SAMARTEX REPLACES HEARTS, GHALCA EXPECTS DROP IN FAN TURNOUT - GHALCA ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER, Mr. Samuel Oduro Nyarko

The administrative director of GHALCA Samuel Oduro Nyarko has confirmed that Hearts Of Oak will not participate in this year’s GHALCA Top Four Tournament after formally writing to the organizers to exempt themselves. Speaking on ICAD Television’s _Score Board Show_ with Paul Napoleon Agyeman, the Administrative manager said Hearts Of Oak cited a "tangible" reason for their withdrawal. According to him, Hearts Of Oak are also billed to play in the Democracy Cup scheduled for August 28 in Kumasi. The GHALCA tournament is also set for the same day at the Accra Legon grounds, making it impossible for the club to honor both fixtures in different locations on the same day. “They came with a genuine reason and we cannot deprive them of what they want,” the director stated. “We have agreed with them and have replaced them with Samartex.” He however noted that the change could affect patronage. “Them exempting themselves is not a problem to us, but it will have a negative effect on attendance. Hearts Of Oak is based in Accra, so when they play in Accra the crowd will be high. Samartex is outside Accra, so we don’t expect the same numbers.” Despite the attendance concern, he assured that the tournament will run smoothly. “Apart from attendance, the tournament will be smooth when it comes to confidence and other things,” he added. The director also disclosed that the players have accepted the package for the tournament and are ready to perform. “The players say they are okay with any amount we will pay them. They are ready to perform and have promised to do their best,” he said. On sponsorship, he revealed that GHALCA has not secured any headline sponsor yet. However, members have made personal contributions to support the competition. “We are doing anything positively to maximize our income,” he stated. He expressed optimism that this year’s edition will surpass last year’s. “To me, I think this year’s tournament will be better than last year’s own,” he concluded.