Defender Kweku Andoh has urged Hearts fans to have patience with the team as they continue their rebuilding ahead of the start of the new season.

The former African champions were given reality check when they lost 1-0 to Heart of Lions in the opening game of the 2014 GHALCA top-four competition over the weekend.

Fans of the club are beginning to feel their team may just not be good enough to reclaim the Premier League crown from their arch-rivals Kotoko this season.

The quality of players at their disposal has become a subject of debate as they struggle to bring in top quality additions.

However, defender Kweku Andoh is preaching for calm and patience from the teeming fans.

“This is a team in progress. I can understand the fans but they must be patient with us,” he said “We know they have suffered a lot but it takes time to put a team together.

“We are determined never to let them down but it will require time and patience to achieve our target.

“I will just plead with them to continue believing in us and encouraging us. The top-four is only a preparatory ground for us.”

Hearts will clash with Lions in the reverse fixture of the pre-season mini-tournament on Wednesday.