Attakorah-Gyimah denies tribalism allegations
by Gary Al-Smith 19 December 2012, 15:49
Following the release of seven players by Hearts on Monday evening, there were widespread allegations against the Phobians that they were being tribalistic, but Prince Attakorah-Gyimah has rubbished the talk.
The left-winger was declared surplus to requirements days ago, but he says the parting was mutual. "It will be easy to say Hearts are sacking Akan players because of the number of people from that side of the country who have been asked to leave. But it's not so," a surprised Attakorah-Gyimah told supersport.com.
He even gave up the arrears owed him by the club in an indication of how much he wanted to leave. "They owed me more than $3,500 but I let it go. I need playing time more than any amount of money. Playing time will get me to my goals and the money will follow."
Now that he has his documents, the well-traveled player revealed that he enjoyed Hearts very much and would have wanted to make a future there.
"When [former boss] Nebojsa Vucicevic was the coach and I was join, I was excited. I remember telling you that I will score at least 12 goals, but it's just unfortunate it did not happen," he tells supersport.com.
A three-year deal was given to the former BA Stars hitman worth $15,000 but David Duncan's stint with the capital side brought an end to the player's regular playing time.
"I've left Hearts, but all this talk of tribalism is strange. I've heard the rumours but It think it's mere coincidence that the guys let go were from the Akan tribe. Hearts were open to all people so long as you met their requirements, as far as I know."
The player expressed displeasure at such ethnic sentiment, stressing the need for unity among all fans and teams. The allegations have been rife in the last few days especially in Kumasi, where Hearts' supporters groups have allegedly been asking the club's management not to sign any more Akan players.
Supersport.com cannot confirm any of these allegations.
