Head Coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, Kostadin Papić, believes that debate over Hearts winning the Ghana Premier League was premature.
“We are being judged by the performance and results against Bechem United. We understand why this has come up; Bechem have gone unbeaten so for us to beat them this way, fans can believe we can go ahead to win the league.”
Hearts tamed Bechem on Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium in their match day seven game, thrashing the visitors 6-1 with goals from Abdul Manaf Umar, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Abdul Mamane Lawali, Benjamin Afutu Kotey and a brace from Victor Aidoo.
Prince Adu Kwabena got the consolation goal for the former leaders.
The win, the biggest so far in the season, effectively ended Bechem’s unbeaten run in the league.
But despite the record win, Coach Papić seems less enthused about the performance, insisting that they could have played better and scored more had the attackers been clinical.
Speaking at his post match conference, the Serbian said Hearts was still rebuilding but not at their very best to be considered winners for the championship.
“Steadily, we are approaching our destination as to how we are supposed to play; we need to be consistent with such performances before we are judged as genuine contenders,” Papic said.
The 60-year old said “We are a team in transition; we are not there yet. I need time for the team because what we have set out to do will not be achieved overnight. We must keep working at it and that is what we are doing now.”
With the victory, Hearts of Oak now sit fifth on the league table with 11 points while Bechem drops to second on 14 points.
Hearts of Oak will next play Elmina Sharks on Sunday at 6pm.
