Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Gladson Awako has opened up about the reasons behind his unexpected departure from the club, citing internal politics and concerns over his growing influence as key factors.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Awako described Hearts of Oak as a “political club,” suggesting that his rising prominence within the team had made him a target. The 33-year-old midfielder joined the Phobians in 2021 but parted ways with the club in September 2023.
Awako highlighted the contrasting dynamics between Hearts of Oak and his current club, Great Olympics. “Hearts of Oak and Olympics are two different clubs. One of the clubs is political, and the other is not,” he remarked.
According to Awako, his leadership roles under former coach Slavko Matic significantly increased his influence, which some within the club saw as a threat.
“The leadership roles I got from the coach gave me power, and they felt if they should allow me, it wouldn’t help most of them, so they got rid of me,” Awako explained. “It got to a time they thought I was becoming too powerful, so they had to get rid of me, but there was no problem with me.”
Awako’s departure surprised many, as he had been a vital figure in the team’s midfield, contributing to their successes during his tenure.
Now plying his trade with Great Olympics in the Division One League, Awako continues to demonstrate his talent and leadership on the pitch. Despite his exit from Hearts of Oak, he remains a respected figure in Ghanaian football, with his experience and skills still highly regarded.
Awako’s comments shed light on the challenges of navigating internal club politics, raising questions about how such dynamics might impact player retention and overall team performance at Hearts of Oak.
