Yaw Amankwah Mireku, former captain of Hearts of Oak, didn't mince words when he criticized the current players of the club, labeling them as "jokers" amidst the team's alarming slump in form.
The once formidable champions find themselves in a precarious position, teetering on the edge of relegation after suffering their fifth defeat in the last six games, including a disappointing 1-0 loss to neighbours Accra Lions.
Mireku, who clinched the 2004 CAF Confederation Cup with Hearts, didn't hold back as he pointed fingers at the players, accusing them of indulging in womanizing and lacking the passion necessary to represent the club. He specifically singled out midfielder Salifu Ibrahim for his lackluster performances this season.
"Players join Hearts of Oak and lose focus because they want to make money and live an unnecessary lifestyle. Salifu Ibrahim is a typical example, was this his performance when he first joined the club? He no longer plays with passion or zeal," he told Akoma FM.
"This is because he has lost sight of why he came to Hearts of Oak and is now enjoying. Now he's making money at Hearts of Oak," he added.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of their lifestyle choices, Mireku warned of the potential downfall facing the former African champions.
"Instead of acknowledging the difficulty of playing for Hearts of Oak and putting forth extra effort, the players are just doing it anyhow. They (the players) manage to purchase some small cars, line up the girls, and that's it. They're just joking in the club," he continued.
With only six games remaining in the season, Hearts of Oak face an uphill battle to secure their survival, with crucial fixtures against Berekum Chelsea and Aduana Stars on the horizon.
Mireku emphasized the urgent need for players to prioritize their commitment to the club over frivolous distractions, urging them to step up their efforts and shelve their lavish lifestyles for the sake of the team's future.
"They need to put in a lot of effort and put aside their opulent lifestyle."
