Hearts of Oak are the most successful club in Ghana in terms of trophy accumulation regardless of the unending debate about which club stands tall.
Having one time swept the domestic top flight title six times in role, one would think that history would continue to guide the club to greater heights in the local front.
The Phobians cannot be taken out either when the history of African football is tabled because of successes in the CAF Champions League, Super Cup and the Confederation Cup.
They won continental treble in 2000 – claiming the league, CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup.
They added the maiden edition of the CAF Confederation Cup four years later after beating domestic rivals, Asante Kotoko via penalty shootouts at the Baba Yara Stadium to win the title.
Fast forward to 2011 where the club claimed another league title, the hierarchy of the club decided to float shares for candidates who were interested in investing in the club.
Offers ranging from huge sums to paltry amounts like GHc50 poured in from various quarters in a bid to rescue the club from its financial quagmire.
From the onset of the floatation of shares, it looked hopeful but years down the lane, the club has not enjoyed the success its followers have craved for over the years.
His Royal Majesty, Togbe Afede XIV acquired the largest stake of the floated shares in 2011 but the over a decade of ownership has not yielded much success on the field of play.
It took the club 11-years to win its first trophy and that was achieved under coach Samuel Boadu who was roped in following the departure of Serbian, Kosta Papic.
Boadu won the domestic double – league, FA Cup and an automatic Super Cup titles in the 2020/21 football season and later topped it up with President Cup.
The 2021/22 season came with another FA Cup glory but in all these, continental campaign was a disaster having been eliminated at the second qualifying stages in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively.
The club brought in another Serbian, Slavko Matic after Samuel Boadu mutually left his post due to a poor start in the 2022/23 league season.
Slavko Matic has since left his post with the club’s 19th trainer, assistant coach David Ocloo struggling to steer the club to even finish in the top four this campaign.
They lie 11th on 45 points with a game to end the season and a bunt for a substantive coach still on.
A slip in their last game against Berekum Chelsea could the record FA Cup holders heading to Division One football season.
Are we safe to say that after changing 19 coaches in 12-years, owner, Togbe Afede XIV’s era has not given the club’s followers much success?
