Former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Nana Banyin Crentsil, has shared a harrowing story from his past, revealing that he grappled with thoughts of self-harm after being coerced into participating in a disturbing ritual before their match against Asante Kotoko in the President's Cup back in 1990.
In a candid interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Nana Banyin opened up about how certain members of the Hearts of Oak management introduced what appeared to be a human heart as part of a superstitious ritual to ensure victory over Kotoko.
"They brought a heart drenched in blood to our camp and instructed us to perform a ritual with a pin, thrusting it into the heart. I was the captain at the time, so everyone participated, and I was given the heart to bury it at midnight," recounted Nana Banyin during the interview.
He went on to reveal that this traumatizing incident had left him with persistent nightmares, sleepless nights, and, at times, even thoughts of suicide.
"Even to this day, I still have nightmares about the ritual we performed. It haunts me in my sleep, and it feels like I'm constantly fighting adversaries in my dreams. I left Hearts for Dawu Youngsters and Goldfields, but whenever I recall that incident, it disrupts my ability to sleep," he admitted.
Nana Banyin continued, "After that particular game, I found myself contemplating suicide. When I reflect on everything I've been through, it wasn't an easy journey. My name was on everyone's lips wherever I went. I keep telling people that what we had on that plate was indeed a human heart; you can verify this with some of my fellow players."
Despite resorting to such superstitious practices to secure victory, Hearts of Oak ultimately lost the match to Kotoko by a score of 4-2.
