Former Accra Hearts of Oak coach Mohammed Polo says the departure of Japanese trainer Kenichi Yatsuhashi was the reason why the club could not win the Premier League.

Hearts finished third in the 2015/16 season behind winners Wa All Stars and second-placed Aduana Stars.

Forty-six-year-old Kenichi thrilled most fans of the game but parted ways with the club to pursue higher education in the middle of the season.

Speaking to Class Sports, Polo said Hearts made a big mistake by sacking Kenichi.

“It definitely was their doom because it came at a time no one expected it. Hearts had looked comfortable and played with a lot of confidence under him, exhibiting a lot of stamina in the second half of their games. How can you make such a coach leave? I think it was a very costly mistake and I am sure the management knows it too,” Polo stated.