Hearts congratulates former coach

Accra, July 9,GNA - The Management of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has sent a congratulatory message to their former coach Sir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio for guiding the Benin National Team to qualify for the Africa Nations' Cup scheduled for Tunisia in 2004.

A statement signed Mr Thomas Okine, Chief Executive of the Club, said they received the news of his feat with much joy. "From a seemingly hopeless situation, you have been able to achieve such a glorious feat; unprecedented in the football history of Benin," the statement said.

It said the achievement had earned him the opportunity to rub shoulders with other top coaches whether local or foreign at the continental level, adding that his exploits with Hearts of Oak in the 2000, CAF Champions League and 2001 Super Cup surely influenced his firm grasp of the African soccer terrain.

The statement, therefore, urged the renowned coach to accept the clubs congratulatory message as well as the best wishes in his future endeavours.

Coach Attuquayefio handled Accra Hearts of Oak from 1999-2002 during which time he led them to win the CAF Champions League and Super Cup for the first time in the clubs' history. He also won three National Soccer League titles as well as other competitions.

He was relieved of his post in early 2002 after he left for his annual leave in London. He returned to Ghana to coach Liberty Professionals before leaving for Benin three months ago to take up the international appointment.

He was able to lead Benin to win all the three matches that were left in the qualifying series and thereby booking a place for them in Tunisia 2004.

They beat Sudan 3-0, Tanzania 1-0 and Zambia 3-0.