Hearts Of Oak Part Ways With Coach Koopman
The Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club have parted ways with head coach, Martinus Koopman, as part of what they call the restructuring of their technical team.
The termination of the Dutch’s contract which was announced on Tuesday, November 14, was on mutual grounds, according to the Phobians.
It justified, “This decision forms part of the club’s grand aim of restructuring the technical team as we continue with the 2023-24 football season.”
“The Hearts of Oak Management uses this opportunity to thank Coach Koopman for his service whilst at the club and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours.”
Koopman took over the Management of Hearts in August 2023 following the departure of Serbian football manager Slavko Matić.
Koopman managed just two wins out of 10 games played by the Club this season. He polled six draws and two losses.
During an engagement with the media before his last win against the defending Champions on November 1, the Dutch football manager pleaded for more time to position the team to pick up.
He indicated that the team is vibrant and only needs time to show off its potential.
“I see performance and I’m proud of them. I think we need time because the players are young. We have players between the ages of 19 and 21, so we need time,” he said according to JoyNews.
News of his departure has attracted myriad reactions from Hearts fans, a few of whom believe the termination is a blunder.
“Instead of giving him time to build a formidable team, you are sacking him. Hearts will never learn.”
Several others, however, back the decision of the Management.
“Best news so far in the month of November, it is part of our birthday present.”
“This is great news for @ACCRA HEARTS OF OAK.”
“As long as it’s in the best interest of the club and will improve us, I support it. We move.”
Assistant head coach Abdul Bashiru takes over in the interim, the club has noted.
“The Board of Accra Hearts of Oak has appointed the club’s assistant coach, Abdul Rahim Bashiru, as the acting head coach. His appointment takes immediate effect.”
This means he will superintend over the Club’s match against Accra Lions on November 18.
