Gladson Awako reveals exit from Hearts of Oak was due to leadership role

Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Gladson Awako has disclosed that his departure from the club stemmed from internal dynamics and concerns over his influence within the team.

Awako, who joined Hearts of Oak in 2021 after a stint with Great Olympics, unexpectedly left the club in September 2023. During his time with the Phobians, he won the Premier League title and two FA Cup trophies.

In an interview with Asempa FM, the U-20 World Cup winner explained that his growing leadership role under then-coach Slavko Matic was a factor in his exit.

“Hearts of Oak and Olympics are two different clubs. One of the clubs is political and the other is not. It got to a time they thought I was becoming too powerful so they had to get rid of me but there was no problem with me," he recounted.

Awako attributed his increased influence to the responsibilities entrusted to him by Coach Matic.

“The leadership roles I got from the coach gave me power and they felt if they should allow me, it wouldn't help most of them so they got rid of me," he added.

The experienced midfielder has since rejoined Great Olympics and is now focused on helping the club secure promotion back to the Ghanaian Premier League.