Hearts of Oak’s assistant coach Yaw Preko says it’s sad to see coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi leave the club after forming a formidable partnership with him at the club.

The Japanese-born coach was finally relieved of his duties as head coach of the club after failing to agree with management regarding a 25-day leave.

Kenichi wanted to be excused for 25 days in July in order to pursue a course abroad, something the club was unwilling to adhere to leading to the termination of his contract.

His assistant, Yaw Preko, who is expected to be handed the job on an interim basis, says he was sad to hear the news that the club and coach could not reach an agreement.

“It’s really sad to see Kenichi go because we were really close and we are still close,” Yaw Preko told Accra-based Citi-FM

“Sometimes the things you don’t expect are those that hit you, and that is life, and we must move on from it.”

Quizzed if he was ready to take up the job as head coach, Yaw Preko declined to comment.

“I will not comment on this and I pray you respect that.”

Kenichi Yatsuhashi took charge of Hearts of Oak after they finished a disappointing 13th last season and left them in 4th position after the first half of the season.