Bashiru: I'm more than capable of coaching Hearts of Oak

Friday Nov 24, 2023. 15:00

Hearts of Oak interim coach Abdul Rahim Bashiru insists he has all the necessary credentials to lead the team and hopes to be given enough time to turn their fortunes around.

Bashiru was promoted from his role as assistant coach on November 14 following the sacking of Martin Koopman in the wake of his side’s 0-0 draw with Legon Cities two days earlier.

Koopman lasted just four months at the helm, having paid the price for winning just two of his nine matches in the Ghana Premier League, which left the Phobians nine points adrift of the summit in 11th place.

Bashiru kicked off his tenure with a 2-1 victory over Accra Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday and is confident in his abilities to challenge higher up the table.

“Of course, I have the capability to lead Hearts of Oak,” he insisted after beating their regional rivals. “I have UEFA license B and CAF license A certificates.

“I have worked with Great Olympics and Legon Cities. I have also coached three Division One clubs. So I have the capability to coach Hearts of Oak.

“Sometimes, you just need the opportunity and I hope the big men of Hearts of Oak will see that and give me a little time to see if I can move the club up.”

However, he refused to take all the credit for the triumph over Accra Lions, admitting they are still playing football the Koopman way.

“We still playing to the tactics of Martin Koopman because he departed the club not long ago so I cannot take the credit for the win against Accra Lions.

“I will give some credit to Koopman because he did a very good job with Hearts of Oak.”