16 June 2011
Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has assured the Management of Heartland of his unflinching support for the club. This is even as the Management has placed the players on half salary till the fortunes of the club improve. This much was revealed by General Manager of the club, Fan Ndubuoke.
“We are not comfortable with the club’s position as it is not commensurate with the efforts we are putting in to ensure the club is up there. I am consoled that after my meeting with the governor, he has promised to throw his weight behind the club. With his support, I have no doubt that Heartland will once more dominate the local scene. The club’s 18 year wait for a trophy will soon end”, Ndubuoke said.
The Ndubuoke-led Management has however read the riot act to the players.
“The boys have not shown enough commitment. How can we be playing goalless with Pillars last Sunday and even dominating the game and by the second half we conceded three goals? Against Sharks in Port Harcourt, we lost five glaring chances only for the hosts to score with their only attempt at goal.
“We cannot condone this anymore. They have to raise their games and show more commitment. Till we see an improvement in their performance, they will be on half salary”, he pointed out.
Meanwhile, the players have an opportunity to impress the Management today when Heartland meets Kaduna United in Kaduna in a rescheduled league fixture.
Ndubuoke further commended the governor for appointing Nwankwo Kanu as Special Adviser on Sports.
“The last time Heartland won a trophy in 1993, Kanu was in the squad. It is laudable that the governor is getting him involved at this point. He has also appointed another son-of-the-soil, Benedict Akwuegbu to work with the Management.
All these are part of the governor’s efforts to bring back the glory days of Heartland and we appreciate it”, he concluded.
AllAfrica – All the Time
See the original article here:
Nigeria: Rochas Will Rescue Heartland, Says Ndubuoke