Accra Hearts of Oak, lost its own anniversary match by 2 goals to 1 to Inter Allies. For Hearts fans, results on the pitch, more than popping champagne at dinner, is most essential for the milestone.
Again, since 2009, Hearts have not won the domestic league. Has the team hit what economists call ”diminishing returns”? GBC’s Napoleon Ato Kittoe examines Accra Hearts of Oak.
Ghana’s oldest football club, Accra Hearts of Oak is 107 years old. It is important to remind the current playing body and management of the club about the journey of Hearts. To manage or play for Hearts is a big responsibility because of its large following and achievements. These two in mind would take any association with Hearts seriously.
Playing for Hearts without winning games or trophies is considered a misdemeanor by the fans.
Managing Hearts without poaching skillful and committed players is a pain in the neck of the fans often expressed by them on a day of dismal performance. If you are a supporter of the team, chances are that you monitor the team and might know the regular players.If it gets to the point where you don’t know the players playing for the team, it signals a problem.
On the 107th anniversary of Accra Hearts of Oak, GBC’s Sport Desk poses a question to Hearts’ fans. Do you know the regulars of the team in 2018?
In 1984, when Hearts snatched the league title from Asante Kotoko, this was the Hearts of Oak team; Owusu Mensah, Ofei Ansah, Albert Ansuade, Joseph Odoi, Collins Paha, Joe Amoateng, Emmanuel Botchway, George Lamptey, Opoku Afriyie, Sam Yeboah, and Robert Hammond.
The next are the trinkle trinkle little stars of Hearts in 1986 brought in by former Hearts Chairman, Mr Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe. The team had Samuel Offei, Joe Addo, Forster Martey, Tetteh Annan, Paul Adjoda, Shamo Quaye, Elyasu Alhassan, Ezekiel Alamu, Suleimana Fuseini, Sowah Ghartey, and Emmanuel Aidoo.
Other notable Hearts squads were in the mid to late 70’s featuring the fearsome fivesome of left footed players; Ahmed Polo, Peter Lamptey, Anas Seidu, Robert Hammond, and Adolf Armah. Of course, the 64 battalion of year 2000 led by Charles Taylor and Emmanuel Osei Kuffour that conquered Africa cannot be forgotten.
When was the last time Hearts made an earthquake signing as it did in 1988. The move of then player of the moment, Isaac Nana Eshun, from Kumasi Asante Kotoko to Hearts.
Hearts of Oak at 107, do you remember any name in the current team?
