Ghana's oldest club is 104 today

Hurray, Accra Hearts of Oak is 104 years today! We agree we have not been perfect over those years. We admit we have not moved forward like we were supposed to We concede part of our story draws die-hard fans to tears.

But, we can hold our heads high and say that the spirit stoked by 11 men, on the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month and in the year 1911 has still and will continue to survive the test of time despite myriad challenges and multiple setbacks We have come far, but not far enough.

However, we can still smile by looking back at the glorious years, the rich history, and unrivaled success we have chalked both on and off the field of play.

So as we mark another extra year to the dear life of our club, we will take a solemn time to remember some of our fallen brothers who left us from our last birthday. Goalkeeper Archie Mills, Santrofi Acquah, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, Charles Kumi Gyamfi, Paul Kunkey, and a few more we have missed.

All the fallen men who soldiered and labored over the years to make this club what it's, we say thank you and rest well till we meet again. To the multitude of men who paid their quota and yet never had the recognition for their sacrifice and to those who sacrificed without ever getting their rewards, we say the Oaktree is grateful. Your greatest recompense is that Hearts of Oak is still alive due to your sacrifices.

To the men and women the club has wronged in one way or the other, we say, find a spot to forgive us - Hearts is a spirit but a human institution as well. And to those who have forgotten what the Hearts of Oak is, we pray you re-find the memories and fall back in love again with the Oaktree.

Yes, it's the perfections and imperfections that makes the total sum of Accra Hearts of Oak what it's now. When you sit down to remind us of the imperfections, try and praise us for the unparalleled perfections too.

Don't love one and leave the other; love it both - for through your love and support we might find a way to perfect and correct a flaw We have made strides; our hope is that we'll make a giant leap.

To every member and fan of Accra Hearts of Oak, we say, happy 104th birthday.