Hearts of Oak head coach Nebojša Kapor has credited his side’s recent resurgence to their improved mentality and collective resilience as the Phobians prepare for Sunday’s Ghana Premier League encounter against debutants Debibi United at Debibi Presby Park.
The Accra-based club have won their last three league matches, beating Port City FC, Vision FC and Basake Holy Stars by 1-0 scorelines to build momentum after a mixed start to their campaign.
Kapor believes the players’ growing mental strength and willingness to support one another have been central to that improvement, particularly after injuries disrupted the team’s early progress.
“We were working a lot on our mentality and strength. Players from every position participate to support each other.”
Nebojša Kapor, Hearts of Oak head coach
The Serbian tactician explained that Hearts experienced difficulties during their early-season fixtures, especially when injuries affected players in crucial positions within the squad.
He revealed that the absence of an attacking midfielder for several matches forced the technical team to explore alternative solutions and make adjustments, although the transition took longer than expected.
However, he believes the players’ determination to overcome those challenges and their ability to contribute collectively have helped transform the team’s fortunes.
Kapor specifically pointed to the performances against Vision FC and in their most recent outing as evidence of the improved mentality, describing the team’s resilience as an important factor behind the three successive victories.
Kapor Aware of Rising Expectations
The three-match winning sequence has also increased expectations around Hearts, who are now joint-top of the league standings with defending champions Medeama SC on 17 points after eight matches.
Kapor acknowledged that positive results naturally improve confidence within the squad but also bring additional pressure, making it important for the technical team to manage the players’ expectations and keep them focused. “Every good game, every positive result also is giving confidence, but giving and raising expectations, that is our job,” he acknowledged.
He added that the coaching staff had been working to communicate its ideas effectively to the players to ensure that everyone remained committed to the same objectives.
The improved results have coincided with an impressive defensive record, with Hearts conceding just two goals in eight league matches, the best defensive return in the competition.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has been particularly influential, keeping six clean sheets to lead the league’s goalkeepers in that category.
Those defensive numbers have provided a solid platform for Hearts’ recent victories, all of which have been secured by a single goal.
However, Sunday presents a different challenge against a Debibi United side that will be determined to use home advantage to improve its position.
The debutants have endured a difficult introduction to the top flight, winning just two of their eight matches, drawing one and losing five.
Their home record offers some encouragement, though, having secured two victories, one draw and one defeat in four matches at Debibi Presby Park.
Kapor Demands Positive Approach Away from Home
Hearts, meanwhile, have established themselves as the league’s best travelling side, collecting seven points from their four away fixtures through two victories, one draw and one defeat.
Kapor recognises the difficulties associated with playing away in the Ghana Premier League but insists his players must approach the encounter with the belief that they can secure maximum points.
“For me away game is not like how previous players facing these games and approaching these games. Every game I’m going to give them confidence, we are going to win the game.”
Nebojša Kapor, Hearts of Oak head coach
He acknowledged that taking all three points would require a strong performance but urged his players to remain positive, disciplined and serious about exploiting their opportunities.
On the tactical front, Kapor disclosed that Hearts would retain their general playing philosophy while making adjustments to suit the demands of the opposition.
He explained that the technical team was studying Debibi United and would use its remaining tactical sessions to identify possible solutions and create advantages for the Phobians.
The coach also expressed confidence that the players would understand and execute the instructions, stressing that tactical flexibility remained an important part of the team’s approach.
Nebojša Kapor Rallies Supporters
Kapor concluded by appealing to Hearts supporters to make the long journey to Debibi and rally behind the team, urging them to turn out in their numbers despite the distance.
He emphasised the importance of unity between the players and supporters, expressing hope that they would have a positive afternoon together.
With 17 points placing them alongside Medeama at the summit, Hearts will be eager to extend their winning sequence and maintain their title challenge.
A victory would further strengthen their position as they pursue a record-extending 22nd Ghanaian league title and their first championship since 2021.
For Kapor, the Debibi assignment offers another opportunity to demonstrate that the mentality developed during the team’s difficult period can sustain their progress and keep them firmly in the title race.
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