With barely 24 hours to the kick off the new Nigeria Premier League Season, all fillers indicate that returnee premier league side Heartland did not have adequate preparations, but remain hopeful they can fly.
The Owerri based side just back into the elite division after season relegation, are scheduled to host Sunshine Stars of Akure at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in their opening match of the season on Sunday, but will need every arsenal in their armory and luck to avoid flagging off on a losing note.
Some technical crew members and players who bared their minds ahead of the new season revealed that they neither had camping nor proper preparation for the new season but were unanimous in faith that mother luck and grace of God will see them through. A cross section of the Nazi Millionaires fans who reacted to development emanating from the team expressed worry that the club which has gone through a lot of changes in its 42 years of existence may be heading back to relegation if nothing urgent is done.
Recall that the club was formerly known as Spartans then Iwuanyanwu Nationale before becoming Heartland of Owerri.
A worried Goalkeeper of the side Ebere Obi described their state of unpreparedness as worrisome adding however that the players have resolved to simply put in their best and leave the rest to God.
We didn’t have any preparation at all ,but I, as the last man of the defense and captain of the side Julius Ubido have resolved to ginger our teammates to go all out and put in their best no matter what and then leave the rest to God,” he said just after the Super Four held in Lagos. Heartland were beaten by both Remo Stars and Go Round FC.
Coach of the side Ramson Madu who admitted that the team did not even prepare for the super four in which it participated, however said he has hope in God and hoping for the best in the new season.
“We did not prepare but by the grace of God we will excel I know myself and I know we will do well not withstanding” he enthused
Sunshine Stars finished 10th on the log last season with 54 points in 38 matches. The Akure side towards the end of last season offloaded some players while engaging new ones to fortify with intent to rattle opponents in the new season.
