Heartland FC arrived Owerri on Thursday morning exuding confidence to handle any challenge that may be posed by Kano Pillars in the match Day One opener for the 2014/15 Nigeria Premier League season billed for the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Saturday.
The Owerri-based side spent about three weeks at the Rojenny Sports Complex in Oba, Anambra State undergoing intensive training for the season.
Coach Erasmus Onuh Olottah and his wards were on arrival, driven straight to a new four star hotel in new Owerri where they would get down to strategizing for the epic encounter.
The train includes newly appointed goalkeeper trainer, Longinus Duru whose entry at the Oba camp few days ago drew ovation from many members of the team.
Heartland were expected to have a feel of the Dan Anyiam Stadium for the first time this season on Thursday evening when they step out for training. A rally holding at the same venue on Friday will not likely guarantee the ‘scientific soccer boys’ a second opportunity to test run on the pitch before Saturday’s game.
Team Manager, Promise Nwachukwu said Heartland are in good shape for a rumble with Kano Pillars.
The inclusion of Duru who was one of the longest serving goalkeepers of the club into the technical team comes as a big boost to the team.
In his playing days, Duru was seen as a symbol of humility, loyalty and dedication to duty, qualities which the Prince Okechukwu Ibe-led Heartland management team is battling to re-impose.
