Imo SWAN demands immediate restructuring of Heartland FC
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Following the failure of Heartland FC to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria , SWAN, Imo State Chapter, has called for immediate reforms in the club.
In a statement by the chairman of Imo SWAN, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, the association voiced its disappointment over Heartland FC’s inability to return to the NPFL after a disappointing Nigeria National League, NNL, campaign.
While commending Coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s efforts in ensuring the prompt payment of salaries, the association stressed that the workload placed on him has been excessive, with many of his supporting staff still learning on the job.
Imo SWAN noted that Amuneke who simultaneously served as Technical Manager, General Manager, and Chairman, a workload, the group believes hampered his focus in rescuing the millionaires from relegation.
“This marks the first time in the club’s history that it has been relegated and failed to return immediately to the elite division after playing in the NNL, a development that has left Imolites deeply concerned, given the club’s pedigree as one of Nigeria’s traditional football institutions.
“Imo SWAN, therefore, recommends that Amuneke be assigned a clearly defined role, either as General Manager overseeing the club’s administration or as Technical Adviser focusing solely on football matters, to ensure efficiency and better results.
“Furthermore, the association recommends an overhaul of the backroom staff involved in the running of the club’s affairs and suggests that competent professionals be engaged to reposition the club,” SWAN stated.
The group however applauded Governor Hope Uzodinma, for appointing not just a son of the soil and Nigerian football legend, but someone with proven technical knowledge of the game to lead the club.
Chukwuemeka emphasized that the current state of the five-time former Nigerian champions is unacceptable and reiterated the need for immediate reforms to align the club with global best practices to restore pride in the team, and return it to its rightful place in Nigerian football.
