Hearts of Oak head coach Nebojša Kapor has acknowledged the quality of FC Samartex 1996 ahead of Sunday’s Ghana Premier League Matchday 12 encounter at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi.
The Phobians travel to face the 2023/24 league champions buoyed by an emphatic 3-0 victory over Heart of Lions last weekend, while Samartex will be looking to respond after suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Bechem United.
Speaking ahead of the potentially difficult fixture, Kapor described Samartex as a very good and competitive side, particularly on their home ground, but insisted that his team were equally prepared to rise to the challenge.
“Samartex is a very good team, a very good side and we are also expecting from them a very good, serious and tough approach,” the Hearts coach said during his pre-match press conference.
Hearts of Oak currently lie second on the league table with 20 points, a point behind Medeama SC who occupy top spot. The Timber Giants are lso in fourth place seeking to climb up the league log.
Kapor Promises Attacking Intent
With the fixture expected to test Hearts’ resilience, Kapor has assured supporters that his team will not travel to Samreboi merely to fulfil their league obligations.
The coach revealed that preparations had included tactical work, with the players responding positively to the demands of the technical team ahead of the encounter.
He expressed confidence that his squad would execute the planned approach and bring the required energy to compete against the former league champions.
“This morning we did one session tactically and we are responding well on our responsibilities,” he said, adding that he was confident his players would apply the team’s tactical approach during the match.
Kapor also had a message for the Hearts faithful, promising that the team would give everything in pursuit of all three points.
“We are going there not like tourists, not only to respect the rules of GFA. We are going there to apply everything that is our strength. We are going there to apply everything that is our strength and with our composure and everything to bring three points.”
Samartex’s Formidable Home Record
The Timber Giants have established themselves as a difficult opponent at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena this season, remaining unbeaten at home heading into Matchday 12.
Samartex have won four of their five home league fixtures, with Asante Kotoko the only visiting side to leave Samreboi with a point following a 1-1 draw on matchday 2. They have also won their last three home matches, conceding just once across those encounters.
Their impressive home form presents a significant challenge for Hearts, who must find a way to overcome a side that has consistently made home advantage count.
Kapor acknowledged the strength of the Samreboi-based outfit, revealing that his technical team had been studying their opponents while identifying areas they could exploit.
“We try to find some weaknesses in this team, also some positive things. Normally, we are approaching them very seriously.”
The Serbian tactician, however, believes the encounter also presents an opportunity for his players to make a statement, insisting that Samartex will have to contend with a determined Hearts side. “They are very good on home ground, like almost all Ghanaian clubs, but I am also sure our opponent is facing a very serious opponent,” he added.
Hearts Banking on Away Form
Despite Samartex’s impressive home performances, Hearts will arrive in Samreboi with one of the strongest away records in the ongoing campaign.
The Phobians have collected seven points from their five away matches, recording two victories and a draw while suffering two defeats. However, their last outing on the road ended in disappointment following a 1-0 loss to newly promoted Debibi United.
Their historical record at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena also offers little encouragement, having failed to secure a victory against Samartex in four previous visits. Hearts have suffered three defeats and managed just one draw against the Timber Giants at the venue.
Their most recent visit, under former head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, also ended in defeat, leaving Kapor with the task of guiding the 21-time league champions to a result they have struggled to achieve in Samreboi.
Nevertheless, the Hearts coach believes his players are approaching the encounter in the right frame of mind, particularly following their recent performances.
“This team now is in a very good moment when we are talking about mentality. The moment is nice because of our previous games.”
He further stressed the importance of maintaining their current momentum, urging his players to approach Sunday’s contest with the same discipline and determination that have characterised their recent preparations. “We are in a very good moment now and I am also trying, we will respect this moment and give maximum in this game to keep this moment because that is also very important,” he said.
Sunday’s encounter therefore offers Hearts an opportunity to extend their recent revival and end their winless record at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, while Samartex will be determined to protect their impressive home record and return to winning ways following their defeat at Bechem United.
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