Hearts Of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara has highlighted the immense pressure that comes with managing top African clubs, citing examples such as Al Ahly and Zamalek of Egypt, TP Mazembe of DR Congo, and Orlando Pirates of South Africa.
According to Ouattara, fan pressure can be overwhelming, but he believes it can also serve as motivation to perform well.
As a coach who has faced pressure from fans in the past, Ouattara understands the challenges that come with managing a high-profile team.
Last season, he faced calls for his resignation after his team struggled with relegation, and earlier this season, fans again demanded his head due to a poor start to the league campaign.
Despite these challenges, Ouattara remains focused on his goal of guiding his team to a top-four finish in the league.
Currently, the Phobians sit in sixth place, and Ouattara is determined to turn their season around.
He believes that a strong coach can harness the energy from fan pressure to drive their team forward.
“Pressure from fans can make you weak,” he told Onua Sports.
“That pressure coming from fans is a big motivation to do well,” he added.
Ouattara’s comments highlight the intense scrutiny that coaches face in African football, where fan passion and expectations can be intense.
