Soccer News of Monday, 20 March 2006

Source: GNA

Hearts to relocate to either Swedru or Cape Coast

Accra, March 20, GNA - Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club would be compelled to relocate to either the Swedru Sports stadium or the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium at Cape Coast following the near closure of the El-Wak Stadium in Accra.

The Phobians are pencilled to opt for any of the two stadia as the venue for their home games in the ongoing Ghana League Clubs Association's (GHALCA) One Touch Top Four competition.

The El-Wak stadium would finally be closed down after the Ministry of Education on Sports hands over the facility to Micheleti and Co Limited, the contractors engaged in the rehabilitation of the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra and are also responsible for the refurbishment of the venue.

Joseph Yaw Appiah, Chairman of GHALCA told the GNA Sports that "we are still talking with the ministry to enable Hearts honour their next games there, but if the outcome turns otherwise, then it is assured that Cape Coast or Swedru would be their next destination". The Phobians currently lead the four-team table with three points with their next home match coming against their bitterest rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the El-Wak Stadium.

A fortnight ago, they toppled Berekum Arsenals with a 2-0 victory to record the only victory on match day one and on Sunday face a gruelling challenge from King Faisal in an away duel slated for the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi.

The GHALCA Chairman believes the change in venue would not affect the excitement of the competition perceived to be the most exciting on the local front.

"With Hearts already in the lead with the vital win, it is natural to expect the rest to fight back in order to stay in the race. And that alone, to me would keep the excitement flame burning". He was optimistic this year's event would witness a replica of the thrills that characterised the previous competitions. Hearts, Kotoko, Faisal and debutants, Arsenals are participants of the tourney.