Hearts of Oak legend, Yaw Amankwah Mireku has revealed that he will be shocked if the millennium champions fail to defend their title.
The Phobians have been a pale shadow of themselves their three opening games of the 2021/22 league season.
The 21 time Ghana champions started the season with a goalless draw to Legon Cities FC at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The record Ghana FA Cup holders endured a painful 1-1 draw against two time Ghana champions, Aduana Stars in week three at the Accra Sports to go three games without a win.
Mireku, who won the 2000 CAF Champions League, the 2001 CAF Super Cup and the maiden CAF Confederation Cup with the Phobians in 2004 says he will be surprised if his former side fails to retain their league title.
“What will shock and pain me is Hearts of Oak failing to retain the league title because the players that won last season’s league, most of them are still part of the team.
“So if we are talking about the league, which team has more consistency than Hearts of Oak? So they have to win the league”, he said in an interview as monitored by Ghanasoccernet.
“In 2000 it was the same case that made us win the league consecutively because the core of the team was around. So, I see Hearts of Oak having their first 11 still available hence I don’t see why they can’t win the league”.
“If they don’t win the league, I will be surprised and I will be deeply shocked. Now that the foundation has been firm and there is the consistency they must win retain the league trophy.” He added.
Amankwah Mireku, 41 , who is into pastoral work, won seven league titles, two FA Cups, the CAF Champions League and the Confederation in a career spanning a decade with the Phobians.
Hearts of Oak claimed their 21st league title last season with 61 points ahead of arch rivals, Asante Kotoko who clocked 57 points to place second.
They will next play AshantiGold at the Len Clay Stadium in week four before hosting Algeria club, Jeunesse Sportive de Saoura in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, November 28 before returning to Algeria for the reverse fixture on December 5.
