Rescue Mission: Hearts bank on Dramani to restore glory
Newly-appointed Accra Hearts of Oak head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, faces a tough challenge of restoring the club’s lost glory following a disappointing 2023/24 campaign.
The 59-year-old gaffer signed a two-year deal last Friday and is set to get down to work this week.
He is scheduled to meet with the playing squad for the first time ahead of commencing training on Friday at the club’s Pobiman training complex.
Dramani’s first real test will be nothing short of seismic: a clash against bitter rivals Asante Kotoko in the President’s Cup — a match that could set the tone for his tenure.
The new boss will also lead the team to Nigeria later this year for the prestigious Eko International Tournament, a chance to sharpen his new-look side in competitive action.
But the heart of Dramani’s mission lies in rebuilding the squad from the ground up — a mammoth task already underway. A newly-formed
Recruitment Committee has been mandated to “assess current performances and identify potential recruits in line with the technical team’s guidance,” the club revealed in a statement.
The Phobians are aiming high, and that means sweeping changes across board. Underperforming players are expected to be shown the exit as the club chases top-quality signings capable of reigniting their championship credentials.
Top of the transfer wish-list is Nations FC midfield enforcer Razak Simpson, who is being targeted to reinforce the club’s defensive backbone.
The club is also considering reuniting Dramani with his former goalkeepers’ trainer at Kotoko, Najau Issah, while former Asante Kotoko caretaker coach Abdulai Gazale is reportedly in talks for a backroom staff role as an assistant coach.
Adding to the buzz is Fiifi Parker Hanson, who coached lower-tier Golden Kick FC, to the final of the MTN FA Cup last week. The ambitious young coach has publicly expressed interest in joining Dramani’s technical team as assistant. The two share a history from their days at the
Right to Dream Academy, which could prove valuable in building a strong coaching partnership.
At 59, Dramani arrives with an impressive résumé. He previously led Kotoko to consecutive league titles and has held roles with the national teams, including assistant coach of the Black Stars and as head coach of the Black Queens. His coaching career also includes stints at FC
Nordsjaelland in Denmark, the Right to Dream Academy, and Ghana’s U-17 women’s side.
Dramani joins a select group of coaches who have managed both Hearts and their fierce rivals Kotoko, alongside names such as Charles Kwablan Akonnor, Bashir Hayford, David Duncan, Ernst Middendorp, Paa Kwasi Fabin, and Herbert Addo.
He becomes the 15th coach to take charge of the Phobians since 2015, joining a long list that includes Mohammed Polo, Kenichi Yatsuhashi, Frank Nuttall, Kosta Papic, Samuel Boadu, and most recently Ivorian gaffer, Aboubakar Ouattara, who was relieved of his job after leading the club to finish fourth on the league log in another trophyless season.
