Hearts of Oak’s Boadu and Salifu named NASCO coach and player of the season

After their league and FA Cup triumph in the just ended 2020/21 season, Hearts of Oak head coach Samuel Boadu and attacker Ibrahim Salifu were adjudged Ghana Premier League coach and player of the season at the Ghana Premier League awards on Monday.

Boadu led the Phobians to a historic league title for the first time in eleven years and also won the FA cup to climax the season.

The 35-year-old tactician signed a three and half year deal with Hearts in March 2021 after resigning from his post at Medeama SC to replaced then-interim coach Samuel Nii Noi who took charge after the resignation of Kosta Papic.

He had an impressive run with the Phobians having played 18 matches since he took charge, winning 11, drawing 5 and losing just 3.

He beats off competition from coach Mariano Barreto, who guided Asante Kotoko to the runners-up spot, WAFA’s Prosper Narteh Ogun, Annor Walker of Accra Great Olympics and Dreams FC boss, Vladislav Viric.

In the player of the season category, champions Hearts of Oak midfielder Salifu Ibrahim beats off competition from four other players to also win the NASCO Ghana Premier League Player of the Season Award.

The 21- year old midfielder was shortlisted alongside top scorer Diawisie Taylor of Karela United, WAFA’s Augustine Boakye, former Great Olympics talisman Gladson Awako, and teammate Benjamin Afutu.

Salifu joined the Phobins from Techiman Eleven Wonders in the second transfer window and continued with his stellar performances which earned him the move.

He played a key role in the club’s journey to a seasonal double, winning eight ‘Man of the Match’ awards in the process.

He scored three goals, provided eight assists in 33 appearances in the 2020/21 season.

Samuel Boadu received a shopping voucher worth GHc8000 and a personalized trophy while Salifu Ibrahim made away with a GHc5000 shopping voucher, a trophy and an all-expenses-paid weekend stay at the Alisa Hotel.