Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - Desmond Frimpong Manso, Chief Executive Officer of Heart of Lions has rued the mass exodus of key strikers in the team prior to the commencement of the 2010/2011 Glo Premier League. The Kpando-based side lost out on striking duo; Kofi Nti Boakye and Tanko Mohamed to the exodus bandwagon while Emmanuel Banahene crossed over to Berekum Chelsea.

Frimpong Manso attributed the departures largely to the unfamiliar start of the current season.

He told GNA Sports "the absence of these three key players has affected our play this season."

Of the 10 matches played so far, Heart of Lions have managed a paltry 14 of the maximum 30 points and occupy the eighth position, which clearly serves their worst start to the premier league in four years. Frimpong Manso observed that his outfit had appointed Dutchman Hans Van der Plyum as Head coach of the team as one of the major steps towards reviving their fortunes.

The Dutchman until recently, coach at Gomoa-based Fetteh Feyenoord Academy has had previous stints with the club, which joined the elite division in 2003.

"We have brought back Van der Plyum, and with his experience we believe he can turn around the club's fortunes." "Our target is to finish amongst the top four at the end of the first half and he (Van der Plyum) can help us achieve that dream," he said.

Frimpong Manso said plans were advanced to bring on board new attackers when the transfer window re-opens.

Opting for silence on the identity of the targeted players, he said he had sent warning bells to the other clubs to watch out for a reconstituted Heart of Lions in the remaining matches. Lions will play host to Real Tamale United in the Week 11 clash of the 2010/2011 Glo Premier League on Sunday at the Kpando Park.