Player contracts in Ghana are not professional - Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara

Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has condemned the 'abnormal' nature of player contracts in the Ghana Premier League, particularly those that expire just before a new season begins.

During a media briefing on Thursday, July 25, Ouattara expressed frustration over the non-professional nature of these contracts, highlighting how they often lead to players leaving clubs at critical times.

"It’s only in Ghana that I see a player’s contract end in September or December," Ouattara remarked. "It’s not normal for a contract to end just a week before the league starts. It’s not professional."

Ouattara's comments come in light of recent issues where players have departed Ghanaian clubs due to the timing of their contract expirations. This has created challenges for teams, particularly during crucial periods of the season.

The Hearts of Oak coach is focused on improving his squad after a challenging 2023/24 season, in which the team narrowly avoided relegation. They secured their top-flight status with a crucial comeback victory over Bechem United on the final day.

Ouattara aims to ensure the team does not repeat last season’s performance, and his criticism of the current contract practices underscores his commitment to bringing professionalism and stability to the club.