Eric Nyarko Questions Hearts of Oak’s Decision to Sack Mas-Ud Didi Dramani

Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Eric Nyarko has questioned the manner in which the club parted ways with head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani and his technical team, describing the decision as unpleasant. Speaking in an interview with Paul Napoleon Agyemang on ICADTV Scoreboard Sports, Nyarko said Didi Dramani’s performance was not poor enough to justify the manner of his dismissal, although he acknowledged that the coach failed to win a major trophy during his time with the club. He stressed that while the appointment of Nebojša Kapor and his technical team is important, the success of a football club ultimately depends on the quality, commitment and performance of the players. “Nebojša Kapor and his technical team matter in football, but everything depends on the players. Even Olele is good, but that alone will not determine whether Hearts of Oak will perform well. What matters is the playing body.” Nyarko also urged Hearts of Oak to use the Top Four competition to prepare for their upcoming friendly matches, arguing that competitive games would help the players maintain their match fitness and sharpness. He said the Democracy Cup remains important but disagreed with any decision to withdraw from the Top Four competition if the reason is simply to focus on friendly matches. “It will be good for them to use the Top Four to prepare for the friendly matches. The Democracy Cup is also important. If the reason they are giving is that they should not play the Top Four, then I disagree with them.” The former midfielder further expressed concern about Hearts of Oak’s recent performances, saying the club’s struggles affect not only its supporters but also former players who remain emotionally connected to the club. “It is painful when Hearts is not performing well because it affects even us, the former players.” Nyarko also questioned why Hearts of Oak has not given greater opportunities to its former players, particularly those who have obtained coaching licences and possess the experience to contribute to the club’s technical development. He believes some former players could serve as assistant coaches or provide technical support, noting that other clubs have given their former players opportunities to contribute to their technical teams. “Some of the old players can be assistant coaches to support the team. Why is Hearts not giving old players the chance when other teams are giving their former players opportunities to assist the team?” However, Nyarko admitted that former Hearts players themselves have not been sufficiently united, which he believes has made it difficult for them to collectively contribute to the development of the club. He called for stronger collaboration between Hearts of Oak and its former players, particularly those with coaching qualifications, saying their experience, knowledge and understanding of the club could help the Phobians rebuild and return to their competitive best.