Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has taken a decisive step in response to the ongoing contract dispute with midfielder Salifu Ibrahim, banning him from training with the squad until further notice.
This move comes as a result of Ibrahim’s reluctance to extend his contract with the Phobians, despite his current deal having already expired.
The club has offered the 24-year-old a monthly salary of Ghc10,000, but he remains hesitant to commit to the Accra-based side.
Ouattara’s decision aims to address the distraction caused by the contract saga and to focus on preparing the team for the upcoming Democracy Cup game against their arch-rivals, Kotoko.
Hearts of Oak are keen to regain their form after recent losses to Kotoko, and Ouattara hopes this measure will help galvanize the squad.
“Ibrahim’s absence from training is a strategic decision to ensure the rest of the team remains focused and adequately prepared for the crucial fixture,” said a source close to the team.
Ibrahim has been a pivotal figure for Hearts of Oak since joining in February 2021. His contributions were instrumental in securing the Ghana Premier League title for the club during the 2020/21 season.
In the recently concluded season, he played 32 league matches, scoring two goals and providing ten assists, underscoring his importance to the team’s success.
His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from other top Ghanaian clubs, including Kotoko and Medeama SC.
This interest has further complicated the negotiations between Ibrahim and Hearts of Oak, as he weighs his options for the future.
The club’s management is under pressure to resolve the situation swiftly. The exclusion of such a key player from training sessions is a bold move, reflecting the urgency and importance of the matter.
Meanwhile, Ouattara and his coaching staff are working diligently to prepare the rest of the squad for the challenges ahead.
Hearts of Oak’s supporters are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the impasse, as Ibrahim’s talent and playmaking abilities are seen as vital to the team’s ambitions.
His decision will significantly impact the club’s prospects for the upcoming season and their ability to compete at the highest level.
As the club continues its preparations for the Democracy Cup and the new league season, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding Salifu Ibrahim’s contract situation.
The resolution of this issue will not only affect the team’s immediate preparations but also its long-term strategy and performance.
In the meantime, Coach Ouattara remains focused on utilizing the available resources to build a competitive squad capable of overcoming their recent setbacks and achieving success in the forthcoming competitions.
