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Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Gladson Awako has opened up about the reasons behind his unexpected departure from the club, shedding light on internal conflicts and the influence he wielded during his time there. Awako, who previously played for Berekum Chelsea and Great Olympics, joined Hearts of Oak in 2021 and quickly became a key player. During his tenure, he helped the team secure a Ghana Premier League title and two FA Cup trophies, earning the admiration of fans. However, his sudden exit in September 2023 left supporters shocked, prompting questions about what went wrong behind the scenes.
In a candid interview on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite, Awako explained that internal politics within Hearts of Oak played a significant role in his departure. He contrasted the environment at Hearts of Oak with his previous club, Great Olympics, stating that politics heavily influenced decisions at the former. Awako revealed that his growing leadership roles, entrusted to him by then-coach Slavko Matic, made some people within the club uncomfortable. He said, “The leadership roles I got from the coach gave me power, and they felt if they should allow me, it wouldn’t help most of them, so they got rid of me.” Despite the challenges, Awako maintained that he had no personal issues with anyone at the club.
After leaving Hearts of Oak, Awako returned to Great Olympics, where he has refocused his energy on helping the team regain its place in the topflight league. His departure from Hearts has raised questions about how internal dynamics and politics can impact player retention in Ghanaian football. Awako’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges professional athletes face, both on and off the field. As he continues his career, the midfielder remains determined to make a positive impact at Great Olympics while leaving the controversies of his time at Hearts of Oak behind. His story highlights the importance of effective leadership and unity within football teams, offering lessons for both players and management.
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