Hearts coach goes on vacation

Accra, March 20, GNA - Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, head coach of Accra Hearts of Oak sporting Club has declared his intention of going on vacation after his club crushed out of the CAF Champions League in the second round.

Even though the coach did not indicate the exact date for the start of the vacation, indications are that the coach is not likely to be with the team for the start of the 2005 soccer season that kick starts on April 3.

Alhaji Sly Tetteh, Manager of Liberty Sports Limited, managers of the coach confirmed this in an earlier interview with a television station last week.

According to Alhaji Tetteh, the coach would return to Liberty Professionals at the end of month.

Speaking to the press after the Hearts/Dolphins match at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra on Sunday, the coach said he had been with the national team of Benin throughout last year and immediately on his return Hearts took him on, hence his inability to have adequate rest. He said the vacation would enable him enjoy enough rest as well as focus for the future.

Asked whether he would return to Hearts after the vacation, the coach failed to give a definite answer but added that, his return would depend on a lot of factors.

"I'm not going for vacation just for its sake, I would consider taking some refresher courses in Europe or take on other ventures as I enjoy my vacation".

When reminded of the start of the new soccer season on April 3, coach Attuquayefio noted that the vacation is also crucial to his health and plans for the future and would like to stick to his plans whilst on vacation.

As to his return to Liberty Professionals, the coach said he had a managerial contract with the Premier league side and would respect it by returning to them.

"If Hearts are still interested in my services, I think they should go back to Liberty Professionals for the necessary negotiations. Commenting on the game, coach Attuquayefio said their failure to advance to the next stage of the competition would serve as a great lesson to all.

He said he has no cause to complain since his boys could not have the best of training before the match.

"You don't expect to make advances in such competitions with only one week of training".

Coach Attuquayefio said the team never trained well after winning the Confederation Cup competition in Kumasi.

"I think next time we would learn our lessons well by not boycotting training when there is an important assignment ahead of you".