Ghana Premier League champions FC Samartex 1996 have announced the signing of Hearts of Oak defender Kofi Agbesimah on a free transfer ahead of the 2024/25 football season.
Bibiani GoldStars defender William Dankyi has expressed his satisfaction with staying at the club, despite interest from other teams. Dankyi, who signed a two-year contract with GoldStars before the 2023/24 season after joining from relegated King Faisal, has one year remaining on his current deal.
In an interview with LinusNartey TV on YouTube, Dankyi, a former Hearts of Oak player, confirmed that while several clubs have shown interest, he is committed to GoldStars. "Yes, there were clubs that showed interest, but I’m very happy at GoldStars. I want to keep my focus and concentration on them. We have a contract running, and for now, all my focus is on GoldStars," he stated.
During his time with Hearts of Oak, Dankyi won the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League title and two FA Cup trophies. He later joined King Faisal on a short-term contract, where he played a crucial role in their run to the MTN FA Cup final.
Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara has attributed the club's disappointing performance last season to internal issues. Despite a promising start, the Phobians struggled throughout the season, finishing 14th with 45 points, narrowly escaping relegation with a crucial win against Bechem United on the final day.
Ouattara revealed that the team's problems began after a match against Bofoakwa Tano at WAFA Park. "Last season, our issues started after the game against Bofoakwa Tano," he said. "The problems were internal, involving the playing squad, not the board or management."
The Ivorian coach noted that tensions among players and between the technical team and the squad escalated following a difficult match against Samartex, which also led to the resignation of the club’s goalkeeper coach. "We’re working to resolve it," Ouattara explained. "There were personal conflicts between the technical team and the players, as well as among the players themselves. The resignation of the goalkeeper coach exacerbated the situation."
Reflecting on these challenges, Ouattara emphasized that overcoming difficulties is a vital part of growth. "Experience isn’t just about the good times; it also comes from dealing with the bad. I’m focused on finding solutions and moving forward."
As Hearts of Oak work on improving their squad, they aim to enhance their performance for the upcoming 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.
Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has made it clear that no player will be persuaded to stay at the club for the upcoming season. Amid reports that several players are eager to leave and with the club planning to part ways with 17 players, Ouattara emphasized that the club’s focus is on building a long-term project.
"The doors are always open for players who wish to leave," Ouattara said in a press conference on Thursday. "Hearts of Oak is bigger than any player. If my wife said she doesn’t like me anymore, I’d open the door for her."
Ouattara underscored the importance of a strategic, long-term approach to achieving success. "Hearts of Oak was established in 1911. It took almost 90 years to win the Champions League. Do you want to wait that long again for success? Our project is not just about winning the league tomorrow; we aim to be at the top."
The 2020/21 Ghana Premier League champions finished in the bottom half of the table last season and lost the inaugural Democracy Cup to Asante Kotoko. They will seek to win silverware in the upcoming Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup against Heart of Lions.
To strengthen the squad for the 2024/25 season, Hearts of Oak have signed goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Samuel Amofa, and former Nations FC players Asamoah Boateng Afriyie and Michael Awuah Mensah.
Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has candidly stated that he cannot promise a trophy for the upcoming season. His primary goal is to ensure the team avoids another relegation struggle.
Last season, Hearts narrowly escaped relegation by securing a vital win against Bechem United on the final day of the league, finishing 14th with 45 points. This victory confirmed their spot in the Ghana Premier League for another year.
At a press conference organized by the club, Ouattara clarified his objectives: “My target is to ensure we don’t battle relegation next season. While supporters always expect us to win and big teams are expected to compete for trophies, our main focus now is to build a solid team and stay clear of the relegation zone.”
He added, “Fan agitation is normal in football. Man proposes, but God disposes. For example, strong teams like Wydad Casablanca and ASEC Mimosa have faced crises and failed to qualify for continental competitions. Our focus should be on stability and gradual improvement. I can’t guarantee a trophy next season, but I am committed to building a team that can compete and remain safe from relegation.”
Ouattara’s emphasis on stability and team-building reflects a realistic approach to addressing the challenges facing Hearts of Oak, aiming for consistent performance and long-term success.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi has leveled serious allegations against the club, stating that they have neglected him following his injury and instructed him to leave.
