Board Member for Accra Hearts of Oak, Frank Nelson Nwokolo has expressed his opinion on the potential return of Japanese Head Coach Kenichi Yatshuashi to the Club.
The Japanese trainer left Hearts of Oak back in 2016 and has recently hinted at his interest in returning with a comment “wouldn’t you love it” when he was asked about succeeding Serbian trainer Zlavko Matic.
However, Frank Nelson revealed in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports, that, management’s priority is to provide continuous support for interim Coach David Ocloo to finish the season strongly with nine matches left.
Ocloo led the Phobians to clinch the 2023 President’s Cup over rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians got a cash prize of GHC 50,000 and three points as the game also doubled as a league fixture.
“In a situation where there is always vacancy you will always assume that people will come up with their own solutions and every other thing.”
“We the Board Members are focused; we know what we want for the club.”
“I don’t think if anybody says Kenichi is coming back to the club, I would just smile at it and accept that.”
“It is never impossible in life, for now we saw Lampard go back to Chelsea, someone will say it was never going to happen, but it actually happened”
In the absence of Zlavko Matic, Hearts of Oak currently find themselves 4th on the league standings with 39points – three wins, two draws and a heavy loss against Karela United at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park under David Ocloo.
The Phobians are yet to name a substantive Gaffer with just 9 matches to end the 2022/23 league season.
Asked about who takes over the vacant Head Coach role at the Club, Frank Nelson had this to say on the potential return of Kenichi Yatshuashi
“Ocloo is doing well, it does not negate the fact that, at Accra Hearts of Oak, the door is not closed for Kenichi.”
“The way we parted ways with the japanese was not the best, we don’t want to repeat such mistakes.”
“We don’t know Kenichi of today, so what will be the yard stick of the club going back for him, because maybe he is coaching Dortmund or Enyimba FC or he is coaching any of the top clubs.”
“Something must motivate the club to go back for him, but I don’t think it is in consideration.”
“Like I said, this is where there’s vacancy, so definitely we are going to have those rumours flying over.”
The 54-year old is currently manager for Thailand side Angthong FC, in the Thai League 3 western region, appointed back in May 27,2022.
He has had stints with Nigerian side Ifeanyi Ubah, Cambodian Tiger FC, Ghanaian side Inter Allies, Lonestar Kashmir based in India and Navy Sea Hawks in Sri Lanka.