Hearts outcast Philip Boampong has sensationally backed sworn rivals Asante Kotoko to reclaim the Ghana Premier League crown this season.
The centre-back is frightened by the high-profile quality signings of the club and believes they will be unbeatable this term.
Kotoko have been the busiest club in the transfer market, augmenting their squad with the acquisition of several top players ahead of the start of the new season.
The record Premier League title holders have brought in several experienced players including Theophilous Nyame (Hasaacas), Halipha Sedogo (Burkina Faso), Aliassou Sanou (Burkina Faso), Edwin Tuffour Frimpong (Liberty Profs), Bennett Ofori (Berekum Chelsea), Michael Yeboah (Cornerstone), Evans Quao (Medeama SC), Samuel Kyere (Berekum Chelsea), Ernest Sowah (CS Don Bosco - DR Congo) and Richard Osei Agyemang (Berekum Chelsea) to send a wave of fear among the other Premier League clubs.
It appears a contrasting situation for both Hearts and Kotoko as the capital-based continue to struggle to add depth to their team ahead of the new campaign.
And defender Philip Boampong, whose future hangs in the balance, has begrudgingly backed the Porcupine Warriors to win the Premier League title.
“Hearts should sit up and not kid ourselves. They (Kotoko) have a strong team and they will be explosive this season,” he said
“I have watched them and their team is fearsome. If they find their rhythm, they will be unstoppable.
“This is something Hearts must learn. Their squad is fearsome and I think they can go all the way.”
Hearts have been rocked by financial crisis and bitter power play in the off-season with former top officials predicting doom for the Phobians.