Great Olympics vs Hearts of Oak: More than three points in Accra derby

By Nii Ayitey Tetteh
“Oly dade” “Oly gbo-gbo” “Oly Rosalinda” “Oly pioto” are the appellations I am used to but like any brand out there, refreshes are constant and the latest appellation “Oly IMF bailout” amused me greatly, when I heard it a couple of days ago.

That could only come from the “Wonder Club” Accra Great Olympics, simply known as Oly. It is very much in keeping with the nature of the club; you never know which trick they can pull out of their bag.

That unpredictability is what characterizes their First Capital Plus Premier League encounter against city rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium this Sunday April 26. This matchup has generated a lot of interest due to positive vibe prevailing in both camps.

Indeed, even for the passive follower of the FCP Premier League, there is good reason to head to the stadium this Sunday. It will be a classic that cannot be missed; at least, the buildup and the sub plots tell us so.

Dollar vs. Experience
Hearts' form this season has been a bit strange; domestically, it has been average as Hearts are currently in 9 th  place with 18 points, 10 adrift of league leaders Ashgold on the league log. In Africa however Hearts have seen their form surge with back to back away wins in the CAF Confederation Cup, thus positioning Hearts closer to qualification to the group stage; the money zone, where they could potentially rake in $625,000 if they win the competition.

Their latest win, a 2-1 away over Mali's Djoliba was particularly impressive as the Phobians as Hearts are known, had to finish the game with 10 men. Hearts Coach, Herbet Addo, attributes Hearts' sterling form to per diems and bonuses paid in hard “broni” dollars.

Hear him “my boys have tasted victory and about five of them had never sat in planes before but they have tasted the air, enjoyed it; and tasted a few dollars and have enjoyed it more. “So they want more dollars, more air and more playing time. I think they are determined and I wish the supporters could follow us everywhere we go, not only during home matches.”

At the other end of the city the “Agorsu boys” as Olympics are also known, may not be “chopping” dollars but there return of the “old duadeys” Godwin Attram, Dan Quaye and Richard “Olele” Kingson seem to have revitalized the club, ensuring a sharp rise in fortunes.

The experience of Attram, Quaye and Olele has told and lifted Olympics from the bottom rungs of the table to 13^th place with 16 points. Particularly impressive is that Oly remain unbeaten in the last three games; a good run of form that defender Owusu Sefa, a former Phobian hopes will count on Sunday.

“We are very determined ahead of the game with Hearts of Oak on Sunday. The mental toughness is there. We’re feeling no pressure of any kind,” “It’d be a normal game. I played for Hearts and I have also played against them. We are looking forward for a win. “We have a good coach and if I get the chance to play, I’ll show Hearts of Oak that I’m still the Owusu Sefa they once knew.”Sefa resolved.

Olele vs. Fiamenyo
When all the pre-match banter is done and the fans have filled the stands, it would be down to the players to do the talking on the pitch. Out of the 22 players chasing the round leather, two; one from each side could potentially decide the match. Step up Richard “Olele” Kingson and Gilbert Fiamenyo. Though these players would feature in different jerseys, they share similar stories. Both have been crucial to their clubs good form; Olele has kept out the goals for Oly and Fiamenyo has scored for Hearts; both have been touted as Black Stars material; both have comeback from career lulls and most importantly, one or both, could be central to a big result on Sunday.

Olele has everybody talking again and with the Black Stars in need of a solid goalie, calls have increased for his return to the Black Stars. Indeed, of the three Oly returnees, he seems to have been the stand out performer with one decent performance after another, keeping a number of clean sheets along the way. The argument was he hadn't met solid opposition until he met Kotoko and kept a clean sheet. Olele would relish nothing more than another chance on the grand stage, against another giant to eke out another top performance to fan the “bring Olele back” campaign. Hearts' Gilbert Fiamenyo and Paul Acquah may however have other ideas.

Gilbert Fiamenyo has come a long way, he would know all about surmounting odds. It has taken the former Heart of Lions striker quite a while to get into a consistent scoring mode for the Phobians. He has been severely criticized for being overweight, an issue he has defended by deferring to family genes. On the field, he suffered one too many injuries. This season however, Fiamenyo has put behind him his “issues” and has been delivering in both the FCP Premier League where he has scored 8 goals plus 2 more in the CAF Confederation Cup. Fiamenyo has always had the powerful build and goal instincts to wreak havoc but his weight and injuries set him back in the past. Today, Fiamenyo has found a way to overcome those problems and come Sunday Olympics' defense, led by Dan Quaye, would have to keep him quiet if Oly are to come away with a result of any kind. That we can't tell, what we know is that the stadium will be colourful and full of music. Which one would ring louder? Phoooobia or Oly Dade? You tell me.

[email protected]
Follow me on twitter @niithesoccerguy
(Culled from the 90 Minutes Newspaper)