Newly-appointed coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mohammed Polo, appears to have landed his dream job for the third time but the circumstances that led to his appointment means the “Dribbling Magician” must start on a winning note against Ebusua Dwarfs tomorrow to win the support of the Phobia family.
Polo and his former playmate, Ben Adjei, have a herculean task of leading second-placed Hearts in a must-win tie at the Cape Coast Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast, a ground where Hearts lost to Medeama this season.
Hearts will have to contend with Prof. Kwame Mintah’s side that are 11th on the 16-team table. History does not favour Hearts tomorrow; for in their last three meetings with Dwarfs, Hearts have lost two and drawn one.
Anything less than a win would mean Hearts risk being over-hauled by Ashgold, who currently have 22 points and are in third place (one less than Hearts) and Medeama who lie fourth on 21 points.
The spectre of former Hearts trainer, David Duncan, who was sacked after lifting the club to an enviable second position with just a point behind leaders, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, still looms. But a victory for Polo in his first game would see the CAF Licence B certificate holder set on a course of winning his critics over and securing his dream job in the long term.
Another interesting fixture would see Amidaus Professionals, who hover just above the relegation zone in 13th position, host Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Tema Park.
The Tema-based club, early in the week, replaced coach Baba Ali with former Medeama and Hearts of Oak assistant, Tanko Shaibu, and will hope Shaibu will be able to hand Kotoko their fourth defeat in the season.
Kotoko coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, would have to make do without his greatest asset, Yahaya Mohammed, who limped off against Senegal during last Thursday’s GoTV WAFU Cup final.
The player’s absence could be a source of worry for the coach, who may be hoping to capitalise on Hearts’ ‘crisis’ to extend their lead.
Ashgold welcome seventh-placed Sekondi Hasaacas to the Len Clay Stadium, King Faisal play Inter-Allies, Medeama SC host New Edubiase United, Heart of Lions engage second-from-bottom Berekum Chelsea at the Kpando Park, Liberty Professionals welcome Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium and at Dormaa, Aduana Stars battle Wa All Stars.
