Jones to stay on for Hearts-Kotoko match

Accra, April 1, GNA - Coach Jones Attuquayefio, would on Sunday lead Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club in their crucial 2004 league decider against Kumasi Asante Kotoko Football Club at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra.

This is contrary to reports that the coach might not be on the bench of the 2004 Confederation Cup Champions, following the expiration of his contract with the Club on March 31.

Mr Ashford Tettey-Oku, Administrative Manager of Hearts in a statement copied to the GNA Sports said the coach agreed to stay with Hearts for the match based on the cordial relationship he has with the Club and its supporters.

According to the statement, the Club would arrange a befitting send off ceremony after the match and called on the supporters to come in their numbers to render their maximum support to the team as they battle Kotoko on Sunday.

Mr Tettey-Oku said the game would therefore serve as a farewell event for the veteran coach, who is considered to be one of the most successful coaches of Hearts as well as one of the nation's finest technical brains.

Coach Attuquayefio led Hearts to win the 2000 CAF Champions League and the 2004 Confederation Cup competition as well as chalking series of domestic titles.

The veteran coach who is on record to have guided Benin to its maiden appearance at the Nation's Cup in 2004, is due to return to Dansoman-based Liberty Professionals for the second time in his career as a coach after coaching them in the 2003 soccer season. Coach Attuquayfio announced his intentions of quitting Hearts soon after the team crushed out of this year's CAF Champions League.