The Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has unveiled a former Super Eagles winger and ex-coach of Nigeria’s Under 17 Emmanuel Amuneke as the new coach and technical adviser of Heartland FC.
The club is owned by the Imo State Government.
According to Governor Uzodimma, the appointment is in line with his administration’s efforts to reposition the club and bring back its lost glory.
“I am thrilled to announce that our brother, Mr Emmanuel Amuneke, the celebrated international football legend from Imo State, has been appointed as the Head Coach of Heartland Football Club. Amuneke’s remarkable career has made us incredibly proud, and his return to our State in this new role brings a wave of optimism,” the governor wrote on his X handle on Monday.
“Heartland FC has faced a series of challenges in recent seasons, but this appointment marks a renewed commitment to revitalize the club. With Amuneke’s wealth of experience and indigeneship to the State, I am confident that this will be a turning point for Heartland FC, guiding it back to its winning ways and reigniting our collective passion for the team.”
Return to glory
Meanwhile, Amuneke says he’s poised to bring his wealth of experience and help change the narrative of the club.
“Your Excellency, I am promising you on behalf of myself and the entire Heartland FC that we are going to do our best to ensure Heartland FC returns to its former enviable position,” Amuneke said, according to a post on the club’s Facebook page.
“I am someone with an objective and I do not involve myself in something that I am not capable of doing. I remember when I was unveiled as the coach of Tanzania one of the things I told them was that we would qualify for AFCON 2019 but everybody thought it was a joke. Eventually, we were able to qualify them for the AFCON for the first time after 39 years.
“Please, be rest assured that we will make sure that with your support we will take Heartland FC back to where it used to be.”
