Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club head coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, has taken a big swipe at critics by indicating that just as people are free to say what they want, he is also free to pick the players he wants to play for the team.
He said this in a post-game presser after Hearts of Oak bagged its debut win of the 2024-2025 Ghana Premier League season thanks to a 2-0 win over Bechem United.
The game marked Hearts’ first outing at the University of Ghana Stadium after adopting the ground as its temporary home venue due to the Accra Sports Stadium’s closure for renovation by the National Sports Authority.
After calling for unity from all Hearts of Oak stakeholders, Aboubakar Ouattara addressed critics of his team. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
“I am a democrat. When you criticize me and it’s not insult, I take some of it (criticism). The way you have a free hand to criticize is the same I have a free hand to put the player I like (in the team).”

Hearts take on Nations FC next on Friday, September 27.