Hearts of Oak launch centenary celebrations

Accra, June 25, GNA - Accra Hearts of Oak, the nation's oldest existing club has line up series of activities to mark its centenary celebrations.

The capital-based club turns 100 on November 11, and the Board of Directors in collaboration with other stakeholders have drawn up activities to ensure a befitting celebration.

Emmanuel Martey Commodore-Mensah, Board Chairman of the club who announced this at the media launch of the celebrations on Friday, listed the programme to include Photo Exhibitions, Tree planting Exercise, Blood Donation campaign, Dinner and Awards Night, Street Carnival and an Inter-denominational church service.

He said the climax would be an international friendly against a yet-to-be-named foreign opponent on Sunday, November 13 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Board Chairman observed that the club survived some difficult moments since its creation and paid tribute to the past generations of Phobians who contributed to the club's legacy.

"They sacrificed their blood, sweat and toil in various capacities as Patrons, Directors, Management, Coaches, Players, Administrators and Supporters."

He noted that the centenary celebrations would serve a platform to forge ahead and urged all to bury their differences, remain focused and resolve to push the club towards greater heights.

Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Chairman of the National Communications Authority and an astute supporter of the club pledged unflinching support to restore the club to its past glory.

He described 100 years in the life of an institution as no mean achievement and advised the Management of the club to be abreast of modern trends of club management to propel the Hearts to the deserved status.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association mentioned Hearts of Oak as a pillar in Ghana's football with enormous contribution in the areas of technical and personnel.

Hearts of Oak have carved a niche for themselves as one of the most successful clubs in the country. They have won the national league 19 times, 10-times knockout champions and nine Champion of Champions titles.

On the continental scene, they won the CAF Champions League in 2000, CAF Super Cup winners also in 2000 as well as winning the maiden edition of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2004.