By Lexi Elo
Technical adviser of Heartland, Erasmus Onuh Olottah has assured fans that his wards would be in good mood to tackle league champions, Kano Pillars when both teams square up for the season’s opening game at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Saturday.
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The coach said although they had little time for preparation, the Naze Millionaires have now covered enough ground to warrant optimism against their opponents. But he admitted that Pillars would not be push-overs because they have been already involved in different competitions which help to toughen their form.
Olottah, who took charge of Heartland last January, said the recent friendly matches his team undertook, including the 2-2 draw with Ifeanyi Uba FC (Gabros FC) of Nnewi enabled him to assess the team he was assembling and that so far, they are on the right track.
Onu told Goal: “We had a short but very eventful pre-season programme in Oba at the Rojenny Stadium and we are looking forward to Saturday with keen interest. We know the capability of our opponents and we will be ready for them. I want to use this medium to assure our loyal fans that there won’t be any tardiness this season. We want to start right away from the first game with Kano Pillars.
“I expect our fans to throng the Dan Anyiam Stadium and give us the best of support. They should be patient with us even if goals do not come on time but at the end of it all, we are going to carry the day.”
The coach was not happy though, that he would be making his Heartland (coaching) debut without the services of attacking pearl, Emeka Ogbugh who has been ruled out of action for 15 days due to injury. Ogbugh suffered a hamstring in the friendly with Ifeanyi Uba FC in Nnewi on Sunday after grabbing a brace for Heartland.
However, Olottah said he has adequate replacement for the Imo State University graduate and has already assigned new roles to the replacement he would not name.
With more than 12 new additions to the squad this season Heartland are looking forward to a great season and the Kogi State-born tactician who joined the Owerri ‘Scientific Soccer Boys’ this season from Sunshine Stars of Akure said he bears a similar dream with the club.