Ghana Football
Jerome Otchere Writes: Thumbs up Hearts of Oak
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!
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.
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