Legendary Hearts of Oak forward Mohammed Ahmed Polo has raised questions over the club’s latest managerial appointment, stating that Didi Dramani’s arrival does not automatically assure a turnaround in the Phobians’ fortunes.
The Ghana Premier League giants recently unveiled Dramani as their new head coach on a two-year deal ahead of the 2025/26 football season.
A respected figure in Ghanaian football, Dramani boasts an impressive coaching résumé, having guided Asante Kotoko to two league titles and an FA Cup.
He also previously held a key role at the Right to Dream Academy, known for nurturing some of the country’s most promising young talents.
Yet Polo, widely regarded as one of Hearts of Oak’s all-time greats, believes success will elude the club unless deeper structural and operational issues are addressed.
The former Black Stars assistant coach was a little bit sceptical about the managerial change yielding immediate results.
“Didi Dramani’s appointment doesn’t guarantee success. What is he coming to do? Aboubakar Ouattara came in and almost took the club to relegation, and in the second season, he didn’t win anything for the club.”
“Now Didi Dramani is coming, but that doesn’t guarantee success until the right thing is done. You can bring in the best coaches, but if the structures, support systems, and technical direction are flawed, you’ll keep going in circles”.
Mohammed Ahmed Polo
A Challenge For Dramani
Hearts of Oak endured a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, finishing the season without a single trophy. The club’s board and technical direction came under scrutiny, especially following the underwhelming tenure of Aboubakar Ouattara.
Dramani’s appointment is seen by many as a bold attempt to hit the reset button. With his deep experience in player development and his reputation for tactical discipline, he is viewed as a coach who can instil identity and consistency in a side that has lacked both.
“Coaching is only part of the formula. There has to be investment in quality players, strong scouting, good youth integration, and most importantly, stability at the top. Didi is a fine coach, but Hearts must give him the tools to succeed.”
Mohammed Ahmed Polo
Ouattara Moved To Advisory Role
In a related development, Hearts of Oak has confirmed that former head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has been reassigned to serve as Special Advisor to the Board of Directors.
The decision is intended to retain his experience within the club’s hierarchy while allowing for a fresh technical direction under Dramani.
Didi Dramani will begin his tenure facing enormous expectations. Hearts of Oak, one of Ghana’s most storied clubs, has struggled to replicate its past dominance in recent seasons.
Despite boasting a proud history that includes CAF Champions League glory and over 20 domestic league titles, the club has fallen behind rivals like Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC in recent campaigns.
For Mohammed Polo, he maintains that the key to success lies not just in who occupies the dugout, but in the collective commitment of the entire Hearts of Oak establishment.
“It’s about systems, unity, and vision. We all want to see Hearts rise again, but it won’t happen with just a coaching change. Everyone (from management to players and fans) must be aligned.”
Mohammed Ahmed Polo
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