Ghanaian powerhouse Accra Hearts of Oak have announced the appointment of Serbian international Kosta Papic as the club’s new head coach.
The 60-year-old Papic returns to the Phobians 11 years after leading them to the 2008/09 Ghana Premier League title during his one-year stint with the club. Incidentally, it was the last time Hearts won the Ghana Premier League.
The Serbian gaffer will be assisted by Asare Bediako, who was appointed assistant coach in November.
Meanwhile, Odoom, who had been in charge of the Phobians since the exit of the club’s Director of Football and head coach, Kim Grant, in December last year, has been handed responsibility for Hearts’ junior side, Auroras, with immediate effect.
Coach Kosta Papic returns home.
Welcome!!!
🔴🟡🔵#AHOSC #AccraIsOurs#PositiveEnergy#AHOSC pic.twitter.com/I0Gs0zviu1— Phobians (@HeartsOfOakGH) December 1, 2020
Papic takes over a side which has managed just a point in two matches this season and sit at the bottom of the league log. His first assignment will be to lead the Phobians against league leaders Karela United in the fourth-week fixture in Accra on Friday.
Since leaving the shores of Ghana, the Serbian continued his career on the continent where he coached various clubs, including Young Africans of Tanzania, South African sides Black Leopards, Chippa United, Polokwane City and Royal Eagles.
He was appointed national coach of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland) in December 2018 and left the role in December 2019.
The Phobians have played two games so far in the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League, drawing 2-2 against Ashantigold SC and also losing 1-0 to Inter Allies.
Their season opener against Aduana Stars has been postponed by the Ghana Football Association.
