From a distance it seemed Coach David Duncan’s exit from the technical bench of Accra Hearts of Oak would create a huge vacuum after he helped to revive the fortunes of the club to look like credible title contenders this season.
But following his surprising dismissal, the Phobians have turned to one of the club’s greatest players ever, Mohammed Ahmed Polo, to continue with the transformation, and the legend faces his first test in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Ebusua Dwarfs at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape.
Currently, Polo may not enjoy the goodwill his predecessor commanded from the Hearts fans, thus his first assignment within such an atmosphere could not have been more difficult as the ‘Dribbling Magician’ needs a favourable result away to 12th placed Dwarfs to win over the fans.
Obviously Polo is not new to the Hearts technical bench, having previously coached the club where he attained greatness almost four decades ago, but despite his clout in the game his coaching credentials are not as impressive as his awesome playing career.
Incidentally, the Robert Mensah Stadium is the same venue Hearts lost their last game when they hosted Medeama following the club’s suspension form the Accra Stadium and playing at the same place in his first game could provide a psychological challenge to the playing body, hence the need to work hard on his players’ confidence to go for the kill against a side who have lost two of their six home games this season.
The task facing Polo will not be easy, particularly as Prof Kwame Mintah has built a team so formidable and confident and capable of giving Hearts a good run for their money.
Dwarfs are just battling hard to move out of the relegation zone, and the two-week break should have offered them ample time to re-strategise and recharge their batteries for the challenges ahead, particularly the big clash against the Phobians.
League leaders Kumasi Asante Kotoko invade the Tema Sports Stadium determined to call the bluff of 11th-placed Amidaus Professionals, while Heart of Lions welcome struggling Berekum Chelsea to the Kpando Park.
Liberty Professionals travel to Bechem to encounter Bechem United, with third-placed AshantiGold playing host to Sekondi Hasaacas at the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi.
In other matches, King Faisal host Inter Allies at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Medeama welcome New Edubiase United to the Tarkwa T&A Park and Aduana Star play Wa All Stars at Dormaa-Ahenkro.
