Kenichi v Sergio: Which Manager Rates Higher?

Accra Hearts of Oak started the 2015/16 season as a club in transition, having being threatened with relegation the previous season.

Then came the appointment of Japanese-American trainer, Kenichi Yatsuashi, whose competence many questioned.

 

After media investigations revealed he was a college coach, his first major assignment in a managerial position, being his appointment to head the technical team of, as well as, provide direction for one of Ghana’s biggest clubs, had many calling the sanity of Togbe Afede’s administration into question.

The team’s pre-season preparation under him was woeful as they were thrashed 4-0 by Libyan side, Al Ahli of Tripoli on Dec 16, 2015, the first of series of poor pre-season results.

But things drastically changed upon commencement of the 2015/16 season. Kenichi’s charges got off to a flying start, following which they maintained their rhythm. Only then, did initial critics of Hearts’ Japo import begin to believe in the ‘Keni Project’.

Before the commencement of the 2015/16 GPL, Kenichi replied in a presser, when a question on his team’s potency was posed to him, that; “judge my team when the season starts”. Per their performance, Hearts were at a point declared run-away leaders by pundits and spectators until their flight was halted by Wa All Stars who defeated them by 3-goals to one at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Under the Japo, Hearts recorded their best start to a league season in eight years; they recorded four wins and a draw in their opening five fixtures. Keni’s team had a fighting spirit which enabled it to end games on a high, and boasted the best away record; no defeat in its opening five games.

That good form, coupled with his near-perfect relationship with the club’s supporters, did not only make him a fan-favourite, but also lured the Japanese community in Ghana into patronising Hearts’ games. Consequently, Hearts made some good returns from gate proceeds and appeared to be on course to end their eight-year trophy drought.

However, Hearts’ management, in a bizarre move, decided to part ways with the tough-talking and effective Japo, who in an interview, claimed to have informed the club’s board of a planned coaching course scheduled for May he wanted to pursue.

Keni’s record stands at 40% Win rate, 20% Lose rate and 33.33% Draw6 rate.
His first 15 premier league games produced the following results:

Hearts 1-0 New Edubiase

Medeama 0-2 Hearts

Dwarfs 0-0 Hearts

Hearts 3-1 Bechem United

Inter Allies 2-3 Hearts

Hearts 1-3 Wa All Stars

Techiman City 0-0 Hearts

Hearts 1-1 Wafa

Ashantigold 1-2 Hearts

Hearts 0-1 Kotoko

Berekum Chelsea 0-1 Hearts

Hearts 1-0 Hasaacas

Aduana stars 1-1 Hearts

Hearts 0-1 Liberty Professionals

Dreams FC 1-1 Hearts

Post-Kenichi

Hearts of Oak officially unveiled Portuguese trainer, Sergio Traguil as its interim head coach after ‘mutually’ agreeing to part ways with his predecessor, Kenichi Yatsuashi.

The Portuguese took over Hearts’ managerial role with just a week to the commencement of the second round and, knowing the fan-favourite, Kenichi, was gone, he had a daunting task of winning their [supporters’] love while retaining the team’s good start to the season despite ending the first round in 4th place, a point adrift of leaders, Wa All Stars.

The Portuguese, nicknamed Port-Alegre Mourinho’s record as Hearts’ head coach after eleven competitive GPL games and with just four games to the end of the league, stands at; 27.3% win rate, 45.45% draw percentage and a 9.09% loss rate.

 
Hearts of Oak’s performance in this second round of the league;

‪‎Hearts‬ 1-0 Dreams

‪‎Liberty‬ 1-1 Hearts

Hearts 1-0 B. Chelsea

‪‎kotoko‬ 1-1 Hearts

Hearts 0-0 Aduana

‪‎Hasaacas‬ 0-1 Hearts

Hearts 1-1Ashgold

‪‎WAFA‬ 3-0 Hearts

Hearts 1-1 TCFC

‪‎All‬ stars 1-1 Hearts

Hearts 1-1 Allies

Has Hearts lost a gem in Keni or signed a tactical masterpiece in Traguil?

Kenichi v Sergio: Which Manager Rates Higher?

It"s Been A Memorable Half A Season But ... - Kenichi

Under-fire Accra Hearts of Oak coach, Kenichi Yatsuashi has told Sportscrusader.com that it has been a bitter-sweet debut season in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) for him.

The Japanese-American started life to Ghana football on a high note with no defeats in his first five games in the GPL a hiss side accrued 13-points from a possible 15.

And this changed the views of many fans and critics alike who had questioned the appointment of the spiky-haired tactician who was unknown to Ghana football before his arrival in the country.

Coach Kenichi said “It has been great how quick the fans had warmed up to me and that has been memorable though it could have been better” taking into consideration where the team finished (fourth) at the end of the first half of the season.  

“It has been an amazing and memorable first half of the season and not forgetting (the season) has brought a lot of good times. But football administration has to be a little better than it is now in terms of the pitches and as we witness in parts of Europe the playing surface allows them to play at a higher tempo and allows tactics to be displayed better,” he said.

“My team started well as you know and we ended the season (first half) unbeaten in terms of away matches but it was the home form that cost us, however, we are ready to correct all the wrongs and hopefully lay hands on the trophy for the fans,” he added.  

Coach Keni as he is affectionately called was rumoured to have been sacked from his post but he still remains at the helm and is raring to go when the second half commences.

It"s Been A Memorable Half A Season But ... - Kenichi

Video: Ghana Premier League Match Week 13 Review

The 2015/16 Ghana Premier League continued to thrill football fans with another interesting round of games in Match week 13.

Hearts of Oak kept hold of top spot whilst Kumasi Asante Kotoko closed in on the top.

Watch Sportscrusader.com review of the games:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_MAs5a2s5g

Video: Ghana Premier League Match Week 13 Review

Hearts Set To Complete Signing of Ex U20 Star

Accra Hearts of Oak are on the verge of completing the signing of Former U20 World Cup winner, Kassenu Ghandi.

 

The Phobians who occupy top spot of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL) are looking to bolster the squad as Coach Kenichi Yatsuashi looks make history winning Hearts the league trophy that has eluded them since 2008.

 

The ex Liberty Professionals defender cum midfielder has been training with the Accra based side for a couple of weeks now and is the second name next to Medeama SC, Malik Akowuah, on a list of potential transfer deals the Phobians want to seal in the second transfer window.

 

Kassenu was a member of the Black Satelites side that won the 2009 World Youth Championship in Egypt. He has had stints with BK Hacken of Sweden as well as Al Merreikh of Sudan.

 

The second transfer window is set to close on the 1st of June after opening on the 2nd of May.

Hearts Set To Complete Signing of Ex U20 Star

Kenichi Dedicates Chelsea Win To Assistants

Accra Hearts of Oak head coach, Kenichi Yatsuashi has praised his assistants for the side’s 0-1 away win over Berekum Chelsea in their Ghana Premier League (GPL) game last Sunday.

Prior to the game, the Phobians had lost their last outing in the GPL against fierce rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, and were not given a dog’s chance to record a win in Berekum, a city they had failed to win a league match at for the past nine years.

The Japanese-American has led Hearts to an impressive league start since 2008 and the spiky-haired tactician yet again made the news, leading Hearts to end Chelsea’s four years dominance over opponents at the Golden City Park.

“Nothing is done alone. 一人ですることなんて、何もない。he wrote on Facebook on his face book wall.

 

Kenichi Dedicates Chelsea Win To Assistants

Kenichi Has Silenced Critics - Hearts Legend

Accra Hearts of Oak legend, Yaw Amankwah Mireku has told Sportscrusader.com, coach Kenichi Yatsuashi has proven his critics wrong with their quick judgement and assessment of his competence when he took over the job.

Kenichi upon his appointment was an unknown name and this many Ghanaians especially fans of Hearts were compelled to question the decision of management for appointing an inexperienced coach to manage the club.

Names such as two times Ghana premier league winning coach Didi Dramani and Medeama SC coach, Tom Strand were available for poaching but the Togbe Afede XIV led board did not consider any.

Former Hearts of Oak captain and club legend, Yaw Amankwah Mireku

But the Japanese-American has clouded himself in glory being in-charge of Hearts to record their best league start since the 2008 winning season and this Mireku believes is enough reason to allow the spiky-haired coach perform his technical duties as he has been contracted.

“when Kenichi arrived his credibility, tactical ability and his competence was questioned and was deemed not fit for the bill (head the Hearts coaching role).”

“Kenichi has taken his chances after a poor start to life as head coach of Hearts and the club’s high-flying start to life in the league since 2008 season has proven he has the right one to carry Hearts forward and propel the club to greatness,” he added.

Kenichi Has Silenced Critics - Hearts Legend

Hearts Smokes Peace Pipe With Coach Kenichi

Head of the Strategy Committee of Accra Hearts of Oak, Vincent Odotei-Sowah has revealed to Sporstcrusader.com that the feud the club had with head coach Kenichi Yatsuashi has been settled.

The Japanese-American caused a stir with his recent Facebook rants in connection with players salaries and bonuses with the latest been the dismissal of chief scout, Joe Addo and this public declaration of internal wranglings agitated the Board led by Togbe Afede XIV who according to Sportscrusader.com source were advocating for his dismissal.

But speaking after the signing a one year sponsorship deal with Ghana owned, Ghana Oil Companay (GOIL), Mr Odotei-Sowah nicknamed, ‘Sports Obama’ said, “there was no crisis in Hearts of Oak and there has ever been one.  We have made it clear to Kenichi that we wont accept such conduct in the near future after we smoked the peace pipe with him.”

“Employees are individuals and do have their peculiar issues with employers and ours with Kenichi is no exception. Kenichi’s is our head coach and our employee and we respect him but there are standing issues with management and we are following the terms of his contract as there are no issues with management as it has been reported by the media,” he added.

Hearts are currently in a secret camping place outside Accra as they prepare to face fierce and sworn rivals Asante Kotoko in a Ghana Premier League match on Monday.

Hearts Smokes Peace Pipe With Coach Kenichi

Match Report: Ashgold 1-2 Hearts

Accra Hearts of Oak made a huge statement going into ‘Ghana’s EL Clasico’ against fiercest rival, Kumasi Asante Kotoko with a 2-1 away win over defending Ghana Premier League (GPL) champions Obuasi Ashantigold.

A Cosmos Dauda’s brace in the 54th and 60th minute gave the Phobians all the three points to get back on track the dream and desire to record a first league title since 2008.

Hearts piled the pressure from the blast of the referee’s whistle to make clear their intentions of picking up maximum.

The Phobians mounted more pressure on Ashgold and were rewarded with the first goal in the game as Dauda’s right footed a shot from inside the box to the bottom left corner of Fatau Dauda’s net.

The former Tudu Mighty Jet striker, Dauda was at it again with a header this time inside the box as he found the right corner of the net.

Ashgold fans agitated immediately as the team tried to restore their image but to Hearts defender, Akrofi was forced to clear his lines for a throw-in.

From thence it was all about the hosts pushing Hearts into doing more defending.

The miner’s were finally rewarded with what appeared to be just a consolation goal as Awudu Nafiu beat Soulama Abdoulai in goal for Hearts in the 74th minute.

The win ensured Hearts broke their nine-year winless jinx at the venue.

Match Report: Ashgold 1-2 Hearts

Exclusive: NCC In Crisis Meeting With Kenichi

The National Chapters Committee (NCC), supporters wing of Accra Hearts of Oak, on Friday afternoon, had an an emergency crisis with beleaguered coach, Kenichi Yatsuashi.

Hearts has been in the news for the bad and ugly reasons beginning with their 1-3 home lost to Wa All Stars and since then the banter has been between Kenichi and the hierarchy of the club.
Sportscrusader.com source has revealed that, the meeting which lasted for hours discussed Kenichi’s recent disrespect and insubordination towards the strategic committee and some members of the board of the club.

Earlier reports suggesting the Japanese-American has been asked to stay away from the team is untrue as Sportscrusader.com source has revealed the spiky-haired coach will be in the dug-out when Hearts face Ashgold in match week 9 of the 2015/16 Ghana premier league.

Exclusive: NCC In Crisis Meeting With Kenichi

Confirmed: Kenichi Yatsuashi Still Hearts Coach

Sportscrusader.com can confirm that, coach Kenichi Yatsuashi has not been asked to step aside from his coaching post as reported in sections of the media.

The Japanese-American has seen his job come under review due to poor results and recently his insubordinate act of disrespecting board members and strategic committee heads and members who had question him on his sides poor form lately.

But according to Sportscrusader.com source, Kenichi has submitted his squad for their match week 9 clash against defending league champions, Obuasi Asahatigold at the Len Clay Sports stadium.

Confirmed: Kenichi Yatsuashi Still Hearts Coach

Confirmed: Kenichi Yatsuashi Still Hearts Coach

Sportscrusader.com can confirm that, coach Kenichi Yatsuashi has not been asked to step aside from his coaching post as reported in sections of the media.

Kenichi Yatsuhash

The Japanese-American has seen his job come under review due to poor results and recently his insubordinate act of disrespecting board members and strategic committee heads and members who had question him on his sides poor form lately.

Keni thumbs up as he poses for the camera’s during a pre-season game

But according to Sportscrusader.com source, Kenichi has submitted his squad for their match week 9 clash against defending league champions, Obuasi Ashantigold at the Len Clay Sports stadium.

Confirmed: Kenichi Yatsuashi Still Hearts Coach

Round 2: Kenichi Swears And Walks Out On Hearts Management AGAIN

Sportscrusader.com source has exclusively revealed that coach Kenichi Yatsuashi, has again walked out on management of Accra Hearts of Oak during a meeting.

The Japanese-American who had had a flying start to life as head coach of the Rainbow club in the ongoing 2015/16 season, has seen his job come under review due to poor results and recently a Facebook rant contradicting the hierarchy of the club.

According to the source Kenichi walked out from a meeting, when he was questioned on the performance of the team in recent times.

The mild talking former Aspire soccer academy scout replied swearing, using the words such as s**t, f**k. Kenichi added, how many of you have been coaches before to question my tactics and relevance to the team.”

 

He later walked out and banged the door on the members leading to a crack in one of the glasses in the door.

His conduct seem to have sent the management members thinking about a search for a new coach.

Round 2: Kenichi Swears And Walks Out On Hearts Management AGAIN

Three Things Learned From Hearts" Draw With WAFA

Accra Hearts of Oak were held at home to a 1-1 draw by West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) in a Match-Day Eight encounter of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL) in Accra.

The game was marred at the later part by a drama – as WAFA wasted time by faking injuries that got Samuel Tetteh sent off for fighting a member of the match day medical team.

Here are three things we learned from the game:

1. Start Games Right From The Woods

Hearts under Japanese-American coach, Kenichi Yatsuhashi are noted for their strong finish to matches contrary to a slow start to games and this has seen teams who love to possess the ball – Wa All Stars and recently WAFA take advantage and make things tougher for the Phobians and this Kenichi has to work on if he is to make history winning a trophy for the first time in eight years.

2. Seal A Leaky Defense  

Hearts have been leaking goals lately and it’s surprising as the Phobians had not conceded a goal in their first three games of the season.

But in recent times the Rainbow club has conceded six goals in three games in the league and Coach Keni has to get to work and immediately seal a leaking defense to get back on winning ways.

3. Find Natural Pacy Wingers

Teams have found an antidote to a Hearts team that tends to play through the middle.

Hearts have built a team that uses the ball more through the middle and oppositions that have pacy wingers have turned to a quick switch of play to attack Hearts and this appears to be working.

Three Things Learned From Hearts" Draw With WAFA

I"m Surprised With Hearts FA Cup Exit

MTN FA Cup Vice Chairman, Kofi Poku has admitted surprise at Hearts elimination from the ongoing competition.

Hearts was defeated 4-5 on penalties by GN Bank Division One side, Samartex FC when the two sides met at Samreboi in the round of 32 MTN FA cup clash.

The Phobians enviable form since the commencement of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season saw them named as one of the favourites to win the coveted trophy but they fell short with an early exit.

And this according to Mr Kofi Poku was the most surprising result of the round of 32 games.

Mr Poku who is vying for the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairmanship post told Sportscrusader.com, “the surprising FA Cup result of the weekend for me is the Hearts of Oak elimination at the hands of Division One club, Samartex FC. Though this is the excitement the competition gives to fans, Hearts’ high flying start to the season and their current form gave them a different signal to the result.”

“Both teams were motivated in their own ways but the surprise of them still remains how Samartex stood up to Hearts and eliminated them from the competition,” he added.

I"m Surprised With Hearts FA Cup Exit

Yatsuhashi Must Focus On Tactics - Polo

Former Accra Hearts of Oak player and coach, Mohammed Polo has called on coach Kenichi Yatsuashi to change his training regiment to meet up with the challenges in the premiership.

Coach Yatsuhashi, since his appointment, has taken the fitness level of players to an appreciable level in comparison to last season and this has coincided with stellar performance in the 2015/16 Ghana premier league season.

The players are put through more physical training sessions and tactical routines as well but the club legend, Polo believes the former should not over ride the latter though it is of great importance.

Speaking to Sportscruader.com, Polo mentioned, “My source has revealed there are more physical training regiments, yes its good, but what I can advice is that the physical training routines are too much.”

“Before the season (pre-season trainings) a coach has to work on the physical abilities of his players but when the season starts the coach has to work more on the tactical and technical approach of the team as physique alone won’t work,” he added.

Yatsuhashi Must Focus On Tactics - Polo