It's about time Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko own their stadium - Bashir Hayford

Heart of Lions coach Bashir Hayford has advised Kotoko and Hearts of Oak to consider building their own stadiums to regain dominance in the domestic league.

Currently, Kotoko and Hearts host their matches at the Baba Yara and Accra Sports Stadia, respectively.

Hayford, noted for his candid opinions, believes that the use of government-owned stadiums is a strategic disadvantage for Kotoko and Hearts.

He argues that venues like the Baba Yara and Accra Sports Stadiums do not offer the home advantage that private stadiums provide to other clubs.

The former Kotoko coach pointed out that inconsistent access to training facilities and the neutral-like conditions at state-owned stadiums level the playing field for visiting teams.

On the other hand, clubs owning their stadiums can create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and potentially influence referees, impacting the integrity of matches.

"We must face reality; it's challenging for teams without their own facilities to clinch the league title," Hayford expressed on Akoma FM.

He observed that while Kotoko and Hearts use public venues, clubs like Samatex, Nsoatreman, and Bechem benefit from the advantages of having their own grounds.

Hayford underscored the difficulties faced by teams at private stadiums, where they encounter intimidation and less impartial refereeing.

"Visiting privately owned stadiums often means facing significant pressure, and the chances of winning are reduced compared to playing at neutral venues like those in Accra and Kumasi, where security and fairness are better ensured. For Hearts and Kotoko, owning a stadium could be pivotal for future success," he concluded.