FEATURE: FROM ASOKWA DEPORTIVO TO THE APEX OF GHANA FOOTBALL – Samuel Boadu; Proponent Of Free-flowing, Champagne Football With A Pinch Of ‘Never Say Die’
Football management is a brutal job. 30% of coaching is tactics, 70% is competence. These are words of an aging footballing philosophy which draws on countless years of experience, yet they belong to the youngest coach ever announced as manager of a team in the top five European Leagues i.e. Julian Nagglesman formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and now of Bayern Munich.
Samuel Boadu was just 35 years when he was appointed the head coach of Hearts of Oak in March 2021. He signed a three and half year deal, taking over from their interim coach Samuel Nii Noi who stepped up to coach the side after the resignation of Serbian Kosta Papic.
When he took over the club in March, Hearts were 5th on the League table. He won his first match as Hearts manager against Wafa, 4-0. Under the Ghanaian, they have played 15 games, won 11, drawn 2, lost 2 and they have the longest winning streak in the league which stretches to 11 games. They have had a good run and they are now the league leaders.
Medama’s results review his concept. Defying doubters and proving himself week in and week out. For a coach who quote Pep Guardiola as his model, his tactics suggest he is a perfect blend of him.
Tactically, he is a disciple of Guardiola. He approaches top level management with high forcefulness on simplicity.
So how has the 35 year old changed the team since his switch from Medama?
The arrivial of Samuel Boadu has changed almost everything at Hearts. One seen area is his defense. With his classic, 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 formation they have a compact and disciplined block, difficult to break.
With the inclusion of Salifu has taken Hearts to another level, as he always shine in midfield. The prodigy has provided 7 assits and scored 2 goals this season. He has form a lethal duo with Daniel Barnieh.
Samuel Boadu’s track record in trusting and developing young players is well- known. The players improved during Boadu’s tenure is impressive.
Transformed a young Daniel Barnieh into a world class player. Meanwhile former Legon Cities Coach, Bashiru Hayford credited the 35 year old on his good work,
‘’Samuel Boadu is my son, he came to me to bless him after the game, he said he always wanted to be like me, I am impressed with what he has done at Hearts of Oak, he deserves all the praise’’.
He won the GPL Nasco coach of the month of May and he won the Men’s Coach of the year. He is arguably one of the best managers in Africa.
His journey has been awesome. Age is truly just a number, but Samuel Boadu has paved a way for a generation of young managers to hopefully get a chance at managing a top-tier teams.
What is beyond doubt is that we are witnessing the development of one a new generation of manager.
His story shows the oath of a new area of football management. His reputation as innovative, problem solving coach, continues to grow, with the 35 year old making Hearts of Oak a formidable side in the GPL.
He is one for the future
By Gideon
