FA Cup: Heartland players threaten to abandon Round of 16 tie

By George Aluo

The trouble that has become parts and parcel of Heartland appears not to be abating as the players have threatened not to play the FA Cup Round of 16 tie against Dakada in Asaba this weekend.

One of the players who put a WhatsApp call across to Newstap.com.ng said nothing would make them step out to play the game against Dakada at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba unless they are paid their outstanding salaries and other bonuses.

The player who claimed to be speaking the mind of his teammates alleged that they are being owed three months insisting that any of the officials can confirm it.

“We were not going to play against Rangers but the coach prevailed on us to play and we did out of respect for him as our father. But we have told him in very clear terms that we won’t listen to any other story. If we are not paid, then Dakada would go into the quarterfinals without kicking a ball. We are tired of all the stories and promises that are never fulfilled,” he said.

When contacted, Coach Erasmus Onuh said it was not in his place to speak on issues of unpaid salaries and allowances.

“If you ask me how we are preparing technically, I will tell you. If you want answers on the issue of salaries please press another number. That’s all I can tell you,” were his words.

The club’s General Manager, Promise Nwachukwu on his part said he was too busy to speak urging this writer to call back later.