Story By: Ahashie Judeliever Eli
Sebastian Barnes, the Chief Scout of Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak, has provided insight into the club’s preparations ahead of the upcoming 2023/24 season.
Barnes, who not only serves as a scout but also as an integral part of the technical team, emphasized the collaborative effort to enhance the club’s performance.
In an interview on Happy FM’s Wamputu Sports with Joe Debrah, he said,
“My role at the club is not only as a scout but I’m also part of the technical team, which is also full of different individuals well versed and will be adding a lot to the club”.
“With many heads at the technical bench, it’s going to improve a lot of things. We are looking to revive the club, and the entire technical team is preparing adequately ahead of the new season. there are challenges, but we are working to fix all and put things in order.”
The dynamic new technical team at Hearts of Oak is gearing up for the upcoming season with the goal of revitalizing the club’s performance on the field. This move comes as the club seeks to regain their championship status following their triumph in the 2020/21 season.
Adding to the excitement, Hearts of Oak recently introduced Dutch coach Martin Koopman as their new head coach ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Koopman, previously in charge of the Maldives national team, was formally introduced to the players during a recent training session.
The team exhibited their prowess having already defeated Miracle Land fc 11-1, Lazio Spot 4-1 and Attram De Visser 6-1, all at the Pobiman Football Academy, showcasing the positive impact of the coaching change.
Koopman’s appointment follows the departure of the previous coach, Matic, who left the club due to a series of disappointing results.
David Ocloo, the former assistant coach, temporarily took charge but ultimately parted ways with the club after guiding them to a 12th-place finish in the previous season.
Bringing a wealth of experience to the table, including managing teams like AS Vita Club, FC Den Bosch, and BV Veendam, as well as national teams such as Aruba and Saudi Arabia, Martin Koopman, a 67-year-old former Netherlands defender, injects a seasoned touch into Hearts of Oak’s leadership.
As Hearts of Oak gears up for the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League campaign, they are set to kick off the season with an away fixture against Real Tamale United next month.