Four things you didn’t know about newly-appointed Accra Hearts of Oak head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani

Ghanaian football powerhouse Accra Hearts of Oak have officially unveiled Mas-Ud Didi Dramani as their new head coach, signing the experienced tactician on a two-year contract as they aim to rebuild and challenge for titles both domestically and on the continental stage.

The 59-year-old replaces Ivorian trainer Abubakar Ouattara, whose one-and-a-half-year tenure ended after guiding the Phobians to a fourth-place finish in the recently concluded 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.

Dramani’s appointment marks a fresh chapter for the former CAF Champions League winners, who are eager to return to their glory days. His extensive résumé and reputation for discipline, tactical depth, and youth development offer renewed hope for fans of the Rainbow Club.

A Journey from Player to Elite Coach

Didi Dramani, a former professional footballer, started his career with Bolga Soccer Masters before moving to Tamale Hearts Babies, and later captained Real Tamale United. He ended his playing days with Ebusua Dwarfs before retiring in 2000.

Post-retirement, he earned a degree in Physical Education (specializing in football coaching) at the University of Education, Winneba, and began teaching PE at Kumbungu SHS. His passion for coaching led to the founding of Guan United, a Division Two club he guided into the National Division One League and three middle league campaigns.

From the Black Maidens to Global Recognition

Dramani rose to national prominence in 2012 when he led Ghana’s U-17 women’s team, the Black Maidens, to a historic bronze medal at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan — the first African team to achieve such a feat. His success earned him the SWAG Coach of the Year award.

He also served as assistant coach of the Black Queens (2009–2011) and worked as a coach educator at Right to Dream Academy, helping shape some of Ghana’s finest young talents.

A Trophy-Laden Era at Asante Kotoko

Dramani enjoyed a glittering stint with Hearts’ fiercest rivals, Asante Kotoko, from 2012 to 2015, guiding the Porcupine Warriors to two Premier League titles, one MTN FA Cup, and two Ghana Super Cups.

His crowning achievement came in the 2013/14 season, when he led Kotoko to a domestic treble — the league, FA Cup, and Super Cup — and was named Coach of the Year for his dominant campaign.

Recent Roles and International Exposure

In recent years, Dramani served as assistant coach to Otto Addo during Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar and also had a coaching spell with Danish top-flight side FC Nordsjælland, further sharpening his tactical acumen on the European stage.

Tactical Philosophy

Dramani is known for his high-intensity pressing system, akin to that of Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot, with a preference for wide play and quick transitions. Offensively adventurous yet defensively disciplined, he blends elements of Pep Guardiola’s possession game into his tactical framework. His modern, charismatic approach is expected to breathe fresh life into Hearts of Oak’s playing style.

The Road Ahead

With Didi Dramani now at the helm, Hearts of Oak are poised to rebuild with a clear identity and ambition. As the 2025/26 season approaches, supporters will be eager to see if the club’s new technical direction under one of Ghana’s most accomplished coaches can usher in a new era of success.