Hearts, show us your character.

The first spook in the wheel of Herbert Addo’s side caused heartaches of unparalleled magnitude in the minds of many Phobia fans.

Berekum Chelsea had done the incredible to beat Hearts 4-2 even when they were down by 2-1 at halftime.

But the signs were already on the wall. Head Coach Herbert Addo had inferred it was going to be an easy battle because Chelsea were playing away from home.

“We are playing on a neutral ground,” he said in his pre-match interview.

“The playing field at Essipong [Sports Stadium] is better than that of the Kpando Park so I hope we will find our passes in the final third and score a lot of goals.”

Clearly, we all expected an easy game against Berekum Chelsea, who were serving a home ban, and so had to host us at the Essipong Sports Stadium.

Maybe, if we knew we were going to the Golden City Park, where Chelsea had beaten Hearts five times out of the last six meetings, the preparation and mental attitude for the match would have been better.

Instead, and because we had beaten XI Wise at the venue, we thought it was going to be an easy ride for us.

All we needed to do was just turn up and play fancy football.

But, no. Berekum Chelsea made it clear that they would not be pushovers, even better, they took the lead under a minute.

Chelsea defender Abdul Rasheed, whose throw-ins is like a missile, launched a long one into the box from the right side of the Hearts defense.

Kweku Andoh and Abraziz Abankwa allowed the ball to fly over their heads; Tetteh Luggard, in goal, thought his defenders would attack the ball. They all stopped for the ball to fall for Stephen Baffour to score the easiest goal Hearts will concede this season.

It was a big shock. The players were stunned. But slowly, they came back into the game. Admirably, they got on level terms in the 18th minute.

Kwame Kizito cushioned a header for Fiamenyo, the striker latched onto the ball. He dummied his man twice just on the edge before driving into the box, keeper moved a step forward. Fiamenyo blasted into the net.

The new Hearts striking darling had scored only one goal in 9 matches last season. He bettered his 2013/14 season record in just two games of the new season.

Hearts controlled the game. They took the lead again in the 37th minute. Gilbert Fiamenyo will take credit for the goal, but it all resulted from the chicanery of Kweku Andoh on the left side of the Hearts attack.

Emmanuel Hayford’s corner kick, from the right side, was headed out to the left. Andoh got to the ball first and turned away facing his half, but with the drop of a shoulder, he left his marker rooted.

The defender sent in a good cross across the face of goal. Fiamenyo ghosted in to connect into the net.
Hearts had overturned the result.

They had chances to score more. But they played to the gallery. It was as if they had to score the perfect goal. They played delightfully, before and after the break.

But something happened. A bit of complacency set in Herbert Addo’s side’s game. Chances fell to Isaac Mensah and Gilbert Fiamenyo, but the former was denied brilliantly by Michael Sai, whilst the latter saw his strikes blocked in the box.

Against the run of play, Berekum Chelsea struck the equalizer. Fumador was steered away from goal, but he managed to turn to shoot. Kofi Owusu, who was expecting a pass from the striker, kept running into the box. Tetteh Luggard positioned to save the shot, but he was wrong footed as the ball bounced off the running Owusu into the net.

Hearts had no response going forward. They still wanted the perfect goal, but Chelsea, knew how to score from a set-piece.

A corner kick caused problem in the Hearts box. Stephen Baffour, stood unmarked in the box, to shot at Luggard. The keeper deflected the strike back to the Berekum Chelsea man. He was not even aware the ball was coming but the speed with which it hit him took it past Luggard.

Hearts woke up from their slumber. Probed and probed, only to be robbed by another set-piece goal.

A corner kick was deflected out for a throw. Another missile into the box. It was allowed to bounce in the box. Substitute Bennett Ofori reacted quickest in the crowded box. The Chelsea man’s strike was handled weakly by Luggard.

Chelsea had made it 4-2 from 2-1 down.

At the end, Hearts were totally dejected. They were exposed by the set-piece skill set of Berekum Chelsea.

But this is not an inherent flaw in Herbert Addo’s defense.  Andoh and Abankwa are not the tallest of centre-backs, and despite playing creditably well against WAFA, it would be miraculous to see the pair in defense again.

Goalkeeper Tetteh Luggard was, once again, the villain. Though he had no hand in any of the goals, individually.

It was a collective defensive collapse; but the body language of the team after the game, spoke of a side ready to restore our dented pride.

Who best to do it against than our new bogey-side Medeama.

Come on Hearts, show us your character.

The Referees have started, again; it is Hearts versus them, again.

On the final day of the 2013/14 season, I was there at the Accra Sports Stadium. At full time, I still did not believe it. When I woke up the following day, it still felt like a dream. No, he didn’t. Yes, he did!

Referee S.B Bortey had denied Mohammed Polo and Hearts a perfect end to the season by taking a hard-to-believe penalty against Hearts in injury time in a game with Edubiase United. They scored to make it 2-2. It still hurts today; not the goal but the pusillanimous decision.

Youngster Hamza Fuseini, who had scored to restore Hearts’ lead after another dubious penalty was given against us for the leveller, thought he was the hero for the day.

The utility youngster represented Polo’s coaching legacy. He was effective, yet unseen by many; he could play anywhere, but many could not distinguish him from Fatau Mohammed. The midfielder played so perfectly well at right back in the latter end of the season that the  experienced Emmanuel Ansong could not get game time. But all Hamza’s hard work, like that of Hearts, in a difficult season would be undone by one strange decision by a referee.

In the 2013/14 season, Hearts were disunited. They had no single voice. The fans were divided and so was the support of the team.

If our new attitude was causing our internal downfall, match Referees were having a field day in our period of turmoil.

Referee Otis Oppong, who was three-months pregnant, was the first to make a bold statement with his shockingly shameful performance in Accra.

What did the RFA, GFA and PLB, do? They allowed Otis to continue even when his physical appearance accentuated the fact that he was a disgrace to the Refereeing uniform, not to even talk about his competence.

But one thing was clear. We were disunited and so when we reacted, we were banned.

We were robbed again, in broad daylight at Tarkwa. Our player Emmanuel Hayford, had it not been for the fact that an ambulance stood in wait, might have been – God forbid – paralyzed by now. But what did we get? Referee John Atikese and the attempted-human-killer-turned-footballer Kabiru Moro went unpunished against Medeama [for Medeama, you don’t even have to name Referees. We are always playing 11 v 14 against them. And you will see on Saturday (24th Jan.,2015) too.]

And many, many, many more incidents of an organized attempt to officiate unfairly against Hearts continued despite our call for fair games.

I thought it all ended last season, but it has started again. At Kpando, we had three clear-as-day penalties but William Agbovi thought otherwise.

I looked back at the incidents and wondered what it would take for Hearts to get a penalty in the league? A gun-shot? Or our players carried in ambulances?

That reminds me: Thomas Abbey’s season was ended entirely last year when he got his ankle broken by goalkeeper of Amidaus Professionals, Richard Ofori-Antwi. And even then, the penalty was awarded not for the foul on the Hearts midfielder but the apparent pain he lied in after that unnecessarily nefarious challenge.

Against WAFA, yes newly promoted WAFA, the laws of the game was turned again. Kwame Kizito had sneaked in front of his marker in the box, had a touch of the ball in the box, but he was clearly pushed by the last man in the box – and it did not make sense for him to fall because the keeper was already at his mercy – but no. No penalty.

The same Kizito had a shot blocked by a flailing arm in the box. It was so clear the defender had absolute intention to block the ball with his arm. Everybody, including the players, stopped and looked straight at Agbovi. But no. No penalty.

Then, we gave Agbovi the benefit of doubt for the two incidents. But when the third one came after Isaac Mensah was held back in the box, we knew the rules of the game was not being followed to the letter.

Why would or should I complain now? We won the game, so no need to cry, but it made me fear that we are up against them again. That, if Referee William Agbovi, clearly and by a country-mile the best referee in Ghana, could officiate like that against us, then trouble is ahead.

I was there when referee S.B Bortey took that last minute penalty against us. And if Bortey could take a penalty for that incident [the defender and attacker all facing the opposite side of goal (moving away from goal), then what we saw at Kpando – a clear, 100% times, everyday in the week penalty; not once, not twice, but three times – under the nose of Referee Agbovi  then we will have to start fasting for the season.

Look, we were second in the league last year, but S.B Bortey denied us our legitimate position and the chance to return to AFRICA. But then look at what God did for us? We are in Africa, because Lions could not raise the money to go.

Let the prayers begin. Unceasingly. Because, we will need DIVINE INTERVENTION, again.

Hearts Opening Day of the Season Records (1994-2014)

In the last 20 years, Hearts have won 10 of their 20 opening day fixtures.

The Phobians have drawn six times on the opening day of the season and lost four times in the last 20 years.

Hearts have won the league 9 times in the last 20 years of the league, and they have gone on to win the league 7 times after starting the season with a win.

The Phobians heaviest defeat on the opening day was in the 1994/95 season when they fell 3-0 at the Len Clay to then heavyweights Obuasi Goldfields.

However, there have been stellar performance, both team and individual, and portents have bee greater things have been shown on the opening day in those last 20 years.

Team performance wise, Hearts’ 2-1 win in Kumasi over Kotoko courtesy of captain Nii-Noi Dowuona and Theophilus Amuzu goals in the 1996/97 season sowed the seed for the six-year domestic stranglehold on the league.

Also, Hearts’ opener against Sporting (Saint) Mirren when the team won by 2-0 helped the team to her last league win in 2009.

Ishmael Addo and Charles Taylor have gone on to win the goal king by netting on the opening day.

Victories on the opening day of the season in the 1996/97, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2008/9 season has led to the team winning the league.

Will victory over Feyenoord be another marker of things to come?

Below is the list of all the teams Hearts has played on the first day of the season in the last 20 years. P20 W10 D6 L4.

1993/94 Hearts 2-2 Olympics

1994/95 Goldfields 3-0 Hearts

1995/96 Eleven Wise 0-0 Hearts

1996/97 Kotoko 1-2 Hearts

1997/98 Hearts 1-1 Ghapoha

1999 Hearts 4-1 Afienya

2000 RTU 0-1 Hearts

2001 Liberty 2-4 Hearts

2002 Hearts 2-0 Bofokwa

2003 Liberty 1-1 Hearts

2004 Hearts 3-0 Liberty

2005 Hearts 2-3 Dwarfs

2006 Arsenals 1-0 Hearts

2007/8 Hearts 0-0 Olympics

2008/9 St Mirren 0-2 Hearts

2009/10 Heart of Lions 2-0 Hearts

2010/11 Hearts 1-0 King Faisal

2011/12 Arsenals 0-1 Hearts

2012/13 Tema Youth 1-1 Hearts

2013/14 Edubiase 0-2 Hearts

HEARTS 2013/14 SEASON REVIEW: BY THE NUMBERS

Accra Hearts of Oak finished third in the 2013/14 First Capital Plus Premier League. Below is the breakdown of the goals, appearances, assists, and yellow cards of the season.

GOALS: Hearts 2013/14  TOPSCORERS

Emmanuel Hayford – 6 (Edubiase(2), Hasaacas, Lions, Medeama, Bechem United)

Winful Cobbinah – 6
(Allies (2), Hasaacas, Aduana, Lions, Allies)

Eric Kumi -3 (Liberty, Aduana,
Amidaus)

Robin Gnagne – 3
(Liberty, Amidaus, Bechem –> all his goals from the penalty spot)

Thomas Abbey – 2
(Bechem, Dwarfs)

Selasi Adjei – 3 (Allies, Amidaus, Edubiase)

1 – Gilbert Fiamenyo (Chelsea), Romeo Agban (King Faisal), Owusu BEMPAH (Amidaus), Kofi Abanga (Aduana), Gerald Odupong (Ashgold), Paul Acquah (Ashgold), Ashittey Ollenu (Liberty), Hamza Fuseini (Edubiase)

PLAYER    APPEARANCES(SUBS)
Philemon McCarthy    19 (1)
Tetteh Luggard    12
Kweku Andoh    19 (2)
Owusu Bempah    25
Nuru Sule    24
Robin Gnagne    26
Stephen Tetteh    11 (2)
Moro Abubakar    13
Sampson Cudjoe    8 (7)
Emmanuel Ansong    15 (1)
Emmanuel Hayford    22 (1)
Eric Kumi    26 (2)
Ashittey Ollenu    14 (7)
Thomas Abbey    14 (1)
Selasi Adjei    21(6)
Winful Cobbinah    23 (1)
Gilbert Fiamenyo    9 (8)
Kenneth Okoro    2 (1)
Kofi Abanga    10 (3)
Gabriel Darko    4 (3)
Abdul Abankwa    12 (2)
Romeo Agban    12 (4)
Paul Acquah    13 (7)
Emmanuel Laryea 7
Dennis Larweh 1
Isaac Mensah 5 (5)
Maxwell Boakye 7(4)
Odupong Gerald 5 (3)
Hamza Fuseini 9(1)
Isaac Badu 1(1)
Kingsley Kissi 1(1)
EDIKEU Berenger 1(1)
Ishmael Nortey 1(1)
Philip Boampong 4
Ezekiel Tetteh 3(1)
Fatawu Mohammed 3(1)

ASSISTS

6 – Winful Cobbinah

4 – Emmanuel Hayford, Eric Kumi

3 – Owusu Bempah

2 – Paul Acquah, Romeo Agban, Thomas Abbey, Ashittey Ollenu, Selasi Adjei

1 – Moro Abubakr, Kweku Andoh, Maxwell Boakye, Gerald Odupong

YELLOW CARDS:

7 – Kweku Andoh, Nuru Sule.

Hearts’ double victory over Kotoko – Christmas and New Year

#OnThisHeartsDay 2007

Hearts beat Kotoko 3-1 to complete a league double over the Kumasi side at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast.

Record-signing Eric Gawu shot the Phobians into a deserved lead after a 15-minutes hiatus following Ahmed Toure’s dismissal on the half-hour mark.

Super man Bernard Dong Bortey doubled the tally to set the “adapted” home side on course for a routine win, but the Porcupines pulled a goal back.

However, the euphoniously named Alfred Nii Larbie restored the two-goal cushion to make the scoreline a handsome 3-1 to Hearts.

Hearts had already beaten Kotoko 0-1 at the same venue courtesy a lone strike from Stanley Afedzie in the first round (23rd Dec., 2006), and the latest victory ensured Hearts leapfrogged Kotoko on the league log from the

16th matchday to the end of the season/

The Phobians went on to win the league in the 2006/7 season by five points over second-placed Kotoko, but the season is mostly remembered for the fortnight double victory over Kotoko.

[Pix: League winning technical team celebrate the second triumph over Kotoko L-R: Eben Dida, K, K Dobrev, Sabahn Quaye, and Eddie Ansah]

Are you not proud to be a PHOBIAN?

HEARTS 3 – 1 KOTOKO (7th January,2007):

Cape Coast played host to the two giants of Ghana football, and for the first time in a neutral league ground, although on paper it was Hearts’ home match, the Phobians had pipped the Porcupines at the same venue in the first round of the league through Stanley Afede’s solo strike. And in this return league, after gifting Phobia fans all over the world the perfect Christmas gift, Hearts were at it again. Eric Gawu and Dong Bortey sent Hearts into a two nil lead, and Alfred Nii Larbi made the score emphatic after the visitors reduced the deficit after the break.

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.

SHAMO QUAYE – Legends Don’t Die, They Live Forever

SHAMO QUAYE: Legends Don’t Die; They Live Forever.

Benjamin Shamo Quaye, one of the greatest football entertainers to don the tri-colours of the Glorious Hearts of Oak, bid an untimely goodbye to the physical world, at the tender age of 26 on the 30^th November, 1997.

Shamo lived for just a quarter of a century and a year, but his close-to-a decade love story with Accra Hearts of Oak will forever live in Ghana football.

The mercurial midfielder played for Soccer Angels, Division 3 side 3kp3 Stars, before he joined Hearts in 1986 in the Musical Youth era. He had stints with Africa Sports, played in Saudi Arabia, and was a player of Umea FC of Sweden, when the unfortunate happened after he complained of severe headaches after a training kick-about in Tema.

During a very torrid time for the club in the late 1980s, rose this special rose from the concrete; out of the turmoil, Shamo became the halcyon we could all rely on. In his first season, Shamo Quaye won the Discovery of The Season in 1987. The small success was overcome by a patron-v-directors-schism that rocked the boat of the club in 1988. But when calm returned in 1989/90, Shamo Quaye’s thirteen goals in the league pushed Hearts to its first league title in five years.

Most will remember him for his prowess, bravery, valour, football wizardry and trickery, but a very few still recollect his genuine human qualities off the field that made him the amazing man he became.

On a road trip to Takoradi just two weeks ago, Hearts masseur Ali Adjetey alias Ozi-Oza was sent into a 30-minutes  reticence when, after he had mentioned that the late Shamo Quaye would have been a great coach, his partner in the physio team quickly riposted that ‘not all great players are good coaches’.

He looked for answers, but could not find any. He wanted to speak, but he could not muster a word. Almost half-an-hour later, and more composed, he innocently asked his colleague: “Did you ever see Shamo play?”

The answer was an honest: “No, but I heard he was a great player”. Ozi-Oza said again and as if his colleague had committed a sacrilege, “Yes, that is why you said what you said.”

All these had started when I chanced on a Hearts booklet titled: “Prospectus for the sale of 20,000,000 ordinary shares of no par value to Accra Hearts of oak Sporting Club Ltd.”

On the 25^th (xxv) page of the booklet’s introduction, a picture of Shamo Quaye was spread, with the small caption, “Legendary Hearts player – Shamo Quaye”.

He was the last in a line with a teammate’s hand hanging on his left shoulder. But he looked different. He looked reflective as if he was gauging into the future or ferreting for a thing from the past. It was before a game, his hands loosely by his side, and countless faces in the background.

Those were the people Shamo came to entertain, and they were awaiting the master entertainer with an assured hope that they would take something unforgettable from the repertoire of the Hearts No.10.

Yet, he did not appear battle ready, but such was his demeanor – calm in person, composed on the ball, and explosive in the box; but also, he could always put on a show when he wanted to or the occasion demanded. He was the mystery man.

Ozi-Oza had tried in vain to get the right words to describe the man. I asked him why he said Shamo was such a good man. Ozi’s answer was simple: “He cared so much for every single one of us who worked for the club, and he made them raise my salary and I will never forget that.”

“How could a player wield so much power and yet be so humble,” I asked again. “….Because, he was Shamo Quaye. He cared so much for the rest of us and that made him who he was. The fame never got to him. He worked the most and prayed the most as well before games, and God answered most of his prayers,” Ozi-Oza answered.

The always smiling, joke-cracking Hearts Masseur was getting very emotional talking about a man who had been gone for 17 years.

He said that Shamo always pointed to his colleagues where to move and stand on the field of play. He thought a minute ahead of all the players on the pitch, and he could do whatever he wanted to do with the ball. And it was the reason he said Shamo could have been a great coach.

When I asked Ozi what his funniest moment with Shamo Quaye was, to ease off the rising maudlin, he replied: “One day, I asked Shamo Quaye: Why don’t you have an English name? Shamo laughed and smiled. ‘Aaah, Ozi, don’t you know that Benjamin is my English name?’”

Most of us had forgotten what his English name was because we had rechristened him, “LEATHER” and shouted, “WONDER” whenever he stupefied our eyes.

He came in at the tender age of 15 in late 1986, but he rose like a giant to stake his claim in the pantheon of greatness of Accra Hearts of Oak by the time he left in 1995.

“Since I saw Shamo play, I never saw him lose form. He could wander in the game, as if he was not there, but once he sprang to life, he either scored a goal or made WONDERS,” one staunch Phobian, Maxwell Koranteng recalled.

And another also said, “Well, the best players score goals, but Shamo Quaye scored hard to comprehend goals.”

For those of you, who were lucky enough to see the WONDER goals and there were a lot of them, Shamo’s memory will linger forever. Yes, that season-double against Olympics in 1990, home and away. Remember? Shamo Quaye had the ball in the middle of the pitch, goalkeeper Karl Sekyere had committed the cardinal error of vacating his 6-yard line, a drop of the shoulder and a split-second peep at the opposing goal. The “leather” drove home a magical chip from the center circle, wide eyes and gasps followed the strike. Sekyere flinched a muscle to retreat to his line, but there was no stopping the salient strike. It was the equalizer, and it denied city-rivals Olympics the bragging rights. Then, again, he repeated it. If they ever thought that he was lucky on the first attempt in the first league, they were proved wrong. Lightning does not strike twice, they say. But Shamo scored a picturesque replica of his long range lob again against Karl Sekyere and Olympics. Incidentally, it was the equalizer again.

And were you at the Kaladan in 1990? If the dreaded Kaladan Park had ever clapped for an opposing team goal, then it was for Shamo Quaye on this occasion. The magical Hearts No.10 drove a low, carpet strike, from about 35-meters, on a pitch that had gained notoriety for its undulating nature, to gift Hearts a lone goal victory over RTU.  And were you part of the few who decided to leave the stadium with the score goalless in a league fixture with Dwarfs in Accra? The time was up, and it was the year of drawn games going to penalties. The two teams had just submitted their list for the spot kicks. Guess, who was not in the mood for penalties? Shamo Quaye, lining-up with Mohammed Polo, conjured a simple yet exquisite one-two, to send the stadium into absolute delirium.

Still fresh in the memory is that goal against Asante Kotoko in the 1990 League Decider. It was the opening goal. It was not an ordinary goal; it was a goal that could make a ghoul an angel. Shamo Quaye, sandwiched between two center backs – and remember, he was not the tallest of players – met a looping cross midair, without the ball touching the turf, and unleashed a fierce volley into Mohammed Odoom’s net. Are you bemused? No need for yes. So was goalkeeper Mohammed Odum, who concluded in local dialect that, “Shamo is a wizard!” He celebrated like he was in the stands by taking off his no.10 shirt. Shirtless Shamo Scorcher! It was for those who were lucky to be there.

The “wonder” man reserved one of those wonder goals for the Wonder Club in the mid-1990s. Richard Kingston was just mapping his name on the local terrain, and he was a thorn-in-the-flesh of the Phobians in a league encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Accra rivalry had just been reduced to a Kingston versus Hearts battle. Yet, and timely too, Shamo Quaye had just returned from a trip abroad to etch his name once again in the capital’s longest running rivalry. Kingston’s heroics on any other day might have won the plaudits and the points for Olympics, but Shamo skillfully outshone the young keeper and Olympics, again.

The wonder boys were defending a goal lead, Kingston was saving everything in his way, then came the Shamo moment. A looping ball into the area was majestically trapped between-toe-and-shin, and still with his foot hanged in the air, he flicked it sideways into the net with Kingston stranded. He did not wait for the ball to hit the back of the net as he wheeled away towards the Score-Board end of the stadium to celebrate with the vociferous fans.

Shamo Quaye had the sense of the dramatic and had delayed his entry onto the pitch to add to the suspense. In the end, he left the pitch with as much applause as he had entered it.

The son of a fisherman and a Ga Fetish Priestess, born in Tema New Town, rose to become the symbol of the indomitable spirit of Accra Hearts of Oak in less than a decade. And what a dynamic symbol he became. The Shamo Leather is fondly remembered by all Phobians on the 17th anniversary of his demise.

The WONDER man lives on, not just on the field, but in the heart of the many Hearts fans he thrilled and uplifted in the short time he spent on earth.

Wherever you are, Benjamin Shamo Papa “leather” Quaye, your name will be remembered forever and ever. Sleep well, sleep well, sleep well.

Do you have a Shamo memory or tale to tell? Please, drop it in the comment box below or tweet @HeartsEleven or whatsapp +233542962261

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.
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