff my hat off for the leadership of Hearts of Oak. The Phobians might’ve their unique problems but their infrastructural work to elevate the standards at the club is worthy of commendation. If I’m a Hearts fan, I’ll surely demand results on the pitch but if my over 100-year-old club doesn’t have basic training facilities including hostels and offices for players and staff, I’ll be more disappointed. 

Hearts fans must thank Board Chairman, Togbe Afede XIV and his team for the level of work undertaken at Pobiman and Adabraka, where construction of hostels, training pitches and office complex are respectively taking place. Pictures and videos of Hearts’ 34-bedroom hostel have emerged on social media and attracting rave reviews. 

First, there’s a well-fitted hostel for senior team players as well as another for players of the junior team, technical members and office staff – all of which are to be handed over soon. Then, there’re four modern training pitches – three with natural grass and the other with an artificial turf. These are also nearing completion. 

There’re also volleyball and golf pitches at the same Pobiman development site. The construction of the club’s office complex at Adabraka has reached the second floor according to my checks with Hearts’ Communications Manager, Kwame Opare-Addo. These shouldn’t have been news and notably for a club that’s 100 years+ but it’s exciting news for fans and commentators alike given what the present conditions are for them. 

As someone who always talks about standards in club football in Ghana, the news at Hearts excite me. When Asante Kotoko Chief Executive Officer, Nana Yaw Amponsah, initiated the club’s Adako Jachie project, putting up a host of containers to give players fine avenues to wash down and rest after training, I commended the good work, which unfortunately has stalled for obvious reasons. 

Kotoko’s Board/Management must dispassionately look at Adako Jachie issues. Bottlenecks associated with completing the project must be addressed. Now though, Hearts fans must to be on cloud nine. I know so well the difficulties with club football administration in our country but a proper, habitable place for players to live, train and get their jobs professionally done, isn’t too much of any Ghana Premier League side. 

Today’s for Hearts. I’ve seen their advert seeking qualified personnel to fill certain administrative offices. That’s also commendable just like the progressive infrastructural works. Togbe Afede XIV and his managers deserve tons of praise for their commitment to lifting the standards at Hearts of Oak. In all, this adds immensely to developing club football in Ghana. Kudos, Phobia!

Ghana Football

Asante Kotoko to travel on a European training tour in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy ahead of the 2024/25 season

Published

on

By

The official announcement of this exciting initiative took held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, showcasing the club's dedication to quality and worldwide competitiveness. Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko faces an early challenge as they prepare for the season's first Super Clash against arch-rivals Hearts of Oak. On Sunday, the highly anticipated match will take place at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Asante Kotoko has announced ambitious plans for a training tour of Europe beginning on July 15, 2024, in preparation for the 2024/25 season.

During the club’s training tour in Italy, the Porcupines will work with famed Italian sides Genoa and Atalanta to fine-tune their abilities and plans.

Following the Italian leg, Asante Kotoko will take their training journey to Germany and Switzerland, presenting the squad with a variety of challenges and exposures as they prepare for the forthcoming season. The extensive training programme is intended to improve team performance and create team togetherness.

The official announcement of this exciting initiative was held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, showcasing the club’s dedication to quality and worldwide competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko faces an early challenge as they prepare for the season’s first Super Clash against arch-rivals Hearts of Oak. On Sunday, the highly anticipated match will take place at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Continue Reading

Ghana Football

Frimpong Manso named new head coach of Bibiani Gold Stars

Published

on

By

Following the club's dismal start to the season, the seasoned manager will attempt to turn things around. After 13 games in the Ghana Premier League this season, the team has 12 points, putting them in the relegation zone. Frimpong Manso's first matchday 13 game is this weekend against FC Samartex 1996. Manso recently parted ways with newly promoted team Bofoakwa Tano, after joining them at the start of the season. Following an exciting start to the 2023-24 season, the former Ghana international defender was named coach of the month for September.

Bibiani Gold Stars of the Ghana Premier League have announced the hiring of Frimpong Manso as their new head coach.

The Asante Kotoko legend succeeds Michael Osei, who was given the door following a bad run of performances in the current 2023/24 season.

The Miners confirmed Manso’s employment via a social media post for the remainder of the season, with an option to extend.

Following the club’s dismal start to the season, the seasoned manager will attempt to turn things around.

After 13 games in the Ghana Premier League this season, the team has 12 points, putting them in the relegation zone.

Frimpong Manso’s first matchday 13 game is this weekend against FC Samartex 1996.

Manso recently parted ways with newly promoted team Bofoakwa Tano, after joining them at the start of the season.

Following an exciting start to the 2023-24 season, the former Ghana international defender was named coach of the month for September.

Continue Reading

Ghana Football

Hearts of Oak Board explains why Martin Koopman was hired

Published

on

By

Koopman won two games and scored six goals in ten Ghana Premier League appearances. Fans have criticised the club's leadership, with some asking for their dismissal. However, Dr Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe, Alhaji Akanbi, and Vincent Sowah-Odotei explained why Koopman was selected at a news conference on Monday.

Hearts of Oak board members have spoken out over Martin Koopman’s appointment.

The Dutch manager was named head coach of the Ghana Premier League team before the start of the current 2023/24 season.

However, following a rocky start, the club severed ways with the 67-year-old after only four months in command.

Koopman won two games and scored six goals in ten Ghana Premier League appearances.

Fans have criticised the club’s leadership, with some asking for their dismissal.

However, Dr Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe, Alhaji Akanbi, and Vincent Sowah-Odotei explained why Koopman was selected at a news conference on Monday.

“We went in for Martin Koopman because we were looking for a coach with maturity and a coach with experience. He came up on top of the list of coaches before he was hired” they said.

Hearts of Oak lost 1-0 against Aduana FC in the Ghana Premier League on matchday 12 after being eliminated from the MTN FA Cup.

The Phobians will want to get back on track when they meet Asante Kotoko in the matchday 13 games on Sunday, December 10.

Continue Reading

Trending