Accra Hearts of Oak are reportedly on the brink of appointing Maxwell Konadu as their new head coach in what could signal a significant turning point for the club’s technical direction. According to local media reports, Konadu has emerged as the frontrunner among three shortlisted candidates to take over from Aboubakar Ouattara, whose tenure is expected to come to an end at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
Sources close to the club’s board indicate that the decision is part of a broader plan to initiate a technical overhaul and rebuild the team after another disappointing campaign. If confirmed, the appointment would mark Konadu’s return to the Ghana Premier League and represent a new chapter for both the coach and one of Ghana’s most storied football institutions.
A Season of Missed Opportunities and Mixed Performances
Coach Aboubakar Ouattara, appointed mid-season after the dismissal of Dutch trainer Martin Koopman, was initially brought in to stabilize the team. While he managed to halt a worrying slump and restore some structure, his inability to push the club into title contention or secure a major trophy has reportedly convinced the board that a change is necessary.
Earlier in the year, insiders suggested that Ouattara might be retained given his rapport with the players and his understanding of the club’s recent challenges. However, the lack of silverware for a second consecutive season appears to have forced a rethink at board level.
Why Maxwell Konadu? A Look at His Profile and Career Trajectory
Maxwell Konadu is a well-known figure in Ghanaian football circles, having managed both club and national teams over the past two decades. The 51-year-old is respected for his tactical knowledge, calm demeanor, and emphasis on disciplined football. His most notable roles include:
Assistant Coach of the Ghana Black Stars during multiple AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaigns
Head Coach of the Ghana U-23 team, with whom he led a bronze-medal-winning side at the 2013 African Games
Managerial stints with Asante Kotoko, Legon Cities, and WAFA
Most recently managed South African side Black Leopards, a role he left earlier this year under undisclosed terms
Konadu’s coaching style prioritizes compactness, quick transitions, and player development. He is often praised for his ability to get the best out of local-based talent, which could prove essential for Hearts of Oak as they look to promote youth from their academy and restructure their senior squad.
His experience with both club and national teams also makes him a safe and strategic choice for a club looking for stability and long-term direction.
The Other Candidates: Ogum and Boadu Still in Contention
While Konadu appears to be leading the race, reports suggest that two other seasoned coaches are still being considered:
1. Prosper Narteh Ogum
The former Asante Kotoko and WAFA coach is widely respected for his progressive football philosophy and youth development record. Ogum led Kotoko to the Ghana Premier League title in the 2021/22 season with an exciting, possession-based approach. However, his reign ended on a sour note due to administrative disagreements and internal friction.
Ogum’s emphasis on building from the back and tactical fluidity aligns with modern football trends, and his name continues to be discussed as a potential long-term option for Hearts.
2. Samuel Boadu
Boadu famously guided Hearts of Oak to a historic domestic treble in the 2020/21 season but was dismissed after a series of disappointing results in subsequent campaigns. Despite his strong legacy, a return could be viewed as a step backwards by a portion of the fanbase, though others believe he deserves another shot.
The board’s decision to include him in the shortlist suggests there’s still respect for his previous accomplishments and rapport with players.
A New Direction: Hearts of Oak’s Need for Rebuilding
Regardless of who gets the nod, Hearts of Oak are expected to undergo a significant squad overhaul this off-season. With key players either aging, underperforming, or likely to be released, the next coach will have a mandate to reshape the roster, develop younger talent, and instill a coherent tactical identity.
Maxwell Konadu, if appointed, would be expected to:
Scout and integrate domestic talent, particularly from lower divisions and youth academies
Stabilize the defense, an area where the Phobians have struggled this season
Improve goal productivity, with the team relying too heavily on moments of individual brilliance rather than structured attacking play
Bring calm and structure to the dressing room, which has faced reported unrest in recent months
The club has also expressed interest in investing in its backroom staff, possibly appointing a dedicated sporting director or technical advisor to assist with recruitment and player development — another area where Konadu’s experience could prove invaluable.
Timing and Next Steps
According to Opemsuo Radio, the Hearts of Oak board has already held informal talks with Konadu and could formalize the deal by the end of the season, pending the outcome of their final league fixtures. The team is set to play Legon Cities in what will be a crucial test of the squad’s resolve as the season wraps up.
If all goes according to plan, Konadu would be announced shortly after the season ends, giving him the entire pre-season to evaluate the squad, oversee player signings, and begin implementing his football philosophy.
Fan Sentiment: Mixed Expectations
As is often the case with big-name appointments in Ghanaian football, fan sentiment has been divided. While some supporters welcome Konadu’s experience and reputation, others are skeptical given his lack of recent silverware at club level and question whether he is the right figure to revolutionize the team.
However, there is widespread agreement that the club needs a clear plan moving forward. Many fans are calling on the board to support the new coach with autonomy, resources, and time — three things that have often been lacking in previous managerial tenures.
Conclusion
The expected appointment of Maxwell Konadu could mark the beginning of a new era for Accra Hearts of Oak — one defined not just by chasing immediate trophies but by building sustainable success. After years of short-term fixes and inconsistent performances, the Phobians appear ready to invest in long-term planning, guided by a coach who understands both the domestic league landscape and the expectations of a top-tier club.
With Konadu in the dugout and significant structural changes on the horizon, Hearts fans may yet have reason to believe that a return to dominance in Ghanaian football is not far off.
