There is a unique characteristic that is seen in the camp of Accra Hearts of Oak. For the first time in many years, one can observe a different Hearts of Oak in the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League season. The Phobians have had a good telepathy on the field of play let alone talk about their off the field relationship among the players. The millennium champions before the start of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League, were not one of the clubs given the chance by football pundits to win the league. The likes of Medeama, Karela United, Asante Kotoko, AshantiGold, Aduana Stars and Great Olympics were the clubs named by several connoisseurs to claim the 2020/21 Ghana league title. The Phobians however defied the odds to be crowned champions with a game end the season.
The hope to win the league title for the first time in 11-years shot up when former Medeama coach, Samuel Boadu was snapped up the Phobians in a 3-year deal. The 35-year-old brought a new energy among the technical team and the playing body at large. The new energy saw the Phobians record their biggest win against WAFA at the Accra Sports Stadium by 4-0 and also dispatched Aduana Stars 2-0 to bring their fans back alive with the premier league title hopes.
It is not surprising that a former goalkeeper of Hearts of Oak, Seidu Mutawakilu admits that he has seen a sense of unity, tactical discipline and good coaching in the club. Seidu Mutawakilu was with the Phobians until leaving the side in 2017 to Nigeria club, Enugu Rangers International. He has been the club’s number and he says Hearts of Oak has really been transformed. “The difference I have seen about Hearts of Oak is that, their coach is very good. “They play tactical football and they understand themselves, their players are very matured.
Seidu Mutawakilu who prior to joining Hearts of Oak played for the youth side of Asante Kotoko, is hoping that, the 2001 CAF Confederation Cup winners will keep their current crop of players in order to perform well in the 2021/22 CAF Champions League. “I follow them [Hearts of Oak], Daniel Afriyie, Fatawu [Mohammed], the experienced defender in the team Nuru Sulley and the other guys. “The Hearts of Oak team is very good and with their current form, I hope they will keep the players so that they can perform in Africa.” Mutawakilu Seidu told Adamu Muftawu.
Hearts of had gone 11-years without a trophy but they beat of competition from all the top clubs to be crowned champions of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League. The 2004 CAF Confederation winners increased their chances of claiming the league title when the beat rivals, Kotoko 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium courtesy Daniel Afriyie Barnieh’s solitary strike. Fast forward to match day 33, the Phobians drew 1-1 against Liberty Professionals at the Accra Sports Stadium with Asante Kotoko falling 2-1 to Bechem United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park to hand Hearts of Oak their 21st and first ever title in 11-years.