Martin Koopman has been confirmed as the new Manager for Accra Hearts of Oak. The Phobians confirmed the appointment of the 67-year-old last week having been introduced to the squad before their pre-season fixture against Miracle Land Football Club.
Koopman replaces Slavko Matic as the club’s permanent gaffer following the departure of interim coach David Ocloo at the end of the 2022/23 season.
So, who is he?
Let's take a closer look at the new Hearts boss looking to lead the club to the promised land.
Martin Koopman playing career
Before becoming a manager, Koopman played football. The former midfielder spent much of his career in his native Netherlands, enjoying spells at Rohda Raalte, Go Ahead Eagles, Twente and Cambuur Leeuwarden.
Rich vein of experience
Until October 2021, Koopman was the Manager of the Maldives national team. In three games, he lost two and drew one. Prior to his assumption into office as the manager of the Maldives national team, the Dutch man had been the manager of the Aruba national team. In ten games, he managed a win, a draw and eight losses.
Aside form his national team experience, Koopman has had the opportunity to work with several clubs either in the capacity of a manager, assistant manager or scout. He’s had spells with clubs like Go Ahead Eagles, Roda JC and Cambuur Leeuwarden, FC Groningen, Al Orouba, NEC Nijmegen just to mention but a few.
He is not new to Africa
Koopman was the manager of DR Congo giants AS Vita between January 2000 to December 2000. Fourteen years later, he worked as the chief scout of the defunct Red Bull Academy Ghana.
He has won 1 in last 14 games as a manager
According to Transfermarkt, the new Hearts manager has recorded just a single win in his last 14 games as a manager. He has suffered 12 defeats with 2 drawn games.
