Hearts of Oak legend Bernard Dong Bortey has expressed deep concern over the fading glory of the Accra-based club, saying it no longer inspires the fear and respect it once commanded.
Speaking on Original TV, Bortey contrasted the club’s current struggles with its past dominance. “Hearts of Oak has lost its relevance,” he said. “During our time, we were winning trophies, competing in Africa, and feared across the continent. Now, the dominance is gone.”
The Phobians went trophyless last season and are on track for another barren campaign. Bortey, a key figure in the club’s golden era; including the CAF Champions League triumph in 2000 blamed the decline on a lack of consistency, ambition, and clear direction at the management level.
