Can Hearts break Olympics jinx?
Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics, regional rivals with a storied history, would face-off in the maiden edition of the Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity Cup on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium in a match that could potentially see Hearts break free from the shackles of their Olympics jinx.
Advertisement
While serving as a dress rehearsal for the fast-approaching betPawa Premier League scheduled for next month, the clash also holds profound significance as a chance to seize early silverware before the commencement of the 2023/24 season.
Last season, despite the predicament of Olympics in the league as they battled relegation, they still called the bluff of Hearts in the ‘Ga Mantse’ derby which saw the Wonder Club running away with a 1-0 win.
The victory extended their unbeaten run against their rivals in the league to six games since 2021, and with experienced Coach Annor Walker back in charge, Olympics would be looking forward to another opportunity to grab the bragging rights.
Hearts of Oak, on the other hand, faced their own trials during last season's second round, requiring a crucial away triumph against Aduana Stars to secure their standing in the premier league.
Eager for a turnaround in fortunes, the Phobians view this showdown against their long-standing adversaries as a litmus test, having been busy in the transfer market bolstering their squad with the acquisition of Raphael Amponsah, Martin Karikari, Evans Adomako and Liventius Attur, following the transfer of key stars Konadu Yiadom and Caleb Amankwah to clubs in Ukraine and Ethiopia, respectively.
While the search for a new head coach continues, Hearts of Oak will lean on their newly-appointed Dutch Technical Director, Rene Hiddink, to guide the team and initiate a triumphant beginning with a victory over Olympics – their first taste of silverware this season.
For the Olympics gaffer, who masterminded back-to-back victories over the Phobians two seasons ago, he still possesses a formidable arsenal and has Samuel Abbey-Ashie Quaye -- the architect of last season's solitary goal victory - available for selection alongside players such as Solomon Adomako, Razak Kasim, Francis Dadzie, Isaac Mensah and Frimpong Boateng.
