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Tag: Hearts of Oak

  • Show desire on the pitch – Patrick Razak tells Hearts of Oak players

    Former Accra Hearts of Oak SC winger, Patrick Razak has encouraged players plying their trade for the Phobians to show desire and commitment whenever they swear the rainbow jersey.

    Razak, a member of the squad that played in the 2017 MTN FA Cup final against sworn rivals Asante Kotoko which they subsequently lost 3-1 in an interview with Bryt FM said he does not see the current squad showing desire on the pitch for Hearts of Oak.

    “Since I came to Ghana I have been monitoring the players and it seems some of them do not show any sign of commitment. They play normal football but Hearts of Oak is a big club and they should know that”

    “Hearts is an exceptional team and if you are a player and you get the opportunity to play for them you have to give your all”

    “Talking about this years Classico, I think Hearts should have finish Kotoko in the first half of the desire was there” he added

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak set to appoint Hesse Odamptey as deputy coach

    Accra Hearts of Oak is set to appoint Hesse Odamptey as the assistant coach, Happy Sports has gathered.

    Odamptey a former player of the club also worked with the technical team under Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe administration.

    He holds a CAF Licensed certificate and makes a return to the club for a second spell on the technical bench

    Hesse Odamptey will assist head coach Edward Nii Odoom when football restarts.

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak denies 30% pay-cut reports

    Director of Communications for Accra Hearts of Oak SC, Kwame Opare Addo has refuted media reports that the club has agreed a 30% pay-cut on player salaries.

    Reports went rife in the media earlier this week that the Phobians had decided to slash 30% of player salaries due to the impact of the Coronavirus on the club’s finances.

    But, Opare Addo has denied these claims in an interview with Kumasi based OTEC FM.

    “It is not true that we have agreed on a 30% pay-cut, it is not even a public announcement, we will do it with our players. Everything we do is between us (Club) and the players,” he said.

    “If there is anything that we want the public to know, we will communicate to them on our social media platforms.”

    The Coronavirus pandemic has led to the suspension of all football activities in the country.

    The Premier League was in its match week 15 before it was halted with Aduana Stars leading the table with 28 points.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Self-styled player managers killing Ghana football- Former Hearts Board Chairman reveals

    Former Hearts of Oak Board Chairman, Emmanuel Martey Commodore Mensah has said that self-styled player managers and agents are responsible for the drop in the standard of play in the Ghana Premier League.

    Commodore Mensah believes the case of mass player exodus is a major problem bedeviling the local game as the terrain gets easily robbed off emerging talents.

    He has lamented that the rate at which players who are endearing themselves to local football fans are hurriedly sold to clubs abroad thereby killing interest in the local game.

    “If you visit the stadium to watch local matches, which player is the star attraction…If the interest will come back, we need to nurture the players and let them stay together for 2-3 years before they can leave for foreign deals” Commodore Mensah told Asempa FM.

    Commodore Mensah blamed the situation partly on soi-disant(self-styled) player managers who only sell players for the money without properly weighing the pros and cons of such moves.

    “Again the so-called managers are not helping. Almost everybody wants to be a player-manager; everyone wants to sell their player. So if any offer at all comes, then the player leaves. That is one of the problems (bedeviling the game)”, he concluded.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Abednego Tetteh to give out customised Hearts of Oak face masks to fans

    Abednego Tetteh is expected to give out a customised Hearts of Oak face masks to supporters in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

    Tetteh will join a host of Ghanaian players to donate items to people in their hometowns, hospitals, and frontline workers.

    The former Al Hilal forward says his decision to give away free customized face masks to fans to help curb the spread of the deadly virus in Ghana.

    “I’m a graphic designer despite being a footballer, I opted to design customized face masks of Hearts of Oak and share it to football fans on all my social media account,” Tetteh told Kickgh.com

    “I’ll start the giveaways on Facebook. Twitter and Instagram will be next.

    “We can’t play football without the fans. We need everyone to be healthy to watch our games when football resumes,” he concluded.

    Tetteh joined Hearts of Oak on a three-year deal ahead of the second round of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Ex-Ajax star Anthony Obodai wants to coach boyhood club Hearts of Oak in future

    Ex-Ghana international Anthony Obodai has stated that it is his dream to coach his boyhood club Accra Hearts of Oak SC in the future.

    Obodai hanged his boots in 2016 and has since sets his sight on getting the requisite licenses to be able to coach the Phobians in the near future.

    “Life after football has been very good. I have a lot of projects coming up very soon.” he told Adamu Muftawu.

    “I am looking at how the system works in Ghana and I will surely come up with something special in Ghana.”

    “Yes I will love to be a coach.”

    “However unless I have all the necessary licenses and qualifications before I will be able fully go into coaching.”

    “If you ask me, I will love to coach Hearts of Oak one day because I am a Hearts of Oak fan.”

    Obodai joined Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam in 2001 from Ghana Premier League side Liberty Professionals.

    The former Ghana U17 and U20 star later had spells at Belgian side Germinal Beerschot and Dutch sides Sparta Rotterdam, RKC Waalwijk and also Houston Dynamos in the USA.

    The now 37-year-old also played for Cypriot outfit Magusa Turk Gucu and MLS sides Phoenix FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

    Before calling it quit on his footballing career, Obodai spent a season at Swedish side Ange IF.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Saddick Adams wants to play and make history with Hearts of Oak

    Former Asante Kotoko forward, Saddick Adams has opened up on his dream to play for Accra Hearts of Oak SC as he notes that he wants to make history with the Phobians.

    The experienced striker denied the Phobians an MTN FA Cup title in 2017 when he scored a hat-trick against the side during his time with the Porcupine Warriors.

    Three years on, the attacker who is now a free agent has openly confessed that it is his dream to join the Rainbow family and make history with them before he retires.

    “I will love to play for Hearts of oak and make history with them”, the former Obuasi Ashanti Gold striker said in an interview with Angel FM.

    He continued, “They (Hearts of oak) did not approach me as a club but I had calls from people within hearts of oak which I thought it could have materialized but unfortunately it did not happen.

    “Is my dream to play for Hearts of oak one day.

    At age 30, Saddick Adams believes he still has what it takes to play at the highest level and wants to be given his shot with Hearts of Oak.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • TP Mazembe closing in on Hearts of Oak defender Raddy Ovouka Okemba

    DR Congo giants TP Mazembe have shown interest in signing Hearts of Oak defender Raddy Ovouka Okemba, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

    Ovouka, the Congolese left back has been a revelation for the Phobians in the Ghana Premier League this season.

    Following his outstanding display this term, Ovouka has earned his very first national team call up for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications which was suspended due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

    TP Mazembe are looking to strengthen their back line for next season and have already opened up negotiations with Hearts of Oak over the 20-year-old talented player.

    Ovouka has made 12 appearances with scintillating performances for the Phobians in the Ghana top-flight before its suspension in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus crisis.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Thomas Abbey, others fought to keep their jerseys after 2017 FA Cup final defeat – Heart PRO

    Hearts of Oak Public Relations Officer, Kwame Opare Addo has disclosed that Thomas Abbey and some players fought to keep their jerseys after their defeat to Asante Kotoko in the 2017 MTN FA Cup final.

    The Porcupine Warriors thrashed the Phobians 3-1 courtesy Saddick Adams’s first-half hat-trick that propelled them to a ninth FA Cup triumph at the Tamale Sports stadium.

    Abbey, speaking in an interview with Angel FM, said that Hearts players refused to train ahead of the finals in Tamale because the club failed to pay their salaries and bonuses for three months.

    However, the management member of the Phobians has refuted such comments the former captain made.

    “After the game then team captain Thomas Abbey and some players were fighting us to keep their jerseys,’ he told Angel 102.9 FM in Accra.

    “Their reason is that since their contract with the club has expired they want to keep the jerseys.”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Samudeen Ibrahim fires Thomas Abbey for disclosing Hearts of Oak FA Cup loss against Kotoko

    Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Samudeen Ibrahim has casually dismissed Thomas Abbey’s revelation about the cause of the club’s 2017 FA Cup defeat to bitterest adversaries Asante Kotoko.

    Earlier today, Thomas Abbey made some damning disclosure about why the Phobians were massacred by sworn rivals Asante Kotoko in the 2017 FA Cup final in Tamale.

    Abbey, who captained the Accra-based giants in the final, revealed that they had gone three months without salary and seven-match winning bonuses arrears prior to the final.

    However, Samudeen has been quick to debunk Abbey’s claims in a subtle shot on social media

    The midfielder scribbled on his official Facebook timeline that Abbey is tarnishing the image of his former teammates that played in the match.

    “I see a single player trying to tarnish the image of all his colleagues with something they know nothing about….. Painful World” Samudeen wrote.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Stop lying, Hearts was not owing us before FA Cup final – Fatawu Mohammed to Thomas Abbey

    Hearts of Oak captain, Fatawu Mohammed has refuted claims by former skipper Thomas Abbey that the Phobians lost the 2017 MTN FA Cup trophy to rivals Kotoko because the club failed to pay their salaries and bonuses for three months.

    According to Thomas Abbey who got the consolation goal for the Phobians after the hattrick from Saddick Adams, they refused to train prior to the match and that had an impact on the game against the Porcupine Warriors which they eventually lost.

    In an interview with Angel FM, he said“I can say that before the match, everything favored Hearts. We were supposed to win but there were very serious problems in the team. We had not been paid for three months and winning bonuses from seven matches were also not paid.”

    “I can tell you that, before the final, we were not even training. We were protesting so we will go to the training grounds and only jog for twenty minutes and go back home.”

    “Most of the players had their contracts expired so we knew the match was the last opportunity to demand our pay. Not surprising that we lost in the first half. I can say it was what led to the defeat.”He added.

    However, Fatawu Mohammed who was an integral member of the team told GhanaWeb in an exclusive interview that there is no iota of truth in what Thomas Abbey has been feeding to the public.

    According to him, they rather proposed to the management that since the MTN FA Cup final was the last game of the season, their monthly salary should be given to them ahead of the game. A proposal that he said was rejected by the management of the club.

    “We were not being owed by Hearts of Oak so if my former captain(Thomas Abbey) will say that the club was owing us when we were coming to play Kotoko in the 2017 MTN FA Cup final then it is not true.”

    “For me, I would have seconded it if he had said that Hearts of Oak was owing us in that season but not before the final match. In the Ghana Premier League, the club will make sure that they have settled every arrears with you before they even play Kotoko.”

    “So if a senior man can say that we lost that particular match because the club was owing us three months’ salaries, then it is not true. We rather suggested to the management that they should pay us the salary of the month of the match because the final was our last of the season which they told us to concentrate on and win the trophy. That was the only concern we had before the said match.”

    “Also it is never true that we boycotted training before the final. I remember Tony Baffoe even told us that when you are a footballer, you don’t quit training because your club is owing you. To him we the players should concentrate on football while the PFAG fight for our interest.”Fatawu told GhanaWeb.

    Fatawu also hinted that maybe Thomas made those comments because he is bitter that the club didn’t give him the opportunity to relaunch his carer.

    “If he has a problem with Hearts of Oak, then that’s up to him but he shouldn’t be saying things that never happened. You can call any of the players who were with the team at that time and they will tell you the same things I have said. You left Hearts of Oak after the 2017 season, why did you wait till this time to say something like this if you are telling the truth. Is it because you wanted to come and you didn’t get a chance to return to the team?

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Hearts of Oak players boycotted training ahead of 2017 FA Cup final – Former captain

    Former captain of Hearts of Oak, Thomas Abbey has revealed the reasons for their defeat to Asante Kotoko in the 2017 MTN FA Cup.

    Hearts were thumped 3-1 by their fierce rivals in Kumasi, despite a good run to the final which saw them labelled favourites for the Cup.

    However, a first half hat-trick from Saddick Adams condemned and deflated any form of comeback from the Phobians.

    According to Abbey, players refused to train ahead of the finals in Tamale because the club failed to pay their salaries and bonuses for three months.

    “I can say that before the match, everything favoured Hearts. We were supposed to win but there were very serious problems in the team. We had not been paid for three months and winning bonuses from seven matches were also not paid,” he ttold Angel FM.

    “I can tell you that, before the final, we were not even training. We were protesting so we will go to the training grounds and only jog for twenty minutes and go back home.”

    “Most of the players had their contracts expired so we knew the match was the last opportunity to demand our pay. Not surprising that we lost in the first half. I can say it was what led to the defeat.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Arrest people with no masks – Ex-Hearts captain tells police

    Jacob Nettey, an ex-Accra Hearts of Oak captain, has condemned the way some Ghanaians are blatantly flouting the safety protocols put in place by President Akufo-Addo.

    He made a particular reference to folks in Accra, who he thinks are toying with the pandemic which has killed thousands of people globally.

    To him, the disregard for instructions from the President and health professionals is worrying, and he believes this should be accorded the urgency it needs.

    Consequently, he has suggested that a large number of police personnel should be tasked to enforce and to ensure that people who fail to wear the mask are arrested.

    “The level of indiscipline in Accra regarding the wearing of masks is alarming. People behave as if there is nothing at stake. I think the police should arrest people who go town with no masks,” he said on GTV Sports Plus.

    Under his tenure, Hearts of Oak extended their unprecedented local dominance to the continent, winning the CAF Champions League, the maiden CAF Confederations Cup and the CAF Super Cup.

    Ghana is a little over a worrying figure of 5,000 cases ? with 22 deaths and over 400 deaths.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Maxwell Boakye refuses to rule out Hearts of Oak return

    Former Hearts of Oak striker, Maxwell Boakye has hinted that he will not rule out a return to the club.

    The skillful forward spent three seasons with the Accra based club between 2013 and 2016.

    Speaking to Bryt FM, he reiterated that he will always welcome the opportunity to return to the club despite difficult times in his first stint.

    “Hearts of Oak is a big club and it is the dream of every player to play for them. Hearts and Kotoko are the biggest clubs in the country and everyone would like to play for one of these teams”

    “I have feature for the club before and I would like to play for them again but the truth is that you cannot play for a single club until the end”

    “So haven’t played for Hearts, I would love to play for different club in the country” he said.

    He has popped up on the radar of several Ghana Premier League clubs following his outstanding performance.

    The Gold Stars striker scored 10 goals in 13 matches before the season was halted due to coronavirus crisis.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Abednego Tetteh reveals why he joined Hearts of Oak

    Newly signed Hearts of Oak striker Abednego Tetteh has revealed that he wanted to feel at home after joining the rainbow boys.

    The former Al Hilal forward penned a three year deal with the Phobians ahead of the second round of the Ghana Premier League.

    Tetteh explaining why he joined the Phobians said that, “Hearts is part of the numerous clubs that contacted me but I chose them because I wanted to feel at home. I followed my heart. It is a dream come true to sign for Hearts of Oak. All my family members are fans of Hearts. My father is even called Phobia.”

    “Everything has gone through and I have signed a three year contract with Accra Hearts of Oak.”

    “There are players in the team before I came, we have to play together as a team. I am a Hearts player now and have trained with the team. I cannot talk about a different team.”

    “Ismail Ganiyu of Kotoko is my friend, so it is normal we argue from opposite sides. Every player wants to play in a competitive game like Kotoko v Hearts similar to the El Classico (Barcelona v Real Madrid).”

    “I will urge the supporters to continue to pray for the whole team but not for individual players. We are hoping and praying for COVID-19 to end so that we can continue our football season”.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Abednego Tetteh targets league title and Africa qualification with Hearts of Oak

    Hearts of Oak forward, Abednego Tetteh, has bigger ambitions of helping the club win the premier league title and also return to Africa Club Cup competition.

    The Ghanaian giants have not won the Premier League title since 2009 and Abednego Tetteh hopes to help the side break that jinx.

    The lanky striker has signed a three-year deal with the Phobians in the second transfer window according to reports in the local media.

    “I want to help the club qualify for Africa and win the league title. I already feel at home because the players here are already my friends. Football is one language and any team that you join irrespective of race or language makes you feel at home”, he told Happy FM.

    On the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on football activities in the country he said, “Every body is affected by the Covid-19 and we pray this disease will go away so we will be free and football returns”.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Hearts Of Oak celebrate Board Member Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe on his birthday

    Premier League club Hearts of Oak is celebrating the birthday of its Board Member and former Chairman of the Ghana Football Association Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe.

    The veteran football administrator and the founding member of the governing New Patriotic Party celebrates his 78th Birthday today.

    He was born in Accra on May 7, 1942.

    “Happy birthday to our Board Member, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe. May God bless this special day, give you joy, good health, and happiness.”

    “Thanks for the inspiring role you have played over the years in helping to shape the club for the better.”Hearts of Oak tweeted.

    See the tweet below.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

     

  • I want to help Hearts win the GPL title and qualify for Africa – Abednego Tetteh

    Hearts of Oak forward Abednego Tetteh wants to help his new team win the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and qualify for Africa.

    The lanky striker signed a three-year deal with the Phobians in the second transfer window according to reports.

    With the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League in limbo due to the coronavirus pandemic, the former Bechem United forward is yet to make his debut for the Ghanaian giants.

    Speaking on his ambitions for the club and the impact of the coronavirus on football in the country he said:

    “Every body is affected by the Covid-19 and we pray this disease will go away so we will be free and football returns”, he told Happy 98.9 FM.

    “I want to help the club qualify for Africa and win the league title. I already feel at home because the players here are already my friends. Football is one language and any team that you join irrespective of race or language makes you feel at home”, he added.

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Abednego Tetteh targets league title and Africa qualification with Hearts of Oak

    Hearts of Oak forward, Abednego Tetteh, has bigger ambitions of helping the club win the premier league title and also return to Africa Club Cup competition.

    The Ghanaian giants have not won the Premier League title since 2009 and Abednego Tetteh hopes to help the side break that jinx.

    The lanky striker has signed a three-year deal with the Phobians in the second transfer window according to reports in the local media.

    “I want to help the club qualify for Africa and win the league title. I already feel at home because the players here are already my friends. Football is one language and any team that you join irrespective of race or language makes you feel at home”, he told Happy FM.

    On the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on football activities in the country he said, “Every body is affected by the Covid-19 and we pray this disease will go away so we will be free and football returns”.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Hearts of Oak signs Nigerian striker Kuti Ademola

    Hearts of Oak has completed the signing of Nigerian striker Ademola Kuti.

    Kuti, 22 who is a former Lobi Stars and Al Fujairah SC attacker joined on a free transfer penning a two year deal with the Ghana Premier League giants.

    A club statement on Tuesday afternoon read: Hearts of Oak is delighted to announce the signing of striker, Kuti Ademola. The lanky Nigerian professional has signed a two-year contract with the club.

    Kuti Ademola is officially the fourth player to be announced by the club after Niger midfielder Abdourahamane Mamane Lawali, Ivorian midfielder Eric Dizan and defender Nuru Sulley.

    Source: Prime News Ghana

  • Hearts defender Larry Sumaila ‘adores’ role model Amankwa Mireku

    Hearts of Oak defender Larry Sumaila has revealed his admiration for former captain and club legend Amankwah Mireku.

    The defender admits that the 2005/06 CAF Confederation Cup winner is his idol and wants to emulate the kind of success chalked by the right back during his playing days.

    “Amankwah Mireku is my idol. Although my style of play is not reminiscent of his but I really adore him. He is a fresh breath of fresh air, a dynamic figure who makes an immediate impact with his spiky personality. I’m not surprised that he excelled as the captain of the the club,” he told kickgh.com

    “He went through strings of frustrating injuries and difficult times in his career but as soon he makes a return to the pitch, he reminds everyone of his quality. I think he was one of the best in his generation,” he added.

    Larry joined the Phobians last year before the start of the NC Special competition and has since made his way into the starting line up of coach Edward Nii Odom.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Hearts of Oak players receive full salaries as pay-cut debate swirls

    Hearts of Oak players have received their outstanding salaries for March amid calls for pay cuts in the wake of the suspension of the Ghana Premier League due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    There have been suggestions in the media earlier in the week that the Phobians might consider a slash on salaries to cushion the side against a possible financial crisis.

    However, sportsnetgh.com reports that Hearts playing body and the technical team received full salaries on Monday without any form of deductions.

    In addition, they are expected to receive April salaries on Wednesday, April 29 as the Board has subsequently released cheque for the April salaries.

    The Ghana Premier League has been on a break since Match 15.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak to sign a deal with GTV Sports Plus this week

    Hearts of Oak SC are expected to stitched up a deal with GTV Sports Plus this week for the club’s TV show, GHANASoccernet.com understands.

    The show, which will be available on the free-to-air channel, across the continent will have player interviews and lifestyle features forming part of its content.

    The partnership forms part of the club’s rebranding efforts to reposition the 2000 CAF Champions League and 2004 CAF Confederation Cup winners.

    GTV Sports Plus is owned by the state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Company (GBC).

    In the past, AshantiGold had a club TV broadcast on the South African Pay-TV channel SuperSport.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Hearts of Oak deny signing Sulley Muntari

    Ghana Premier League side Hearts of Oak have rubbished media rumours about a purported acquisition of former AC Milan and Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari.

    On Friday, local media claimed the 35-year-old has joined the Phobians on a two-year deal.

    He has been without a club since ending a short spell with Spanish second division fold Albacete last year.

    “Hearts of Oak wants to notify the general sporting public that we have not signed Ghana International Sulley Muntari as it’s being reported by the media,” Hearts announced on social media on Friday night.

    “Sulley is a great player and a friend of the club. We will continue to unveil the players we have signed.

    “Hearts of Oak is the Premier club in Ghana and will continue to set the standards, we, therefore, urge our supporters not to rely on information unless it comes from our official handles.”

    Muntari has also played for Udinese, Pescara in Italy, Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and Portsmouth in England where he won the FA Cup in 2008.

    The midfielder, who featured for Ghana at 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments, won the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010.

    Hearts have already signed five players during the second transfer window.

    Former Al Hilal striker Abednego Tetteh, former captain Nuru Sulley, Nigerian forward Danjuma Kuti, Abdourahamane Mamane Lawali from Niger and Ivorian winger Eric Dizan Bi are the new faces in the camp of the Phobians.

    Hearts, the second most successful club in the history of the Premier League with 19 titles, sit ninth on the 2019-20 table, with the top-flight having been ground to a halt by the coronavirus pandemic.

    Source: goal.com

  • Eric Dizan is the most skillful player at Hearts of Oak- Frederick Ansah Botchway

    Hearts of Oak midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway says Ivorian International Eric Dizan is the most skillful player in the team.

    Eric Dizan joined Hearts of Oak in the just ended second transfer window and is yet to feature for the club.

    The former Stade Abidjan player seems to have impressed the technical handles and his team mates even before joining the team.

    Speaking to Saddick Adams in an interview, Frederick Ansah Botchway said the Ivorian is the most skillful player in the Hearts team, “I think there’s this guy who has been training with us. I don’t know why he hasn’t played yet but he is the most skillful player in the squad. Very skilful. He is Ivorian. His name is Eric (Dizan)”

    Eric Dizan has signed a three-year deal with the Phobians in the just ended transfer window.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Hearts of Oak star Frederick Ansah Botchway came close to quitting due to poverty

    Hearts of Oak midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway has narrated how he came close to quitting football due to poverty.

    Botchway recounts walking 12.5 km from his residence in Ablekuma to Darkuman for training because he could not afford the transport fare.

    He revealed the lack of financial support nearly pushed him to abandon the dream of becoming a professional footballer.

    “I had contemplated quitting football several times. There were periods that I almost gave up. Imagine walking from Ablekuma to Darkuman to train everyday. You don’t even have 1 cedi in your pocket to board a car,” Botchway reveals in chat with journalist Saddick Adams.

    “The club I was playing, there was no salary, no winning bonus for three years. I just wanted to play and make a mark.

    At a point, I packed my things to stay in a mission house because it was closer to my club training base.

    ”The mission house became my home. When the church folks cook, I get some to eat.

    “That’s how I survived. When Liberty signed me, my salary was 200 cedis and I was very excited for the first time.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Sulley Muntari set to join Hearts of Oak – Reports

    Ghana international Sulley Muntari is reportedly on the verge of joining Ghana Premier League Giants Hearts of Oak for the 2019/2020 season.

    The former AC Milan midfield gem is currently without a club and is set to join the Phobians on a free transfer.

    According to Kumasi based Fox FM, Sulley is currently in talks with officials of the rainbow club to relaunch his football career after leaving the local scene in 2001.

    The 35-year-old trained with Hearts of Oak last year and has expressed his interest in joining the club on permanent basis.

    Muntari has been unattached after leaving Spanish La Liga 2 club Albacete in 2019.

    Hearts of Oak are hoping to end their eleven-year Premier League title drought this season.

    The Phobians currently occupies the ninth position with 21 points after fourteen matches in the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season which has been suspended following the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Muntari is regarded by most Ghanaians as one of the best midfielders to feature for the senior national team.

    He is capped 84 times for Ghana with 20 goals to his credit.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak deny signing Sulley Muntari

    Accra Hearts of Oak have denied and described as untrue rumours that they have signed former Black Stars midfielder Sulley Muntari.

    Speaking to ghanaweb.com, a Management member of the club who wishes to remain anonymous for now said Hearts of Oak have not been in touch with the former AC Milan and Inter midfielder and thus is shocked that anyone will suggest that Sulley Muntari has joined the Phobians on a two year deal.

    “A journalist was chatting with me on WhatsApp and asked me if we were done with the Sulley deal and I responded yes because in my mind he was talking about our new signing called Nuru Sulley. I think the journalist mistook that for Sulley Muntari and that is how come the story got out. But I can tell you on authority that we have not signed Sulley Muntari. It is not true.” Our source said.

    Rumors were rife on Friday afternoon that Muntari had joined the former League champions ahead of the start of the second round of the Ghana Premier League.

    The rumours made some sense because of Muntari’s admission sometime back that he is an avid Hearts of Oak admirer and fan. He has even trained with the Phobians in the past and actually played a friendly game for them at the Legon Park a little over a year ago.

    Muntari has been Ghana for some time now and has been spotted training with some Black Stars players such as Mubarak Wakaso at the Madina Astro turf facility.

    Muntari has been without a club after ending his stay with Spanish lower tier side Albecete.

    The 35-year old left Ghana as a teenager in 2002 to join Udinese before moving on to enjoy huge success in his career in Europe, where he played for the likes of AC Milan and Inter Milan.

    Sulley won several trophies in Europe including club football’s biggest trophy, the UEFA Champions League.

    He was also a member of the Portsmouth team that won the FA Cup in 2008. He scored the important winner in the semi final against Manchester United.

    Meanwhile, the return of the Ghana Premier League is yet to be known after it was halted because of the outbreak of the coronavirus.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Hearts of Oak cancel contracts of midfield duo Charles McCarthy and Emmanuel Mintah

    Hearts of Oak has shown the exit door to midfield duo Charles McCarthy and Emmanuel Mintah following a mutual termination of their contracts.

    The Phobians have released the two players after failing to prove their worth in the 2019/2020 season as they have struggled for playing minutes.

    Stop gap coach Edward Odoom deem McCarthy and Mintah as surplus to requirements during a meeting with the club’s Board of Directors on Thursday.

    Mintah joined Hearts of Oak on a free transfer from Karela United after putting up an outstanding performance in the Special Competition.

    McCarthy also signed for Hearts on a free transfer after he was released from Elmina Sharks.

    The duo have failed to live up to expectation at the club since joining them under Coach Kim Grant due to persistent injuries.

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • Hearts of Oak to sign mouth-watering contract with Kasapreko

    Hearts of Oak are on the verge of signing a bumper deal with Kasapreko Company Limited, according to media reports.

    Reports suggest that officials of the Rainbow club are in advanced discussions with the nation’s leading Beverage and Alcoholic drinks manufacturing over a lucrative sponsorship deal.

    The Spintex-based company will be partnering the Phobians as the club’s official water sponsor with their product Awake Purified Drinking Water.

    Hearts of Oak’s rainbow colours would be used in packaging the Awake Mineral Water bottle and other products of the company that would be beneficial for both parties.

    The Accra giants have not had a major headline sponsor with the club over the past years and will fervently push tight strings together to reach a beneficial conclusion with Kasapreko Company Limited.

    The club currently have GOIL and StarLife Assurance as their fuel and insurance partners with Umbro as their official kit suppliers and recently secured a deal with Financial Technology Company Cloud Africa.

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • Former Hearts & Kotoko winger Ollenu Ashitey signs for Eleven Wonders

    Former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko winger Ashitey Ollenu has confirmed signing for Techiman Eleven wonders.

    Ollenu moved on a free transfer to join Ignatius Osei Fosu’s side in the Ghana Premier League.

    The former Ghana youth international wants to return to top-tier football to help the Techiman-based side.

    “It’s true I have signed for Eleven Wonders, that was last week Thursday,” Ollenu told ghanasportspage.

    “The deal is about an agreement. I will say it’s a one year deal. I will help them to finish the second round of the league, after that the contract would be reviewed.”

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com

  • Hearts of Oak set to meet players over salary cuts

    As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect football clubs across the globe, Ghana Premier League side, Hearts of Oak will today hold a meeting with the players on their salary structure amid the outbreak.

    There has been a talk for players to slash their salaries in order to save clubs from collapsing during these difficult times.

    Management of the team are set to put the proposal before the players at the meeting to be held today, GHANAsoccernet.com understands.

    The Professional Footballer Association of Ghana (PFAG) has advised teams to dialogue with players on the pay cut and not impose it on them.

    Most clubs in the Ghana Premier League have been hit by the Coronavirus pandemic crisis which has led to the suspension of all football activities.

  • Bernard Don Bortey names his all time Hearts of Oak best XI

    Hearts of Oak legend Bernard Don Bortey has named his finest eleven at the club, without former teammate Dan Quaye.

    Bortey was conspicuously missing in Dan Quaye’s best eleven, raising questions about the relationship of the two ex-Ghana stars.

    However, Bernard Don Bortey, affectionately known as the serial killer during his playing days rejected claims that there is bad blood between him and his ex-teammate.

    “I have no qualms with any of my playing mates including Dan Quaye,” said Don Bortey in an interview with Sikka Sports.

    However, in the winger’s best eleven, Samuel Tetteh and Agyeman Duah were his center backs pairing. Amankwah Mireku and Jacob Nettey were his full-backs.

    He picked Eben Dida ahead of Sammy Adjei as his number one goalkeeper.

    And in midfield, he had Edmound Copson and Adjah Tetteh in the middle, with himself and Charles Allotey on the flanks.

    Emmanuel Osei Kuffuor and Charles Taylor were his forward.

    Bernard Don Bortey won several trophies with most of the players mentioned in his team, including the CAF Confederations Cup in 20054/05 season.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Hearts of Oak caution former players over ‘uncomplimentary remarks’ against Nyaho-Tamakloe

    Hearts of Oak have a sent a word of caution to two of their former players over ‘uncomplimentary remarks’ made against board member Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe.

    According to the club, two ex-players of theirs, Charles Taylor and Dan Quaye have made remarks against the former diplomat and GFA president with their choice of words unpleasant.

    Taylor in a recent interview blasted Nyaho Tamakloe after the latter said former Hearts of Oak players who have returned from abroad to relaunch their careers are not welcome back at the club.

    The club in a statement have appealed to all who have the club at heart to report their grievances through the appropriate channel.

    The statement added that, should Hearts of Oak decide to take back any of the former players it would be based on thorough assessment and under terms that are mutually beneficial.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Abednego Tetteh confirms signing a three year contract with Hearts of Oak

    Former Bechem United forward Abednego Tetteh has confirmed inking a three year deal with Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak contrary to reports that he signed a four-year deal.

    The lanky forward joined the Phobians officially in the second transfer window and could make his long-awaited debut when the topflight returns.

    “I’m confirming to you on your network BOSS FM that I signed a 3-year contract with Hearts of Oak of subject to one-year renewal,” he told BOSS FM. “I have heard people saying I have signed a 4-year deal but once again let me put it on record it is for 3-years,” he added.

    The 29-year old who returned to the country after spells abroad has been waiting to make his comeback in the Ghana Premier League but his return to action has now been delayed by the novel coronavirus.

    Despite the suspension of the league due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Tetteh revealed he is excited to join the Phobian family.

    “I’m happy Hearts of Oak has officially registered me and I will prove myself right when the league resumes, we will surely make Hearts of Oak great again,” said the striker.

    Tetteh previously played for Sudanese sides Al Hilal Omdurman and Al Hilal El Obeid before spells in India with Real Kashmir and Trau.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Abednego Tetteh extols new Hearts signing Ademola Danjuma

    Hearts of Oak forward Abednego Tetteh has praised the qualities of new teammate Ademola Danjuma Kuti, who he likens to Togolese forward Emmanuel Adebayor.

    Tetteh and Ademola spent time in the Indian Super League, with the latter playing for Punjab FC.

    The 21-year old scored 8 times in 14 games after joining from UAE side Fujairah, where he worked with Argentina legend Maradona.

    Meanwhile, Abednego Tetteh who played for Real Kashmir in the Super League says Ghanaians should watch out for the new Phobian.

    “I personally know Ademola Danjema Kuti in India and I must confess he is a good player, he is a replica of Emmanuel Adebayor people should watch out for him,” Tetteh told Boss FM.

    Both Ademola and Tetteh have been officially signed for the second round of the Ghana Premier League which will return after the coronavirus pandemic ends.

    The Rainbow club finished the first round of the Ghana Premier League in 9th position.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ex Hearts of Oak captain Amankwaah Mireku holds no regrets over career choice

    Former Hearts of Oak captain Yaw Amankwah Mireku has no regrets over his career choice to be a footballer.

    Mireku enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Hearts of Oak before having a brief spell at Indian side Viva Karela in 2007.

    The now 40-year-old was a mainstay in the Phobian side that conquered the local league as well as Africa, winning the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

    His superb club form saw him represent the Black Stars of Ghana sixteen times.

    During an interview with Accra-based Asempa FM, Amankwaah Mireku said, “If I die and come back ten times, I will always want to be a footballer”.

    “I am not really a wealthy person because of football but I will never say I have regretted playing football,” he concluded.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • I never regretted playing football- Amankwah Mireku

    Former Hearts of Oak captain, Amankwah Mireku has happily stated that he has never regretted playing the sport even though he does not deem himself as a wealthy man.

    He won a number of trophies with the Phobians during his playing career and also managed an appearance with the Black Stars.

    In an interview with Asempa FM, Mireku stated that if he dies and comes back multiple times, he will still choose football.

    “If I die and come back ten times, I will always want to be a footballer”.

    “I am not really a wealthy person because of football but I will never say I have regretted playing football”, he concluded.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak MD reveals club’s finances hit by coronavirus clampdown

    Hearts of Oak Managing Director Frederick Moore says the Coronavirus shutdown has hit the club’s finances.

    The Ghana Premier League was suspended last month after the country recorded more cases

    Ghana football has struggled after the airing of a documentary which exposed bribery and corruption in the local game.

    There has been no competitive football since 2018 and this latest development is a huge blow.

    “Last year we had competition but it was a third of what we would have actually experienced in a proper football season,” he told BBC World Service’s Newsday programme.

    “The impact of that is that it lost some glitter in the minds of people about football. Also, more importantly, the funding – the sponsorship – almost dried up for most of the clubs and it meant club owners had to dig deep into their own pockets.

    “So when 2019/2020 came in, with the launch of the season and everything that went on, it was really encouraging to see football coming back.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Danjuma Ademola Kuti reveals he joined Hearts of Oak for ‘good publicity’

    Accra Hearts Of Oak new signing Danjuma Ademola Kuti has blasted a critic of the Ghana Premier League, says he joined the Phobians to establish a relationship with a top club for “good publicity”.

    Kuti completed his move to the 2004 CAF Confederations Cup winners, as the club aims at strengthening their squad for the remaining matches of the season.

    A critic on social argued there is more money in the Nigerian league than Ghana’s.

    The fan commented “Ghana Football, no money ooo. Nigeria Football is good” however in a quick rebuttal the Nigerian forward established the reason why he joined the former African champions.

    In a response to a social media taunt, the 22-year-old says he is not the joining the Ghana Premier League for monetary reasons,

    The lanky striker has signed a two-year deal with Phobians as the team continues to beef up their squad in the ongoing second transfer window.

    Kuti has featured for Lobi Stars and Fujairah SC in the United Arab Emirates and has been clubless since October last year and is expected to join forces with Kofi Kordzi and Joseph Esso to lay assault on the Ghana Premier League.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Hearts PRO Opare Addo insists club will not embark on wholesale recruitment

    Director of Communications for Accra Hearts of Oak, Kwame Opare Addo has insisted that the Phobians will not embark on wholesale recruitment in the ongoing transfer window.

    The Phobians have completed the signing of midfielder Abdilrahmane Mamane Lawali and Nigerian striker Danjuma Ademola Kuti in the ongoing transfer window as they look to augment their squad for the return of the league.

    “Certainly it will not be mass recruitment. We looking forward to add just one or two signings to augment the squad because we have the players and the strength already.

    ” We will add to the team what the coach has recommended to make the team as solid as we want it” he said.

    Opare Addo finished by calling on the fans to exercise patience as they seek to augment squad with better players.

    Source: Footballmadeinghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak set to re-sign Nuru Sulley

    Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak are closing in on re-signing Nuru Sulley in the on-going transfer window, according to reports in the local media.

    Sulley is expected to pen a deal with the Phobians after successful negotiations in the coming days ahead of the second round of the 2019/20 season.

    The 27-year-old was training with Hearts before the suspension of the current campaign due to the cornavirus outbreak in the country.

    Hearts of Oak have been one of the busiest sides in the transfer market, having already signed Isaac Mensah, Danjuma Kuti, Abednego Tetteh and Abdourahamane Mamane Lawali.

    Sulley has been without a club since terminating his contract with Lebanese side Naft Al-Junoob.

    The defender has previously played for several clubs including Al-Nasr Benghazi, Tala’ea El Gaish, Al-Ittihad, Alanyaspor and Al-Mina.

    Sulley left the Accra based side in 2014 after a three-year stint with the club.

    Hearts of Oak are currently 9th on the league table with 21 points after 14 matches played thus far.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • I will like to return to the Ghana Premier League – Kim Grant

    Former Accra Hearts of Oak head coach, Kim Grant has disclosed that he will love to return to coaching in the Ghana Premier League in the future.

    The ex-Black Stars forward spent a year as the first team coach and Director of Football for the Phobians before he was shown the exit door.

    His sacking came about after he lost his first Ghana Premier League match against Berekum Chelsea on the back of talks that he did not have the required coaching license to sit on the bench of any of the top-flight clubs.

    Months after leaving his post, Kim Grant says it is possible he will be back to coach in the country.

    “Of Course, l will like to return to the Ghana Premier League but for now I am spending quality time with my family”, the gaffer said in an interview with Big FM.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak will not embark on wholesale recruitment – Kwame Opare Addo

    Director of Communications for Accra Hearts of Oak, Kwame Opare Addo has revealed that the Phobians will not embark on a wholesale recruitment in the ongoing transfer window.

    Registration of players for the second round in the Ghana Premier League has officially opened as clubs seeks to augment their charges when football returns in the country.

    In an interview with Footballghana.com, Opare Addo said his outfit will not be involved in a massive clear-out as purported.

    “Certainly it will not be a mass recruitment. We looking forward to add just one or two signings to augment the squad because we have the players and the strength already. We will add to the team what the coach has recommended to make the team as solid as we want it” he said.

    He has therefore called on the fans to exercise patience as they seek to augment squad with better players.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • ‘I never took their money’- Don Bortey blast ‘disrespectful’ Kotoko fans

    Hearts of Oak great, Bernard Don Bortey has blast Asante Kotoko fans for wrongfully tarnishing his image.

    Fans of Asante Kotoko have consistently accused the 37-year old for accepting transfer money from the club but never played for the team.

    Bortey, who was then the star of the domestic league in the mid-2000s came close to joining the Reds but the move collapsed at the eleventh hour.

    There were reports the ‘serial killer’ as he was affectionately known had taken money from the Porcupine Warriors.

    However, Bortey has denied search reports and wants fans of Kotoko to ‘respect themselves’ by stopping the false accusation.

    “Asante Kotoko supporters should respect themselves and stop tarnishing my image, I never took their money. My uncle George Amoako should tell them,” the ex-Ghana international told Sikka Sports.

    Donn Bortey enjoyed success at Hearts of Oak, winning three Ghana Premier League titles and the 2004 CAF Confederations Cup when they defeated Asante Kotoko on penalties in the final.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Hearts of Oak tight lipped on Isaac Mensahs arrival

    Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak have botched to confirm the signing of Nkoranza Warriors striker Isaac Mensah.

    Rumour had it that the Phobians have signed the young talented forward from the Division One outfit after reaching an agreement with management of Nkoranza Warriors last week.

    But in an interview with both Opare Addo (communication director of Hearts) and Alhaji Akambi (Board Member), they failed to confirm whether the rumour was true or not.

    “We will come out with an official announcement on our signings or with an official publication. Once no official information has come from us, I will tell our supporters that we know what we want in the transfer market and we are looking for what will benefit the club.”

    “I will plead with them to exercise patience, very soon we will let them know what we have been able to grab in the transfer market” Opare Addo told Footballghana.com

    Isaac Mensah has ranked up eight goals for Nkoranza Warriors in the zone 1 of the ongoing National Division One League so far.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • League break will not affect my form – Emmanuel Nettey

    Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder, Emmanuel Nettey insists the break in the league will not affect his output as he is having his personal training at home.

    Nettey mentioned that the effect of the suspension of the league on him will be minimal as he is on his own routine to keep in shape.

    “The break of the league will affect me in a way but not that much because I am having my personal schedule.”Nettey stated in a video on twitter

    “Even in this break, I have my own training program I am following at home. We are praying to God to get rid of this Covid-19 so that we can go to full scale training once again.” He added.

    Nettey has been the engine of the Accra Hearts of Oak midfield since joining the team as a free agent at the beginning of the season.

    Source: ghanacrusader.com

  • Hearts to appoint assistant coach soon – Frederick Moore

    Frederick Moore has assured Hearts of Oak supporters that the club will appoint a new assistant coach soon.

    The Phobians have been without an assistant coach after Edward Nii Odoom was named as the interim coach for the club.

    Kim Grant, who was the head coach for the club was shown the exit after losing to Berekum Chelsea in the matchday one fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    “For an assistant coach we will get one, we will get one very soon,” the Cheif Executive Officer of the club told Asempa FM.

    “We want to make sure that we get the best assistant coach that we can have so the board will not be in a rush to appointing anybody.

    “The head coach is aware of the work that is going on behind the scene to get him the best support that he can get.”

    Currently, the season is on suspension following government’s decision to ban all public activities due to spread of coronavirus pandemic.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • I will choose Kotoko over Hearts on any day – Liberty’s Kyei Baffour

    Dangerman for Liberty Professional Elvis Kyei Baffour has said that he will choose Asante Kotoko over Accra Hearts of Oak on any day.

    Kyei Baffour has bagged 7 goals for Liberty Prof. in the ongoing Ghana Premier League, making him the leading top scorer for the Scientific Soccer Lads.

    There is the possibility of him moving away from Liberty Prof. next season because his performance would attract offers from the big clubs on the local scene and also abroad.

    He has said that he will choose Kotoko over their rivals Hearts of Oak.

    “I will choose Kotoko over Hearts on any day. Even if I am to choose a team in Accra I will pick Liberty Professionals over Hearts of Oak” He told Kumasi FM.

    The former U17 star who was born in Kumasi has been a fan of the Porcupines since infancy.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Hearts of Oak ace Emmanuel Nettey eyes Black Stars call-up

     

    Hearts of Oak midfielder Emmanuel Nettey says the local players inclusion in the Black Stars set up is a step in the right direction.

    Black Stars Coach C K Akonnor in his maiden call up invited four home-based players to camp and prepare for the now postponed AFCON 2021 qualifying doubleheader with Sudan.

    They the players include Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah, Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed, Asante Kotoko defender Habib Mohammed and AshGold full-back Kwadwo Amoako.

    Now, Nettey said despite not making the list, he is eager to make his mark to enable him earn a place when the opportunity presents itself again.

    “It did not affect me in any way because there are so many Ghanaians playing, others are plying their trade outside, they weren’t called so if I am doing my best I think I can get better,” he told Citisports.

    “Because he has given first slots to the local players and this one of many matches to come, I just need to set up my game and then make sure in the next call-ups I should do my best and have a call up.”

    Football activities in the country have been suspended as part of measures to control the spread of Covid-19.

    This Emmanuel Nettey believes that the suspension of football due to Covid-19 is a test of professionalism of his colleagues.

    “… Yeah, it’s very true and we are going through the training schedules that have been programmed for us whilst we stay at home and then. It will be difficult for some of us because when there are no instructors around and when you get tired you just stop but as a professional, this is the time the professionalism in you needs to come out for you to be in top sharp.”

    Nettey has been a key cog of Edward Odoom’s team in the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League campaign.

    The former Inter Allies midfielder, in January, was voted Hearts of Oak’s Player of the Month, becoming the first player to scoop the prestigious award.

    Source: primenewsghana.com