Belgian coach Minnaert sets sights on Hearts of Oak job

Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert wants to take over Hearts of Oak's vacant coaching position.

The former AFC Leopards of Congo boss is hoping to replace Scotsman Frank Nuttall whose contract was terminated by the Phobians last week.

Minnaert has also had stints with Rayon Sport in Rwanda and Mali's Djouliba FC.

"Hearts of Oak is a big name and I always wished to work with the top and best in the country," Minnaert told Ash FM.

"I was in Mali with Djoliba, in Kenya with AFC Leopard and in Guinea with AS Kaloum.

"My presence has always revived teams and I think that is what Hearts of Oak need now."

In the absence of a permanent boss, Hearts assistant coach Henry Wellington has been handed the top job in the interim.

"We [Djoliba] played Hearts of Oak in the 2015 Caf Confederation Cup and beat them [1-0] in Accra," Minnaert recalled.

"Despite the fact that we could not qualify [to the next stage of the competition as we were kicked out on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate draw], the Accra fans gave us a standing ovation for our performance. The action of the fans impressed me.

"In my entire career as a coach, I have been met with pressure everywhere I've gone.

"It is part of the game but the only thing is to stay positive, focus on the job and move forward."

Minnaert's last job was a seven-month stint at Leopards.