Former Hearts chairman Harry opens up on broken relationship with Togbe
Former Hearts of Oak board chairman, Harry Zakour, has opened up about his strained relationship with the current chairman, Togbe Afede XIV.
Speaking to Happy FM, Harry Zakour, who led the team to achieve numerous success disclosed he has not been in good terms with Togbe Afede for about 15 to 20-years.
However, he has attributed his broken relationship with the esteemed chief to the estrangement to disagreements over club management decisions, particularly the floating of shares
“I can’t remember the last time I talked to Togbe. It’s been more than 15 to 20 years,” Zakour said. “Yes, I haven’t spoken to Togbe. I was against the floating shares, if you could remember, and this is why Togbe is not happy with me. But I was really saving his skin. I thank God he’s doing well.”
“We are very old friends. I brought Togbe to Hearts of Oak. I introduced him to the board in my time of office. I have nothing against Togbe. Only when he sees me, he doesn’t talk to me. So I ignore him. If you don’t talk to me, there’s no need to, so,” Zakour explained.
Zakour also mentioned that they have met on a few occasions in public, but their interactions have been limited. “We’ve met once or twice in public. He doesn’t talk to me. First time when he used to have his festival, I used to go there, and we have the festival. Now I don’t,” Zakour said.
With the floatation of the shares, Hearts assumed the status of a more corporate organisation than a community club, as the former National House of Chiefs’ President,Tobge Afede took over in October 2011, following his position as the majority shareholder.
However, this transition has not been smooth but characterized by underperformance, poor player recruitment, absence from continental competitions, agitations, and protests from supporters who had to endure the bitterness of going many years without any silverware.
It would be noted that Hearts had endured the highest turnover of coaches as no coach has lasted more than two years at the club as compared to the era before his takeover.
The Phobians have also battled relegation scare in back-to-back seasons finishing the just ended season on 45 points, one point above the relegation zone.