Accra Hearts of Oak have named Ivorian manager Aboubakar Ouattara as the club’s new manager, taking over from Martinus Koopman. Ouattara, according to a communique released by the Accra club on Friday, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Phobians.
So, who is he?
Here's everything you need to know.
He once managed Kotoko & King Faisal
Ouattara's appointment as the new manager of Accra Hearts of Oak marks a return to familiar territory for the Ivorian tactician. With previous stints managing Asante Kotoko SC and King Faisal Babes in the 90s, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of Ghanaian football to his new role. His past engagements in the Ghanaian football scene have not only honed his managerial skills but have also acquainted him with the intricacies of the local football culture, player dynamics, and fan expectations. This background positions Aboubakar as a seasoned professional ready to lead Accra Hearts of Oak to further success on the Ghanaian football stage.
Spells with WAC, TP Mazembe and AS Vita
Prior to becoming Hearts' new manager, Ouattara served as the Technical Adviser for Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) in Morocco, contributing to their victory in the CAF Champions League twice during his six-year tenure. From 2009 to 2011, he held a comparable role at TP Mazembe, leading the team to success in the CAF Champions League.
Additionally, he clinched the domestic league title, Linafoot, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, achieving this feat not only with TP Mazembe but also with AS Vita Club.
He was once involved in a fraud case
In October 1999, Asante Kotoko Sporting Club embarked on a training tour to Hamburg, Germany; however, their head coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, was notably absent. Prior to the team's departure, Ouattara was arrested by the Ghana Police on Sunday, October 26th. The arrest stemmed from allegations that he had defrauded two individuals, promising to facilitate their participation in Kotoko's trip to Germany. Following the intervention of the Kotoko Management, led by Herbert Mensah, Ouattara was apprehended by the authorities.
Subsequently, he pleaded not guilty to the charges during proceedings at the Kumasi Tribunal, presided over by Mr. Joseph Abanga, who remanded him in custody for a week.
