Jacob Nettey eyes Hearts coaching job

Former captain of Accra Hearts of Oak and now a coach of Division Two side Shooting Stars Football Club in Kumasi, Jacob Nettey, has revealed that he dreams of being the head coach of his former club in future.

He told the DAILY HERITAGE by telephone that he had set a five-year target for himself to return to the club he helped to win the Confederation of African Football Champion League 18 years ago.

According to him, he has not forgotten the sweet memories with the club and it would be something he would cherish to happen to his life.

Coach Nettey advised Ghana’s sole representatives in the Champions League Aduana Stars to go all out of their limit to beat their hosts, ES Setif in Algeria, to book a place in the next stage of the competition, which is the money zone.

Though many football fans in Ghana have written them off due to their failure to nail the Algerians during the first leg in Ghana, he thinks otherwise as according to him, the Ghanaian champions can win away or settle for a draw.

He said they should only believe in themselves that they have what it takes to win in Algeria by taking up their chances and not squandering them.

“Aduana Stars must not give up because they are still in the game and, in fact, they are leading in this game. Setif are a very good side but if the Ghanaians believe that they have prepared well for that challenge, then they can make it,” he said.

He said they must not play to the tune of the hosts but be mentally strong and be their own referee on the field of play until the final whistle of the game.

“Head coach of the club, Yusif Abubarkari, needs to psyche up his players very well to the harsh treatment they might suffer to in Algeria. They must close their eyes and ears over any maltreatment from them.

“ES Setif are trying to use the maltreatment to Aduana Stars as their mind game weapon to distract them from playing their game,” he said.

Coach Nettey urged the Ghana Premier League champions to go for the 50-50 balls and not lose it to their opponents.

Coach Abubakar insists his men are focused on beating ES Setif in the return leg in Algeria on Sunday evening.

The Dormaa-based premier league club won by a lone goal the first match at the Agyeman Badu Park at Dormaa-Ahenkro and must avoid defeat in Algeria to realise that dream.