Hearts skipper Fatawu laments absence of fans at home matches

Skipper of Accra Hearts of Oak, Fatawu Mohammed, says the absence of fans in the stands played a crucial role in their lackluster performance against Legon Cities.

“Football without supporters is very difficult and the absence of the fans affected us in this game.”

“When the fans are in the stadium, their chants push you to go the extra mile. As the home team, their support put you in a good moment and pressure on the opponent. You get a huge advantage which is lost in the absence of the fans.”

Speaking after helping his side earns a 1-1 draw with Legon Cities; Mohammed said when they are on the field the fans serve as a huge motivation for the team, adding that, “we missed their motivation on Sunday.”

“They have banned our supporters and we have nothing to say about it, we played in an empty stadium and it affected our play largely.”

Coming on the back of our recent poor showing, we needed a win badly to at least appease the fans at home but we failed, he stated.

That opinion was corroborated by Coach Kostadin Papić, saying that football was played for the fans not for the players.

“We would have loved to have the fans in the stands backing us but unfortunately that was not the case.”

Hearts of Oak have been winless in their last four games. That has been a source of concern to the fans and the playing body and technical team.

Coach Papić believes the team must strengthen in certain areas and revealed he was discussing that with the management.

“The time frame is short and if you are looking at bringing in someone then that person must have some exceptional qualities to knock on the door of the first team. That is what we would be considering.”

Hearts of Oak have had their week 14 fixture against Asante Kotoko postponed due to the latter’s involvement in the inter-club campaign and coach Papić believes this would give them ample time to work on this team.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY