Head coach of Accra Great Olympics, Yaw Acheampong, says he is determined to present the club with a befitting birthday present by winning against Accra Hearts of Oak on Sunday.
The Wonder Club turned 61years last Tuesday, a birtday shared with the club’s CEO, Fred Pappoe, and Coach Acheampong believes there would be no better birthday present for the Olympics family than a victory over their arch-rivals in what is easily Ghana’s biggest local derby.
Acheampong told the Graphic Sports at the team’s training grounds at Legon last Wednesday that despite the current form of Hearts, they were not intimidated because his team had better players than Hearts.
Mr Pappoe said the age-old rivalry between the two sides would be rekindled in Sunday’s top First Capital Plus Premier League fixture and believed it would be very unique because both clubs would be playing against each other for the first time in four years.
“Encounters between Hearts of Oak and Olympics have this traditional rivalry around it and always a match that the fans look forward to seeing, and even all the old ladies and old men in Accra would want to know what transpired,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hearts’ leading marksman Gilbert Fiamenyo, admits Sunday’s derby will be difficult but remains confident the Phobians are poised to claim all the three points at stake, writes Chris Nunoo.
Fiamenyo told the Graphic Sports after Hearts training yesterday morning that he and his colleagues were focused and ready to prove that their 2-1 win against Djoliba in Mali last week was no fluke.
“For now we will not talk much but we want the fans to expect a win on Sunday,” said Fiamenyo, who is the league’s second leading scorer.
The burly striker, who has scored eight goals for the Phobians this season, attributed his current form to hardwork and and intense training.
It is a match that Gbese mantse, Nii Ayi Bonte II (Tommy Okine), Harry Zakkour and Alhaji Hearts have indicated they would attend.
This weekend’s matches begin at the Tema Stadium tomorrow where fourth-placed Inter Allies pit their unbeaten home record against third-placed WAFA, defending champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko play away to New Edubiase United at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi, Heart of Lions play host to Liberty Professionals at Kpando, second-placed Aduana Stars host Bechem United at the Nana Agyeman Badu Park at Dormaa-Ahenkro.
Sekondi Hasaacas play Medeama SC at the Seckondi Stadium at Essipon, bottom-of-the-table B.A. United clash with fifth-placed Berekum Chelsea, while Wa All Stars play host to league leaders, AshantiGold.
