Harry Zakour is Ex Chairman of Glorious Accra Hearts of Oak late in 1990’s and early 2000. His outfit signed the likes of Charles Taylor and Emmanuel Osei Kufour from Accra Great Olympics and Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs respectively, leading the club to numerous domestic and continental honors. Hisrichnews caught up with him to give us more insight about his successful stint at the club. This is what Harry has to say.
WHAT WAS YOUR SECRET TO THE SUCCESS?
My secret at Accra Hearts of Oak was Unity. We did argue a lot about different opinions but when it comes to managing the club we were very united.
HOW DID YOU BECAME THE CHAIRMAN OF ACCRA HEARTS OF OAK?
Ato Awoi called me one day and asked me, Do you want to be the chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak? I said yes. Considering my experience acquired at Accra Great Olympics, am capable.
WHAT WAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HERBERT ADDO?
I had a fruitful relationship with Herbert. I was the chairman of Hearts and Herbert was also the chairman of Asante Kotoko and I remember before every game we will go to radio stations and have banter and trust me we were successful.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE HERBERT ADDO?
I must say we came to do what is football, Herbert for me I think he came to raise the standard of Ghana football. Administratively he’s a gem.
WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF YOUR SQUAD AT THAT TIME?
I would have won the World Cup with Hearts Of Oak because at that time we had all the qualities.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU BEAT ESPERANCE DU TUNIS HOME AND AWAY TO LIFT THE CAF CHAMPION’S LEAGUE?
I was more than the president after we won the competition. When we were presented the trophy, that was the day I felt I have done it. I was extremely happy.
WHAT HAS GONE WRONG WITH HEARTS OF OAK?
First I was vehemently against the floatation of shares. I also think Togbe Afede should have a good management team in place. And without unity you can’t achieve any results.
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO GHANA FOOTBALL?
It has to do with finances. This has resulted in player Exodus. I think the GFA should try and organize competition involving teams outside Ghana, this will attract a lot of sponsorships to grow our football.
DO YOU THINK EX PLAYERS NEED TO BE CELEBRATED AFTER RETIREMENT?
Yes, some of them have really served the nation and sell the country very well.
His leadership saw Hearts win three consecutive league titles from 2000 to 2003. He won the Caf Champions league, Caf Confederation, Super Cup, six league Titles, Top Four, Gala name it.
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