12th August, 2013
Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Imo State, Eastern Nigeria have sacked Coach Ndubuisi Nduka after a poor run of results, officials of the club announced Monday.
The entire technical crew were earlier on suspension before, Nduka was axed.
The players have also been placed on half pay.
Heartland have now asked two assistant coaches Bob Acholonu and Mbwas Mangut to take charge of the Owerri club.
Team Media Officer, Cajetan Nwokpara informed MTNFootball.com that the action was taken by the Fan Ndubuoke-led management.
“The management has asked two assistant coaches, Bob Acholonu and Mangut Mbwas, to be in charge of the team temporarily following the suspension of coach Ndubuisi Nduka’s led crew due to poor performance,” Nwokpara disclosed.
“Negotiations are ongoing in an effort to employ a new technical adviser for the team.
“The players have also been placed on half salary.”
He added: “The decision was taken due to failure of the coaches to meet the 12-point target from five matches set for the team.”
The dethroned Cup holders were beaten 0-1 by Kwara United in the Glo Premier League tie at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday which means they have suffered three defeats at home so far this season.
Heartland were handed a shock opening season defeat in Owerri by Glo Premier League newcomers, Nembe City, while oriental foes, Enyimba followed it up with another stunning defeat at the start of the second stanza.
SuperSport reports that Heartland chairman, Fan Ndubuoke announced the decision shortly after the home defeat to Kwara United on Sunday.
Ndubuoke hinted that one of the suspended technical crew members maybe recalled or a new helmsman be given the nod to take the side for the Glo Premier League duel at Gombe United on Thursday.
An official of the side, Cajetan Nkwopara said the measure is being taken to halt the sudden slide in the fortune of the side in the league.
“The chairman of Heartland, Fan Ndubuoke just announced the indefinite suspension of the entire technical crew members and immediate placement of the players on half salary.
“Ndubuoke said one of the suspended crew members maybe recalled to lead the side to Gombe United or new hands may get the nod.
“The head of the technical crew, Nduka Ndubuisi accepted full responsibility of the side’s fortune while he thanked the management for the opportunity given to them to serve,” said Nkwopara.