On This Hearts Day 1969: Hearts 2-2 Santos FC

On the 6^th February, 1969, Accra Hearts of Oak were held to a 2-2 drawn game by a Pele-led Santos FC of Brazil in an international friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Striker Abeka Ankrah opened the scoring midway in the game but Edson Arantes do Nascimento Pele struck to pull the visitors level before the break.

Not in the mood to be outdone, Ghana’s own “Pele” Amusa Gbadamoshie, restored Hearts’ lead in the second half, but midfielder Edu earned the great Brazilian side a deserving draw.

Hearts were denied a piece of history by Referee George Lamptey and his assistant, who flagged wrongly for offside, when George “Ga Mantse” Alhassan

George “Ga Mantse” Alhassan was denied the opportunity to be the hero. He gifts Pele a kente scarf before the game.

had prodded home to make it 3-2.

Despite the draw, Hearts still wrote their names in the history books by holding the giants from Brazil to a drawn game.

Santos FC had gone on a tour of Africa in 1969, led by the player, who would become the greatest ever to play the beautiful game, Pele. The Brazilian giants played 9 games on the continent. They won five, drew three and lost just one, and scored and conceded 19 and 11 goals respectively.

Pele

A young Pele would go on to rule world football.

took is tour tally to 7 goals when he netted the equalizer against Hearts at the Accra Sports Stadium, but he made it 8 goals, and became Santos’ top-scorer on tour, on the African continent when he scored against Algeria three days later.

Accra Hearts of Oak were in their 8^th year without the league title when they welcomed the mighty Brazilian side that had dominated the Brazilian league, winning the title five consecutive years, and even became the first side to complete a quadruple.

In contrast to Hearts, when Santos were casting their mast on world football in 1962 and laying the seeds for their period of dominance, the Phobians could not build on their league winning feat in the 1961-62 season after the departure of star man Edward Aggrey-Fynn.

But with the game against the Brazilians in 1969, and a disorganized Tour of the UK in late 1970, the fortunes of the club turned considerably in the new decade of the 70s. Hearts won the league four times in the 1970s – 1971, 1973, 1977, and 1979 – and missed out on continental glory twice in the period.

Whereas the influence of Santos FC on the team and how it changed the mentality of the club is subtle, Hearts should be grateful for the friendly with the Brazilians and the opportunity to test their might against the mighty Santos FC of Pele.

It must also be noted that whereas Pele scored 1281 goals in his career, he scored one of those against Hearts at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He went on to win the World Cup with Brazil a year later, his third, but that day on the 6^th February, 1969, he was outshone by Abeka Ankrah and Amusa Gbadamoshie; but not outscored by the Hearts duo.

[In many Hearts books and even official documents, the date of this match has erroneously been made 6th June, 1969, and other places, 2nd June, 1969. But here is the clear proof of the correct day of the match. http://santosfcwolrdsoccer.blogspot.com/2011/02/santos-fc-history-february-4-1969.html

PS: It is not 4th Feb, the link leads you to the correct date. Check it out]

The Rebirth of the flamboyantly fantastic Fiamenyo Gilbert – and the football lessons for Hearts fans.

The New Rise of Fiamenyo – and the moral lesson for Hearts fans.

“Take him off, Herbert Addo!”

“We should play 10 against 11 and bench Fiamenyo!”

“If Fiamenyo is our striker, then we must forget it!”

“Fiamenyo must learn from Ahmed Toure!”

“Look at his buttocks! He cannot even run!”

“Fiamenyo is fat and s**t!”

“Fiamenyo is disgracing us!”

“Fiamenyo must not wear the Hearts jersey!”

“Sell Fiamenyo for free!”

“Fiamenyo cannot help us!”

“Is Fiamenyo a sumo wrestler or a footballer?”

Those were the popular “praises” hurled at Gilbert Fiamenyo during the Hearts pre-season – particularly the Top 4 competition.

Can you cross your heart and say, you never used any of the above “praises” for Gilbert Fiamenyo or even worse which cannot be printed? Yes, I am waiting. I have got all day.

But never mind. That was how we tore the guy’s confidence into pieces; shattered his ego like a pedigree dog. He had fallen down in our sight and we just wanted to get rid of him – for good too.

And it got to the man Fiamenyo. After training, he walked with his head down, but still we pointed fingers at him. Then he started using his ‘togbe-cap’ or balaclava – if you like – and still the abuses continued; just picture a man of Fiamenyo’s frame trying so hard not to be seen.

Yet, it did not end on the field or even at training; it followed him home. His girlfriend of six-years left him. And he fell again. He tried to smile but there was no one to smile to. And even before then, he was a broken-man-walking as he nearly wept when they prevented him from entering the local Black Stars hotel when they returned as runners-up from the CHAN tournament in January last year.

His family became worried and even relatives said he was disgracing the family name. Everywhere they went, people were making fun of the family name F-I-A-M-E-N-Y-O.

And that nearly ended it for the young man. He felt like the wealthy man who had myriad gold yesterday, but could not even afford to buy water today.

Backtrack 2 years earlier; he was the toast of the fans even though he had not kicked a ball for Hearts. On the 14^th August, 2012, Fiamenyo’s picture was on the front page of HEARTS NEWS with these beautiful words sprinkled around his frame: “HEARTS SIGN FIAMENYO! Fiamenyo: Once a Lion now a Phobian.”

Front Page of Accra Hearts of Oak official mouthpiece HEARTS NEWS when Fiamenyo joined the club.

The fans had seen closely how he bullied Kofi Agyare and Philip Boampong in the ultimate game of the first round of the 2011/12 season. He did not score, but he left a huge scar at the Accra Sports Stadium, helping his team to bounce back twice to earn a draw with a shell-shocked Hearts. Fiamenyo had scored six goals before that and left for Serbia in search of a contract which never materialized because he had picked up a serious injury.

Hearts doled out the money and bought him from Heart of Lions despite his injury, and he repaid the trust with seven goals and four assists in the second round of the 2012/13 season. But that was it. He peaked at the closing stage of the season, and when he came back the following season, he had lost it all. One goal from 9 games (8 of which he started from the bench) meant his stock had fallen exponentially.

Things got from worse to worst for Fiamenyo in the Top-4 competition with even Head Coach Herbert Addo being pointed-fingers at for keeping faith with the out-of-form striker.

I cannot claim to be a Fiamenyo confidant or believer or praise-singer or best/close friend or anything of that sort. But the striker told me he would bounce back.

“I will rather make my name in the league than score in pre-season and fail to score when the season starts,” Fiamenyo asserted (in a private/personal conversation).

I took it as an empty bluff! Thought to myself sarcastically that ‘we want it now, you dey say tomorrow’. However, outwardly, I wished him well and gave him the words of encouragement that if he had done it before; he could do it again.

But, I honestly doubted him from what I had seen from training & during pre-season friendly games. He was missing the easiest of chances. He became King Midas, but only that everything he touched turned to dung instead of gold.

What was even painful was that whenever they substituted him in pre-season or even at training, whoever took his place came to get a goal or two to their name.  Two weeks before the new season, we had to pretend a match did not happen because he missed a penalty against Division 2 side Madina Republicans in a 0-0 draw at Pobiman. Fiamenyo had hit the nadir; and we did not want to stoke the fire against his already, not even tarnished, but non-existent reputation at the time.

But then, like the elders say: “Through every dark night, there is a bright day after….”

The phoenix in Fiamenyo rose again. He struck on the opening day of the season against Sogakope WAFA in the first game of the 2014/15 First Capital Plus Premier League – incidentally at Kpando.

Six days before the start of the season, he netted a brace against Division One side Akosombo Crystal Palace in a 5-0 rout.

Four games into the new season and he had scored five goals. Wait! Make it five goals in the first three league games. And they were not ordinary goals.

The first strike, a clever chip over the goalkeeper in Kpando against WAFA; his second, A CLINICAL STRIKE FROM A ONE-ON-ONE SITUATION to level the scores against Berekum Chelsea; quickly followed by his third:  a fox-in-the-box finish from a cross in a crowded penalty box to complete a remarkable turnaround for Hearts.

But despite his heroics, the Hearts defense condoned to steal the spotlight from Fiamenyo by losing the game 4-2 to Berekum Chelsea. Yet, he continued his scoring form again at the Essipong.

A half-turn volley from a beautiful team move involving Paul Acquah and Selasi Adjei was his fourth strike of the season, and he topped that with a super solo strike that got his markers down to their feet; and spectators off their feet, again at the Essipong against Medeama.

I hardly know how many  goals Gilbert Fiamenyo will score in the remaining games of the season, but even if he does not score again till the season ends, I strongly believe there are lessons for Hearts fans in his present – maybe ephemeral – success.

Not every player has the test of character or temperament of Gilbert Fiamenyo to survive the mortification, thrive under the hostility, and revive their career like the burly striker has done in this few days of the season. And here in lies the lesson.

Goalkeeper Tetteh Luggard is everybody’s villain. Every goal conceded is the fault of the young man. He committed not a single mistake – in my opinion – leading to the four goals he conceded against Berekum Chelsea.

But we called for Seidu Mutawakilu in the next game, and the pressure got to the young man on his first appearance. Once again, some said he should not keep again, forgetting that it was only his first ever start in the Premier League. Others sent an SOS to Soulama Abdoulaye straight away oblivious of the fact that if defenders did not defend their lines, it was the goalkeepers who would be exposed. And we kept saying we had a goalkeeping problem straight away instead of supporting our keepers.

Abraziz Abankwa, who has made giant steps in terms of performance – and could be, without competition, the most improved Hearts player, was also not spared at the Essipong when we lost to Chelsea. And midfielder Leonard Tawiah’s Hearts career is on the verge of dying even though he hardly put a foot wrong doing his defensive duties against Berekum Chelsea.

And even last Saturday, defender Isaac Oduro had to chase a fan with  a stone to protect himself after he was singled out for t he goal at Bechem. Why do we do all these to the players of the team we support?

All because, we are in a golden and never-ending-pursuit for a villain – or who to blame – whenever we lose a game or results don’t go our away.

Things are not going so well for Herbert Addo’s side at the moment, but what if we all throw our support for the team – in good and bad times!

Where will our support take us? What will the unflinching support do for the players and the team?

I look back to Coach Mohammed Polo’s penultimate game in charge of Hearts, and I get goosebumps when I recall how the fans turned up for the former Hearts hero.

Bereft of fan support throughout his short tenure, the fans resurfaced against the sworn enemy, Kotoko, in Kumasi. We, yes, the fans, were there to support the team; and just look at how the players played with so much pride and heart. If we can rally ourselves up against Kotoko, why not do the same against the other teams?

On the other hand, and most of you would be thinking of the alternative route to making players stand up for the Hearts jersey, I agree just to only a small extent the alternative route of making players stand up for the Hearts jersey. It cannot always be kisses for misses or hugs for thugs. I know.

And true, I have seen at close hand what ‘tough love’ can do for Hearts players. I remember how Samuel Afum and Mahatma Otoo came to be loved. They had to work for it; sweat for the love, respect, and recognition. But those who overcame are just a few compared to those who wilted – and never recovered like James Abban, James Bissue, Richard Addai, Edward Afum, David Anas, etc.,

Hearts is a big club and the level of expectation is demanding. But perhaps, we, the fans, must change our ways now and move from the come-to-be-entertained-only-supporters or only-good-time-supporters and part-time-supporters to TRUE SUPPORTERS, THROUGH AND THROUGH, for the PLAYERS, COACHES, and most importantly for the great TEAM, ACCRA HEARTS OF OAK.

If Fiamenyo can find his way back to the top through all these quandaries without our support, why can’t we help the team and the players back to the top with our very own support when results are not good?

Over to you, Hearts fan. Do you support only when we win or you will support us to win?NB: Sorry, Gilbert Fiamenyo, we take back all our bad words.

“Take him off, Herbert Addo!”

“We should play 10 against 11 and bench Fiamenyo!”

“If Fiamenyo is our striker, then we must forget it!”

“Fiamenyo must learn from Ahmed Toure!”

“Look at his buttocks! He cannot even run!”

“Fiamenyo is fat and s**t!”

“Fiamenyo is disgracing us!”

“Fiamenyo must not wear the Hearts jersey!”

“Sell Fiamenyo for free!”

“Fiamenyo cannot help us!”

“Is Fiamenyo a sumo wrestler or a footballer?”

[My sincerest apology goes to Gilbert Fiamenyo for using personal conversations we had in the past in my blog without his permission or knowledge. But I hope this will serve a greater cause than the small clip of the ear I will get from the big man].

Next BLOG: WAKE UP, OLLENU, AND CLAIM YOUR GLORY!

The happier Stephen Appiah Days.

Happy 34th Birthday, Stephen Appiah

Stephen Leroy “Tornado” Appiah turns 34 today (born 24th December, 1980), but we will take you back to the day he etched his name in Ghana football history as a 15-year-old against Asante Kotoko… Appiah played only two seasons with Hearts (1995-1997), but he left a lot of sweet memories.

One sunny afternoon, in their Accra Sports Stadium bastion, a youngster by name Stephen Appiah etched his name in the folklore of Hearts-Kotoko rivalry with a scintillating performance in an exhilarating 3-3 thriller at the Nation’s Wembley in 1996.

Hearts, coming to the tail-end of a sixth straight league drought of the 19th century, welcomed league leaders Kumasi Asante Kotoko to the reverse fixture of Ghana’s biggest game at the Accra Sports Stadium on 17th April, 1996.

A precocious star, making headways in Ghanaian football announced his arrival on the world stage with a stirring performance.

It was not so much the results that mattered to Hearts of Oak as the league-decider effect and the prodigy who was at the heart of the drama- the 15-year-old Stephen “Tornado” Appiah.

The 1995/96 season was a two-horse race between Ashanti Region rivals Asante Kotoko and Obuasi Goldfields.

Hearts had watched in horror and jealousy as Goldfields stumbled to city rivals Accra Great Olympics to hand Kotoko the momentum.

Fortunately, the Phobians had the opportunity to have a crucial say as to where the title should go, with this epic fixture against Kotoko in Accra.

The 3-3 draw was a satisfactory result for the Phobians as the Kotoko stumble handed Goldfields the chance to move within two points of Kotoko with two games to end the season. Tema Ghapoha completed the Phobians’ mission of thwarting KOTOKO’s title bid by holding the Porcupine Warriors to a goalless draw in Tema whilst Goldfields won at home to edge out their challengers to retain the 1995/96 league season on goal difference, the third and final triumph of their brief dominance of Ghana football.

So much for the background, let us return to that famous encounter on 17th April, 1996.

Stephen Appiah,  in his second and final season for the Rainbow Club, started the scoring for Hearts, but the joy was ephemeral as Kotoko equalised and sailed into a 2-1 lead to keep their title charge alive.

Anthony ‘cannonball’ Tieku levelled for Hearts but the visitors stole the lead again.

Hearts, heading for a second defeat in successive games after losing 2-1 to Afienya, were carried on the lofty shoulders of the young maestro, Appiah.

Stephen Appiah held the game by the scruff of the neck by dancing his way into the Kotoko vital area, and he was mowed down as he shaped to shoot. But before the Referee could point to the spot, the youngster miraculously poked the ball home to draw Hearts on level pegging with the last kick of the game.

By his remarkable feat on the day, Stephen ‘Tornado’ Appiah became the youngest player to ever score a brace in the Hearts-Kotoko rivalry.

The promise that Appiah showed on that day was not belied by any later flaws. On the contrary, he blossomed into a world class player, gracing the most famous pitches in European football with Bologna, Parma, Juventus, and Fenerbahce.

Appiah went ahead to captain the Black Stars to two very successful World Cups.

@HeartsEleven salutes the legend of this great son of the Oak tree.

Do you remember any Stephen Appiah specials in Hearts colours? Share them in the comments box or tweet at @HeartsEleven….. Happy 34th Birthday, Stephen Leroy Appiah, long life and good health.

Who will fight for Emmanuel Hayford?

Is Emmanuel Hayford not good enough for the Ghana U23 team? Hayford was not in the list of 29 players selected, before it was trimmed to 18,  by former Kotoko coach and player Malik Jabir to represent Ghana in a friendly game against Nigeria to unveiling (inauguration) ceremony of a new stadium in Nigeria.

One of the finest players in the set-up of the team that finished THIRD in the 2013/14 Ghana Premier League cannot even make it into the national U-23 team, the Black Meteors. Can you believe that?

The Hearts of Oak midfielder just turned 21 and he is eligible to play for the Black Meteors (Ghana’s National U23 team).

Emmanuel Hayford, Hearts’ joint-topscorer in the league last season with 6 goals, has been overlooked by national team selectors since he burst onto the scene last season with the Rainbow club.

The diminutive midfielder scored a spectacular brace on his league debut for Accra Hearts of Oak on the opening day of the 2013/14 season against Edubiase at the Bekwai Gyamfi Park in a 2-0 away win.

Hayford missed the league clash with Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium and his absence on the day was amongst a myriad of factors that contributed to the Hearts defeat.

But on his home league debut, he scored a scintillating opener with a ferocious strike from just outside the box against Hasaacas, bringing his tally to three goals in three matches.

Spectacularly, all of his first three goals were scored from outside the 18-yard area.

He got his fourth league goal against Hearts of Lions in Kpando, charging through midfield, to finish off a one-on-one with the keeper.

Despite his fine form, Hayford was mischievously overlooked for the CHAN tournament by Maxwell Konadu and the Ghana Football Association.

Without much surprise, we witnessed a Ghana midfield struggle in South Africa as they rode their luck into the finals where they lost to Libya.

The former Amidaus midfielder became a target of opposition players and a victim of reckless tackles,  which epitomized into cold assault when he Kabiru Moro kung-fu tackled him after he had scored the opener against Medeama in Tarkwa.

The pocket Hercules, despite missing a lot of games, due to the wicked tackles from opponents in the league, returned to score the opener against Bechem United in Accra.

He was without a doubt one of the finest performers in last season’s league, to all who had the privilege and  pleasure of watching him in action.

However, he has once again been criminally snubbed by the technical handlers of the national U23 team.

What makes it even more perplexing is the fact that players who play for Kotoko reserves, yes RESERVES oooo, and even Division 1 players from Yeji Juventus, Dreams FC, Gold Stars, etc., are deemed better than Emmanuel Hayford.

It is laughable because even if you ask the FA to draw a list of the 30 best players in the league last year, Hayford would be in the Top 20.

So how come, Hayford is not even in the list of the so-called “Best 29” under 23 years?

Are we selecting players on merit at all, or rather from the ‘special’ teams they represent?

Or is it that, a stranger in Jerusalem might even want to ask: must you pay to represent your nation?

Hearts have two players in the Black Meteors squad that will play Nigeria tomorrow.  But Richard Yamoah and Vincent Atinga were selected because of their performances with Hasaacas and Dwarfs respectively.

Emmanuel Hayford, keep doing your thing.

Your work shall speak for you and they will look on it and despair.

Remember, Emmanuel Hayford, Hearts fans are behind you 100%. Our midfield dynamo and generalissimo

Shaun October Masson – The South African PHOBIAN

Exactly a decade ago, when Hearts beat South African giants Santos FC in Cape Town in the CAF Confederation Cup, a lifelong Santos fan, Shaun October Mason, then only 14 years old watched as Bernard Dong Bortey’s goal from his own half gifted the Phobians a first victory on their first trip to the land of Nelson Mandela.

Life, being so unpredictable, has brought the boy who watched Hearts for the first time with his Dad at the Athlone Stadium, into the camp of the Rainbow Club from the Rainbow Nation as a man.

And just like Hearts’ smash-and-grab victory in 2004, Shaun October has weaved his way into the heart of Hearts fans since pitching camp for a trial on the 12^th June, 2014 under recommendation from ex-Black Stars and former Santos FC player John Paintsil.

Shaun October has boyish looks and a slightly effeminate mannerisms without the ball, but once he is in action, the debonair outward appearance gives way to a stylish, energetic, effective, and composed footballer of the Brazilian ilk.

Hearts fans are connoisseurs of the beautiful game by virtue of their innate nous to recognize a good player and they have warmly received Shaun October Mason. The South African has taken more applauses from the ATTC training grounds Park of the Phobians than any other player since he began training with the club.

October has bamboozled his admirers and critics in equal measure, and even the technical team have not been left out of the Shaun October stupefaction. Initially purchased as a defender, he has been moved to the left-side of midfield, and at times as part of the striking trio in a 4-3-3 formation due to his versatility.

In the beginning, there were doubts he could not perform in the Ghanaian game due to his outward calm, benign and composed nature, but he has torn those doubts down to shreds, making up his lack of strength with his superb range of passing, tackling intelligence, and set-piece technique.

Shaun October has scored twice for Hearts in friendly games – none inside the 18-yard box – and numerous assists.

The 24-year old has slowly established himself as an important cog in Coach Herbert Addo’s team for the 2014/15 season.

The former Santos FC youngster opened up on his new surrounding, his ambitions and targets, and a whole lot more in this Exclusive interview. Read more below:

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Who is Shaun October Mason?

Shaun October: Mason October is a normal guy from a normal family in a normal town in Cape Town – where I was born. I went to school in Strandfontein High, in the Mitchells plane area in South Africa. Ever since I started growing up, I just wanted to be a footballer. Whilst I was in school, my father pushed me to pursue my academics, but I just knew one day I would be a professional footballer. I even got a scholarship to go to America to study at Michigan College, but I turned it down to play [football] for Santos FC.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Did your family agree with your decision to play football instead of going to school?

Shaun October: The decision was basically up to me and my dad. Whatever I decided, he was going to support me. So if I chose academics, he would support me, and so would my mum. Whatever I chose, they were going to support me, and I chose football.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How many siblings do you have?

Shaun October: I am the only child. [He laughs]

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How did you get into football and Santos FC?

Shaun October: My first club was Red Rovers, my local club. We used to play in the lower division in the districts. Santos were doing Coaching Clinics, going round primary schools and they came to my school – Vanguard Primary in the Vanguard district. I loved football so anytime or small opportunity I got, I played football. So I trained at the Santos Coaching Clinic, they saw me there and they scouted me. I even remember the name of the guy who scouted me and why I jumped at the opportunity. He promised me he was going to train me from the junior team through the reserves and into the first team because of the potential he saw in me.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What position did you start with when growing up?

Shaun October: I started as a striker at Red Rovers, but when I arrived at Santos, I was playing left wing. But I played under local legend Keith America, who coached me until I went to the first team of Santos, and he was the one who made me a defender.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: So what is your favorite position and who are the people ‘big’ players you played with at Santos?

Shaun October: I enjoy playing left wing when given the chance but I am comfortable in defense too. My Dad still believes I am a left winger. I have played with a lot of experienced players including John Pantsil and many others, but Preston Adams is my favorite. I miss playing with him a lot. He is my blood cousin. We started at Red Rovers and he joined me at Santos when he came for a trial.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Would you refer Preston Adams for Hearts if the opportunity arises?

Shaun October: Yes, there are a few brilliant players in South Africa I would refer to Hearts and Preston Adams would be one of them.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Have you been capped at any level by South Africa?

Shaun October: No, not yet.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How did you hear of Accra Hearts of Oak?

Shaun October: I have watched Hearts before in Cape Town when they played Santos in 2004 in the Confederation Cup – that was when I first knew about them. I did not know of the achievements of the Club, and how big it was until I met John Pantsil, who told me a lot of good things about the club and the history and all the stuffs.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What is the relationship between you and John Pantsil; and did he convince you to come and play in Ghana?

Shaun October: We were teammates at Santos. You know life makes you friends, but football makes you brothers. There were a few clubs in S.A [South Africa] that I was about to sign for. It was just a matter of me going in to sign, but John [Pantsil] told me not to sign, and so I took his words and did not sign for any club in my country and came to Ghana.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: It is quite rare for South African players to play in other countries, especially on the continent (in Africa). But why the peculiar move and what is the intention behind you moving to Ghana to play here?

Shaun October: Look, [Accra] Hearts of Oak is a very, very, very big club. I want to play for my National team, and if I do well with Hearts of Oak, the National team [Bafana Bafana] will have no choice than to give me a chance. Do you understand? So that is my motive.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Can we say you are using Accra Hearts of Oak as a launch pad for your International career? And how are you feeling in Ghana?

Shaun October: I wouldn’t say using Hearts in that sense of the word, but I want to have a very good football career. Playing overseas and out of my country, is an achievement on its own. I really feel at home here; I really don’t miss home. I miss the people at home but everybody here at the club, and in Ghana, has welcomed me and made me feel at home. So I settled in very quickly as well.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Who has been your closest friend at training?

Shaun October: Emmanuel Hayford (we are definitely very close), as well Selasi [Adjei] and “Blackie” Quaku [Kweku Andoh]. They are the people who are very close to me.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What of the fans, they have been extremely impressed by your outputs especially when we played Tema Youth, and they have been cheering your every single move and pass. How does that make you feel?

Shaun October: I want to do my best all the time for the club, and for the team. If I can make the fans happy in doing the two things above, then that is a bonus.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What are your ambitions and targets for the Club?

Shaun October: My immediate ambition is to help the club win trophies and do my best at all times for the team.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How would you describe or judge your time here, if at the end or during your stay with Hearts, you get a call-up into the South African [Bafana Bafana] national team?

Shaun October: I will love Hearts of Oak forever in my life, even more than I really do if I get a call to the Bafana Bafana during my time here.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Who are the players you look up to in the world of football and who do you model your game on?

Shaun October: I like [Cristiano] Ronaldo. I like his style of play because he is the best in the world. But in my position, I like Marcelo [Brazilian left-back with Real Madrid]. I try to watch and learn from him and how he goes about his business.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: We have heard you keep a picture of former Hearts player and legend Bernard Dong Bortey in your home, how true is it?

Shaun October: No, that is not true because I think someone heard me wrong. We do not have Dong Bortey’s picture in our living room at home. Dong Bortey’s picture is at the Santos FC office in South Africa. They have it in one of the offices in the Club. That is where the picture is.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Have you seen him play, where you there when Bernard Dong Bortey scored that long-range goal from his own half, against Santos in 2004?

Shaun October: Yes, I saw him play in Cape Town when Hearts played Santos way back, and I remember his beautiful goal too.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What do you do after training?

Shaun October: Mostly, I just stay at home and prepare myself for the next day of training. But if not, I go to the [Accra Shopping] Mall with my friends. I like watching sports and music videos. I like to listen to music too.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Who is your favorite musician, and have you settled on any Ghanaian artiste?

Shaun October: I like to listen to Hip-Hop and R&B. I like many artistes from Hip-Hop and R&B too; but in Ghana, I like Kwesi Pee’s music. He is my good friend and I like listening to all of his songs.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Have you picked up any of the local languages?

Shaun October: I am learning a bit of Twi and Ga.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What can you say in those languages, can you give me a sentence?

Shaun October: [He laughs]. “Medaase for the call”. [Thank you for the call in Twi]

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Can we ask a relationship question? Are you in a relationship?

Shaun October: Yes, I am in a relationship. I have a girlfriend in South Africa.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Our matches are telecast live on Super Sport, and it is very likely the people back home will see you when the league starts. Will that put a lot of pressure on you when the season starts?

Shaun October: No, not at all. I am actually excited about that prospect. I think my folks back home too will be excited about that too. That will be the way we can see each other, so that will be lovely. I will be very excited [not under pressure].

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What do you make of the new changes in the team, the technical team?

Shaun October: I haven’t met any other technical team and Santos is the only team I know. But I feel we have an understanding. I can understand everything they say about the tactics and formation, and they also understand me. There is no language barrier. I like how they go about things and they are very professional. I believe they will send this club to the very top with their methods.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: You have played in a lot of games here, what differences do you see between the Ghanaian game and the South African game?

Shaun October: Ghanaian football is a little bit more difficult than the South African game. But South African football is very much developed in terms of infrastructure.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Shaun Mason October, thank you very much for your time. We will catch up with you again.

Shaun October: Thank you very much too, and it is a pleasure talking to you.

What do you think is Shaun October’s best position? If you have watched him play, what has really impressed you about the South African?

Let us continue the discussion on twitter via @HeartsEleven , on whatsapp via 233542962261 or leave a comment in the ‘Leave A Comment’ box.

The Big Six Contenders for Hearts Captain

We do not know when the 2014/15 First Capital Plus Premier League will begin due to the on-going legal tussle between Alhaji Grunsah’s King Faisal and the Ghana Football Association.

But one thing that should concern all Phobians is the man who will CAPTAIN, and lead, our assault on the league title when the season finally gets underway.

Last season, Moro Abubakar took over the armband from the departing Mahatma Otoo, but he captained Hearts only 13 times throughout the season with his campaign ending abruptly after he picked up a knee injury and went under the knife at the end of the first round. The hard-working midfielder has left for Serbia and so will be absent to take over his captain-ship role.

Nuru Sule, Tetteh Luggard, Emmanuel Ansong and Philemon McCarthy shared the armband till the season ended last June. But with Ansong and McCarthy departing also, the question arises as to who will or should captain the Hearts team when the 2014/15 season gets underway.

In pre-season, the Hearts captain’s band has rotated between Philip Boampong, Tetteh Luggard, Robin Gnagne, Nuru Sule, and Kofi Abanga.

However, we will weigh the positives and the negatives of all the five ‘revolving’ captains and include Black Satellites skipper Owusu Bempah, as a potential captain for Herbert Addo’s side going into the new season.

THE HEARTS BIG SIX

1. Nuru Sule: The former Accra Great Olympics and Tudu Mighty Jets defender was given the armband when Hearts played Edubiase on the opening day of the 2013/14 season, and he kept the band when we played Kotoko at home in the next game. He went on to captain the team on a couple of occasions in the absence of Moro Abubakar and Philemon McCarthy. Incidentally, Nuru was once again handed the band when we played Kotoko in Kumasi in the penultimate game of the 2013/14 season. A move to Libyan side Al-Nasr failed due to the political tension in the North African country. He is back to Hearts and has been registered as a player of the club for the coming season.
POSITIVES: He played 24 games last season, leading (captaining) the side close to 10 times; and so he has the experience of leading the side.

NEGATIVES: He is likely to leave the club any time a foreign deal comes in and so he is not here for the long term. He picked up the joint-highest yellow card for Hearts together with Kweku Andoh, and so suspensions too might affect his role.

2. Kofi Abanga – The “General” as he is affectionately called has been handed the band in most of the “less-fancied” friendly series Hearts has played in, and looking on the longevity card, he is the most experienced and longest-serving member of the current squad. However, one thing also goes against the silky midfielder, and that is the fact that he is not guaranteed first team action in Herbert Addo’s new side with Leonard Tawiah, Issah Mumuni, Emmanuel Hayford, Emmanuel Laryea, Emmanuel Odartey, Richard Yamoah and co., vying for position in the heart of the midfield.

POSITIVES: Abanga is an experienced player and has a good relationship with all the boys; and he is truly loved by the fans of the Club.

NEGATIVES: He has a lot of competition in midfield, and it will be hard for him to be a regular in the new season (no disrespect intended whatsoever, but judging from what is happening in pre-season.)

3. Philip Boampong: The hard-tackling centre back has had the honor of wearing the Hearts captain band in pre-season. He captained the side in the Top-4 competition though he was subbed in the finals against Ashgold due to injury. He is also a returnee to the club so when it comes to longevity, he is part of the “senior” citizens.

POSITIVES: He is an experienced lad and commands respect from his mates. He can lead by example and has a good rapport with the technical team.

NEGATIVES: He is injury-prone. Anytime he goes into an aerial challenge, it is very likely he will need stitches on his head (happened three times in the league last season). And he will be in for major competition for the center back role together with Abankwa, Atinga, Nuru, Andoh (who is being used at the heart of defense now) and Robin.

4. Robin Gnagne: The Ivorian defender has been handed the captain band in the Super 2 clashes with Kotoko. He has been seen with the armband in most of the matches played since the home-and-away encounter with Kotoko. On the field of play, you cannot wrong the Ivorian for effort and endeavor. Will handing him the armband bring the best out of him, though admittedly, he is always playing at his best level for Hearts.
POSITIVES: Robin is everyone’s favorite and he epitomizes what it takes to play for Hearts. He played the joint-highest number of games last season for Hearts with Eric Kumi (26 appearances).
NEGATIVES: He is slowly developing a temper especially when Referees start cheating Hearts, as was the case with his red-card against Kotoko in Kumasi, and a few of his yellow cards last season.
5. Tetteh Luggard: The much-maligned goalkeeper has also had the opportunity to captain the side on a number of occasions, and though he is a reticent guy, he is known to psyche his colleagues up during matches. However, since, he is not guaranteed first team action due to the acquisition of Soulama Abdoulaye, will it be good to hand him the band just based on longevity?
POSITIVES: He can encourage his colleagues and he likes to give players vim. He has experience leading the team already and he is one of the longest-serving players in the team currently with Kofi Abanga.
NEGATIVES: He can go AWOL at times. He is in for big competition from Soulama and Seidu Mutawakil for the number one shirt.

6. Owusu Bempah: The versatile lateral defender is a dark horse in the Hearts captain’s armband race. He is already the captain of the Black Satellites, and he can combine the double role effortlessly. He is well spoken, humble and very respectful. But he will be away with the Satellites next year for the Africa Youth Championship, and if they make it, maybe the World Youth Championship. Can Hearts have a captain away from the team during the business end of the league?
POSITIVES: He knows what it takes to captain a big club having been burdened with captaining his nation at U20 level which shows his ability to handle heavy responsibility.
NEGATIVES: He might be away during the season on duty with the Black Satellites when the race for the title hots up, and his absence might affect the momentum of the team.

Who will you make your captain ( or even vice-captain) for the 2014/15 season based on the facts above? Did we forget any other contender for the role? Do you agree with some of the “positives” and “negatives”?

Tell us more via twitter @HeartsEleven or via Whatsapp number +233542962261 or leave a comment in the comment box below.
Face Book page coming soon. #PHOBIA

ROBIN GNAGNE – HEARTS’ BEST PLAYER (2013/14 SEASON).

ROBIN GNAGNE: THE IVORIAN PHOBIAN (The BIG INTERVIEW).

Robin Gnagne joined Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2012/13 league season under the recommendation of then assistant coach, Ben Adjei, from Sogakope Red Bull Academy. The Ivorian defender excelled in preseason, but he got an ankle injury just before the season begun when Hearts toured Sekondi-Takoradi. When he came back, Hearts had won just once from five games, and had lost their last three games which led to the sack of Coach Charles K. Akonnor.

The dependable defender played his first match on 18^th November, 2012 in Kumasi against Kumasi Asante Kotoko in a 0-0 draw, on David Duncan’s managerial Hearts debut. He is fast approaching 50 league appearances for Accra Hearts of Oak, and since his sterling performance on his debut, the defender has gone on to make those performances his norm.

Aside his excellent composed defending panache, the Ivorian has never missed a penalty for Hearts in a competitive game. He has scored 8 penalties from 8 attempts; 7 in the league and 1 in the FA Cup. His only missed penalty came in last year’s (2013) President’s Cup, when he rattled the bar after Hearts had taken a two-goal lead against Medeama in the finals.

Robin Gnagne scored five goals from the penalty spot in his first season, and he scored 3 from the spot last season. He was, without a shadow of doubt, Accra Hearts of Oak’s Best player of the season in the 2013/14 season despite the team struggling midway in the season.

Now, listen to the story of Accra Hearts of Oak’s most valuable player last season, in this long, but interesting, interview. Robin talks about his two-season stay with Accra Hearts of Oak and what the future holds for the club. Enjoy.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Give us a brief introduction of yourself and what is the correct pronunciation of your surname?

Robin Gnagne: My name is Robin Adou-Pierre Gnagne [pronounced: NAN]. I am an Ivorian and a defender of Accra Hearts of Oak and former player of Red Bull Academy and Labofoot Academy (Ivory Coast).

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How did you come to Ghana?

Robin Gnagne: I was playing in my hometown for an academy team called Labofoot in Ivory Coast. They organized a tournament in Ivory Coast for some clubs and that was where some scouts saw me and brought me to Ghana.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com:  Who were the scouts, where did they come from and how many of you did they select or bring to Ghana?

Robin Gnagne: I don’t know where exactly they came from, but I think they were from Red Bull Salzburg. They picked five of us to Ghana, but only two of us were able to come.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: When was this, which club did you go to and how long did you spend there?

Robin Gnagne: That was I think 2009 when I came to Ghana. I came with one of my friends and we came to do another justifier again in Ghana.  They took me to Sogakope Red Bull Academy and I was there for four years before coming to Hearts.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How tough was it for you to make the trip to Ghana at that young age?

Robin Gnagne: I have done it before. It was not the first time I had left home. I was in an [Football] Academy too when I was in Ivory Coast. But it was not easy. It was a tough decision to take but remember we go somewhere because of something. It is normal to think about your family, but sometimes you have to take certain decisions that you think might or will help you accomplish your mission in life. So it was my decision to come to Ghana.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How did you come to Accra Hearts of Oak?

Robin Gnagne: Ben Adjei [former Assistant coach, captain, defender and long time servant of Accra Hearts of Oak] was coaching at Sogakope Red Bull Academy before he came back to Hearts. He came to tell Hearts about me. But three years ago, we played against Accra Hearts of Oak in Sogakope, I think they beat us 1-nil. But Ben Adjei was in the Academy as Assistant coach, and when he came to Hearts, he talked about me. So they sent a letter to Red Bull saying they wanted me and that is how I came here.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What Division were you playing in at Red Bull Academy; did you win any laurels or personal awards?

Robin Gnagne: We were playing in the First Division. No, I did not win any personal award. But we went to a tournament in Salzburg, Austria-Vienna. We came third in the tournament at Austria. But sadly, I was the captain of the side, yet I could not play in the tournament because I was injured. I was only there to support my colleagues.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Did you ever hear of Accra Hearts of Oak before you came to Ghana?

Robin Gnagne: Actually, no. I had never heard of Accra Hearts of Oak before coming to Ghana. I think I heard of Kotoko, who came to play against Asec Mimosa in the qualifier for the Champions League. I support Asec Mimosa, and I was just happy they knocked Kotoko out.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: So, why did you not join the giants of Cote D’Ivoire, Asec Mimosa?

Robin Gnagne: I remember I went there with my Academy to play them, but I never got the chance to be there. They are a big club in Ivory Coast, but I think their loss, is Hearts’ gain. Maybe, if I played for them, I wouldn’t be in Ghana.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: When you came to Hearts in the 2012/13 season, you did not start the season with us, why?

Robin Gnagne: I was injured. I went for the preseason, and I was there for like three weeks in Sekondi-Takoradi. But the last day before leaving for Accra, I got injured when we played a friendly match against a First Division team at the Essipong Stadium.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: The early stage of the 2012/13 season was a bad one for the Club? We had only one win from five games. Did you think you made a mistake by joining Hearts then?

Robin Gnagne: No, not at all. I felt really bad because of the way results were going for the Club. But I did not regret my decision to join. That is football. You cannot explain it that easily. Sometimes things go well, other times too, not really so. But I had no doubts that I made the right choice by joining Accra Hearts of Oak.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Your first ever game for Accra Hearts of Oak was the biggest game in Ghanaian football calendar, the big one against Kotoko in Kumasi in match-day 7 of the 2012/13 season. Did you know of the rivalry between Hearts and Kotoko?

Robin Gnagne: Yes, I was told about the rivalry when I joined the club. I was told the match was not an easy match and that we could not lose that game because our supporters would not forgive us. And even before the match, everything had changed in the club. We had a new coach and the preparation was different and more focused.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What was going through your mind on the day of the match playing in front of 30,000 plus people?

Robin Gnagne: I was very focused for the game. I told myself I could make it by the grace of God. And I believed in God and I was happy to make even with the pressure on us. I have never played in front of such a large number. But I think I saw a lot of Hearts colours in the stands and that gave me a lot of motivation. The Hearts fans were always singing and you could hear them loud on the pitch, and that really helped me to settle.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Were you scared when the game begun? You looked a bit uncomfortable in the early minutes, what happened?

Robin Gnagne: I was not scared, to be honest. But in football, you take time to settle. You do not have to rush, you have to take time and play. I think I did that in the early minutes and it helped me a lot too throughout the game.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Laryea Kingston was sent off in the early stages of the second half, and it was David Duncan’s first game in charge. What did you do to get a draw with 10-men?

Robin Gnagne: We had one of the best coaches in the country then, David Duncan, and he organized the team. He switched our system to a zonal one, and so we were not marking players but our zones on the field. I think that really helped us and because of that you could not tell how many players we had on the field.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: At the end of the game, Hearts got a draw against her sworn-rivals with 10-men. How did you feel?

Robin Gnagne: I was really happy at full time. That was my first game and my prayer before the match was that we should win and make our fans happy. But because we played with 10 players, I was happy we got the draw at the end of the match. You know it is not easy when you go away especially against Kotoko. We did everything the coach told us and that got us the result.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Moving on, you got another chance to play in the next game against Liberty Professionals. That was also your first game at the Accra Sports Stadium, but something strange happened in the game. We had a penalty and you went for the ball. We had Mahatma Otoo and a couple of senior players, but why did you do that?

Robin Gnagne: Yes, it was true. I went for the ball when the Referee blew for the penalty. I am not scared of penalty shoot-outs because I have a lot of confidence in front of goal, so I did not think too much when we had the penalty. I just wanted to play and I told my colleagues, I will play it. They all understood it and so I was given the nod to take it and I thank God I scored the goal.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Where from that confidence, do you have an experience from the penalty spot or lesson to tell?

Robin Gnagne: Yes, I have a very sad story to tell when it comes to penalties. I think I let Red Bull Academy down in the FA Cup some seasons back. We played a 1-1 draw game with a certain team in the FA Cup, and the game went to penalties. I took the first kick and missed for the other team to win the tie. I was really hurt that I let my team down. Since then, I kept working on my penalty kicks.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: That is a good story. You have a 100% record in the league and the FA Cup when it comes to taking penalties, who should we give the credit for the impressive run?

Robin Gnagne: I think the thanks must go to my Red Bull Academy colleagues. They did not blame me for losing the game on penalties in the FA Cup. They rather encouraged me to take more penalties when we had them in matches. I just got my confidence back and lost the fear because they will always call me to come and take penalties.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Let me take you back to the Liberty game again. Why did you celebrate wildly after scoring from the spot against Liberty Professionals?

Robin Gnagne: I was extremely happy. I just took off my shirt. It was a difficult time for me because when I came, I could not play in any match for a while. Then I got my first game against Kotoko, and I did well. My first match in front of the fans too, I was able to score. I was very, very happy to play for such a big club and score a penalty.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How would you compare the performance of last season to that of two seasons ago?

Robin Gnagne: Last season we had a very good team. But last two seasons, our team was not really going well, especially in the first round. In the second round, we built a good team and we tried our best to make the fans very happy with our finish. We did the fans happy looking at the place we came from to finish at fifth. We had a solid team in the second round and everybody was afraid of us in the league. We won so many games in the second round, but if we had a little more points from the first round, I think we would have even won the league. But it was not meant to be and so we had to try again last season. We had another good team but unfortunately we had some changes [Duncan sacked midway through the first round] along the way and things turned out not too well.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: There were technical changes in the team last year, how did that affect the players?

Robin Gnagne: I think our team morale went down during the changes. But we had to catch up, even though it was not easy. We had a good team and so we needed to respond positively, which I feel like we did. We had to manage it, and not let the change affect the whole season, but it took a lot of time to get our season back on track. The problem cut across the whole Club. There were changes in the playing body, the technical team, and even the management of the Club, but we only had to work hard to give the fans results at the end of the campaign.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: We won the President’s Cup in 2013, and we beat TP Mazembe and Medeama to win it; what do you recollect of the Cup winning year?

Robin Gnagne: The feeling of lifting a trophy is always great, and being my first trophy with Hearts, I was really happy and lucky to be part of that team. I quite remember being so happy on the day we beat Medeama because they had worried us in the season. I was thrilled also because it was my first cup with such a great club. It was not easy for us because we missed out on the league and t he FA Cup, but winning the President’s Cup went in a way in appeasing our fans. We just had to thank God for the small success.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Do you remember how Hearts scored their second goal against Medeama in the President’s Cup finals? I think you started the move with a good run from the center line before dribbling into the box to lay a pass for Mahatma Otoo to score?

Robin Gnagne: Yes, I do remember [smiles]. It is something I have been learning for a very long time. But when you learn something, you need to practice it in a game. I think I felt very good that it worked on the day of the finals for Hearts. I will give the credit to God.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: You missed a penalty for the first time in Hearts colours when you crushed your shot onto the crossbar with Hearts leading 2-0, any regrets?

Robin Gnagne: I was a bit down after missing the kick. I was quickly told to forget the miss and concentrate on the game by my colleagues. It also helped and eased the anger for me. But that is football. Anything can happen especially when it is penalties. I have no regrets because what was important was that, we won the game and the Cup on the day.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How important was the 2013 President’s Cup for you and the fans?

Robin Gnagne: Well, I was satisfied to see that our fans were happy after the game. You know we suffered in the first round of the season, and the fans had gone through some very bad times. But winning the President’s Cup brought back the smiles for all the fans, and that is a good thing for me. I think it helped them to forget how the season had unfolded.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Your captain and leader then was Mahatma Otoo, the top-scorer that year; do you feel you miss him in the team?

Robin Gnagne: Yes, why not? He is a great player and he helped the team a lot. So, it means everywhere he played before, Mahatma [Otoo] will be missed big time. But that is also football for you. You can’t be at one place forever and so after playing three or four seasons, you have to go somewhere and get experience.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: We started the 2013/14 league season on a very good note; we won our first game away at Bekwai, but we lost our second game against Kotoko at home. What were some of the things you can recollect from the defeat?

Robin Gnagne: I think coach [David Duncan] tried to psyche us up immediately at halftime [because we were down by a goal]. He told us to come out fighting and we did that to the last sweat. I think we were all determined to get the equalizer and if possible to get the winner. But Kotoko came prepared and they were very tough to beat in the second half because they scored one and so were defending but they were also dangerous on the counter attack. They had just one chance and they took. But I think it was a fantastic game, but sadly we lost.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: We came back to Tema with a lot of surprises for the supporters by beating Inter Allies 2-3. But the game ended abruptly for you after you picked, I think, a shoulder injury. How did you feel?

Robin Gnagne: I went for an air ball but I was pushed from behind and I did not see so I fell on my shoulder. I got the injury at halftime and that time we were leading 2-0, I think. I did not want to go out. I wanted to play but the pain was too much. I came out to sit on the bench in the second half and I was telling my colleagues to fight so that we got the three points. They made me happy by winning that game despite my injury.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: You missed four games after your injury, but what was it like watching Hearts from the sidelines?

Robin Gnagne: I was not worried at all because we were winning our matches. We beat Hasaacas at home, we went away to beat Bechem United, and we won at home against Berekum Chelsea too. So my teammates made me very happy during my time out on the injury table.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: David Duncan was sacked midway in the first round of last season, how did it affect the team?

Robin Gnagne: I was very disappointed but that is football. David Duncan was advising us like a father and at the same time like a coach. I think it is the same way Herbert Addo treats us now. I remember the day Duncan left us. I think we trained in the morning, but when I got home, somebody called me to tell me David Duncan had been sacked. I did not believe it so I went to the Secretariat myself to find out. They confirmed it and I was very down. I was not even able to call him [David Duncan] afterwards because I was really down.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Despite losing your coach David Duncan, you beat Amidaus Professionals in the next game by 1-0 away at Tema with Ben Adjei in charge. What was the secret of that win?

Robin Gnagne: We had a surprise visit from David Duncan when we were in camp. As soon as we saw him, we were so happy and forgot everything. He spoke to us and told us to fight for the Club at all times, and I think we took that mentality to the Amidaus match and we won. It was a mixed emotion for the team. We were happy we won the match, but we were also sad that our coach [Duncan] was leaving. But once again, it is football.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: After David Duncan’s departure, it did not take long for Ben Adjei, who brought you to Hearts, to also leave the Club. How did you manage missing these two influential guys?

Robin Gnagne: When Ben Adjei left, I was totally shattered. But it is life. When your time comes to leave, you will leave; and that goes for the players as well. We will also go, but it was very difficult for me to say goodbye to Ben Adjei. I did not know what happened for him to leave, but I just had to concentrate on the football.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: It was a difficult season for you, on a personal level, and the Club; but it could have gotten better on the last day. How painful was it to lose out on second place due to a painful penalty decision by Referee S.B Bortey?

Robin Gnagne:  I missed that game because I got a head injury in the Kotoko game. But I was very sad to see them cheat us like that at home. When we go away, they cheat us, and when we play at home too, they do the same. It is frustrating. That ball was not a penalty, but I do not know how the Referee [S.B Bortey] managed to award it against us. I was not happy, but it is past because another season is coming up.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: You also played the highest game of the season for Hearts, together with Eric Kumi. You played 26 times in the league, how were you able to put out such a fight?

Robin Gnagne: It was not easy, but for everything I must thank God. All the credit must go to the Almighty God. He made it possible for me to play all the games and I am grateful.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: You missed out on the best defender of the season for the second year running. What do you make of the omission or neglect from the selectors?

Robin Gnagne: I am not surprised by the neglect. Last two seasons, I had a very good run in the league but nobody put out my name for the Best – this or that – Award. They did not give it to me, but they gave it to someone else. This season, I played a lot of matches for Hearts. Fine, we had a difficult season, but I think I played my best football last season. I do not really think about it. They are deciding it; but I have to work more hard on the field to get their attention.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: We have had a few changes in the team from the technical department to even the playing body. What do you make of the new ‘dream bench’ comprising four CAF License A holders – Herbert Addo (Head Coach), Stephen Abugri (Asst.-Coach), Dauda Lutterodt (U17 Coach), Eddie Ansah (Goalkeepers trainer) and Sabahn Quaye (Team Manager)?

Robin Gnagne: We have a very good combination on the bench. I think they are the perfect technical bench. We have a fantastic coach [Herbert Addo] and a great Team Manager [Sabahn Quaye] too. All of them are very good and it means things will be better this season. We will give out our best to be the best this season for the new technical team and the fans. We just have to do everything to make our fans happy. We can take everything this season. I believe we are going to do it because we can do it.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: How would you describe Coach Herbert Addo?

Robin Gnagne: Herbert Addo is a great coach. He is also a good father. He talks to us nicely and at the same time he gives us a lot of advice. He treats us like his own children and he is a simple man. He is the same when we are playing matches. No matter how the game is going, he still talks to us calmly and with a lot of respect. He does not shout on the players. He will tell you nicely when you make a mistake and because of that, you wouldn’t want to repeat it again. He keeps us calm in the game and he will make a lot of us big players. At training, he teaches a lot of tactical discipline and a lot more in life. He is a fantastic man and coach.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Who is your closest friend in the team?

Robin Gnagne: I do not have a close friend in the team [he laughs]. Everyone is my friend. All the players are like my brothers and I get on well with everybody. We are brothers and we are friends too. That is how they welcomed me to the team so I am free with everybody in the team.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What is your target for the season?

Robin Gnagne: I personally want us to win everything. We will have to concentrate more on the league and the FA Cup. We must get those two cups to make our fans happy. We will fight to be on top of all the teams when the league starts.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: What is your message to Hearts fans?

Robin Gnagne: I have a very good relationship with Hearts fans, and I can say I am very happy to be part of the Hearts family. They have always supported me, in the good and the bad times, and I am very happy with the support. I am extremely happy to be a player of Accra Hearts of Oak and I am grateful to the fans for making me who I am today. They always advice me like a brother and a friend and are very good to me. I do not have anything to say to describe how special the fans are to me. I love them.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Robin, where or who would you love to play for? Cote D’Ivoire or Ghana?

Robin Gnagne: I have been asked that question many times. But when the opportunity comes, I will take it. It is football. You see players playing for other countries. Ghanaians also naturalize for other countries and so do Ivorians. But when the opportunity comes, I will make it. But honestly, I am not thinking about International football yet. I just want to give my best to my club, Accra Hearts of Oak and the fans. That is my thinking. I want to achieve something for Accra Hearts of Oak this season, and in the name of God, we will do it. We just have to put our hands to it, and we will do it for Accra Hearts of Oak.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Would you like to win a personal award at the end of the season?

Robin Gnagne: Yes, why not. Is there a player who would not want to win the best player award? This season, I am going to be the Best Defender, and I would want to win the Best Player of the season too with the help of Herbert Addo and the technical team.

HeartsEleven.wordpress.com: Thank you very much for your time.

Robin Gnagne: Thank you also for talking to me. I hope the next time we talk again, you will be asking me how many trophies have we won from the season.

Is Robin Gnagne your best player of last season (2013/14)? If he is or he is not, please tell us why via @HeartsEleven and +233542962261 on whatsapp; FaceBook page coming soon.