Head coach of Hearts of Oak, Aboubakar Ouattara, has stunned not only the club’s supporters but lovers of Ghanaian football with his objective for the 2024–25 season.
After scrapping to survive relegation in the 2023–24 season, the renowned Ivorian gaffer revealed his target for the new season would be to keep the club out of relegation.
Despite signing Michael Awuah, Asamoah Boateng, Daniel Amofa, and Benjamin Asare, with more expected to follow, Ouattara seems not to have confidence in his charges challenging for the title next season; however, he is focused on building a formidable team.
In a press interaction by the club, he said, “My target is to ensure we don’t battle relegation next season. The supporters always want us to win, and any big team is expected to compete for trophies. But for now, our main focus is to build a solid team and avoid the relegation zone.”
He compared Hearts’ current struggles to those of Wydad Casablanca and ASEC Mimosa, two African giants in club football.
“In football, fan agitation is normal. Man proposes, but God disposes. For instance, Wydad Casablanca and ASEC Mimosa, who are typically strong teams, have faced crises and failed to qualify for continental competitions. We need to focus 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 stay clear of relegation,” he said.
The Phobians will take on Heart of Lions in the Ga Homowo Cup after losing the Democracy Cup to bitter rivals Asante Kotoko as they prepare for the new season.
