The ex-Black Stars captain confesses hearing positive assessments of the coach whose appointment he earlier criticised

The former Hearts of Oak and Ghana playmaker Stephen Appiah has called on fans of the club to keep expectations for new coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi in check, but admits “hearing good things” about the Japanese.

Appiah was one of many high-ranking football personalities to have questioned the 46-year-old’s capabilities following the latter’s appointment as Hearts manager last October.

Kenichi, nonetheless, led the Phobians to victory in their 2015-16 Ghana Premier League opener with a 1-0 triumph over New Edubiase at the Accra Sports Stadium last Sunday.

“We have played just one game and the fans are singing praises of coach Kenichi but one thing we should know is that we have a long we to go,” Appiah told Joy Sports.

“They have lots of matches to play and perform as well but I have been hearing good things about the coach especially with his work ethics. So I pray this year will be Hearts of Oak’s year.

“But I think in all these, we should measure our expectations. In as much as we are hoping for the best, we should not do things that will put pressure on the coach.”

Hearts will face Medeama in Tarkwa on Sunday.

The Phobians finished last season on a disappointing 13th position.