Heartland clean house
by Humphrey Njoku 16 January 2013, 04:10
Federation Cup holders, Heartland have relieved three coaches and six administrative personnel of their duties.
The Imo State Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Comrade Kenneth Emelu said the downsizing is part of government's measure to cut down drastically on high-rising cost of running the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) side.
Emelu disclosed that Heartland spend about N8 million (around $51,000) on monthly salaries the same amount they receive as monthly subvention making it difficult to meet their financial needs.
"Government has decided to reduce the staff strength in the club aimed at cutting down expenditure to realistic level.
"Those affected include three coaches and six administrative staff. They are to meet me to harmonise their disengagement.
"Heartland spend N8 million on monthly salaries same as its monthly subvention. It becomes difficult for the club to meet its financial needs," he said.
He however did not make public the names of the affected persons but directed them to meet with him for proper discussion and harmonisation of their disengagement.
The administrative shake-up was made at the occasion of the state reception of the side which at the weekend won the NPL pre-season Super Four tournament in Kano.
Emelu said that the state government under Owelle Rochas Okorocha has resolved to make the "sufferings in the club a thing of the past."
Ndubuoke assured that if the side were well funded the team will win the Premier League and Caf Confederation Cup titles.
Heartland emerged Federation Cup champions back-to-back in 2012, Charity Cup champions and NPL pre-season Super Four champions within five months and under the able management team led by Fan Ndubuoke.
