The historic Super Clash between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak is set to take place at the Baba Yara Stadium in what is expected to be an exciting matchday 31 fixture of the Ghana Premier League campaign. However, former Hearts of Oak player Dan Oppong believes that the decline of this highly anticipated clash can be attributed to poor recruitment by both clubs.
Oppong, who has experienced the thrill of playing in the Super Clash himself, expressed his concerns about the quality of players being recruited by the two most glamourous clubs in the country. According to him, both Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have been signing players who may not be able to handle the pressure that comes with playing for such renowned teams.
“Kotoko and Hearts fans always expect their club to be playing in Africa. And if you are playing in Africa, you have to get matured players who can help the club to excel. Previously, both teams were signing top-notch players but the narrative has changed this time,” Oppong stated.
He further emphasized the importance of recruiting experienced players who have the skill and mindset to compete at a high level, especially in matches as intense as the Super Clash. “Matches between them has fallen because of how players are recruited into the teams,” he added.
As the two teams gear up to face each other once again, Asante Kotoko currently sits in 10th position with 40 points, while Hearts of Oak is struggling in 12th place with 38 points after 30 matches. Despite their recent struggles, both sets of fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between the two giants of Ghanaian football.
The Super Clash between Kotoko and Hearts of Oak remains a spectacle that captures the hearts of football fans across the country, and it is hoped that the clubs will take Oppong’s words to heart and strive to improve their recruitment strategies in order to revive the excitement and competitiveness of this historic rivalry.
