Soccer News of Wednesday, 3 August 2005

Source: GNA

Hearts lifts ban on three suspended players

Accra, Aug 3, GNA - The Management Board of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has lifted the indefinite suspension imposed on three of its players after they displayed acts of indiscipline to the new coach of the club, Mr Sanzio Banher during the Republic Day President's Cup match at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra.

A release issued from the secretariat of the Club signed by Mr Ashfotrd Tettey Oku, Administrative Manager of the Club said the lifting of the ban takes immediate effect and thus the three affected players, Ablade Morgan, James Boateng and Dan Oppong are free to start training. The statement said the decision to lift the ban was arrived at following the receipt of letters of apology by the players on July 10 and the Club's policy of pardoning first time offenders. The three players have, however, been warned that they would face stiffer penalties if they breach the Club's rules.

In a related development, the management of the Club have paid a visit to recuperating coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Alhaji Karim Zito at the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

As part of the visit, the delegation presented assorted provisions and energy drinks to the Coach who nearly had his limb severed of his hand after an attack by armed thugs last Saturday.

The statement said Alhaji Hearts, a Director of the Club led a Moslem prayer of speedy recovery for the coach.

Other members of the Management who made the trip are Mr Thomas Okine, The Chief Executive Officer of Hearts, Mr Francis MaCarthy, the Vice CEO, Mr Issac Tetteh, Francis Nelson Nwokolo, Fiifi Forson, Ato Olrleans-Lindsay and Ernest Quarshie all management members.

Also present during the visit was Mr Ashford Tettey Oku, the Administrative Manger, Mr Albert Commey, Deputy Public Relations Officer and staff of the Hearts Secretariat.