Accra, July 10, GNA - Although recent local derbies between the two oldest sides in Accra, Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics, had lost some of its attraction after long years of dominance by Hearts over Olympics, it does not mean such matches no longer hold any element of surprise anymore.
Die-hard Olympics supporters who have watched in agony and laboured in silence as Hearts stole the show are now saying it is time to stand up and be countered.
To them, Olympics time is due and their confidence is being buoyed by the fact that the Phobians of yester years are no longer as fearsome side we see today.
Hearts have indeed been struggling since the start of the season as they find it hard to go over teams like Stay Cool and B A United in matches at no other place but the once feared Accra Sports Stadium.
To Olympics hopefuls, say this is the opportune time to break the vicious cycle. To them Sunday would be the day of redemption as their coach E K Afranie, had also hinted.
In an interview earlier with the GNA Sports, the Olympics coach said for too long a time Olympics have played the second fiddle and this is the best time for the club to break that chain and be counted as a potential league contender.
"Matches of this nature have the ability to catapulting teams like us to high levels to challenge for the ultimate which is our plan for the year," coach Afranie said.
But Olympics should not be deceived, as Hearts have on countless occasions proved their innate capacity to rise to the occasion when the situation demands. The recent performance against Olympics in the Presidents Challenge Cup should serve as a warning to them.
Hearts team having been augmented with the recent registration of Lawrence Adjei would present a big test to the Olympics rear guard. This means fan should expect an uncompromising encounter for the side with a focus to win. Fabulous Kumasi Asante Kotoko who are in a devastating form this season would have an easy pay day against Prestea Mine Stars at the Kumasi Sports Stadium. It is a must.
At the Accra Sports Stadium, erratic Liberty Professionals who now appear to be getting their act together with a impressive away win against BA United in Sunyani are likely to add Stay Cool Professionals to their list when the two meet Saturday.
In other matches Sekondi Hassacas would lock horns with B A United at the Gyandu Park whiles RTU plays King Faisal at the Bolga Park. At Berekum, Arsenals, one of the few clubs which managed an away win last week over the Miners from Preatea would enter the Lion's den when they come face to face with new entrants, the indomitable Lions from Kpando. This is a match of equals but the home boys should watch out as the lions can go unchained. At Sunyani, Bofoakwa would be ready for Okwawu United in another encounter of equals.
Koforidua Sport Stadium would be the venue for the Power F/C Obuasi Goldfield encounter that is likely to end up in a draw.
