“It all starts with the players” – Esme Mends on Didi Dramani’s appointment

Former Hearts of Oak midfielder and current GFA Club Licensing Manager, Esme Mends, has shared his perspective on the appointment of Didi Dramani as the new head coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, calling for greater responsibility from the players.

Speaking in an interview with Ghanasportspage.com, Mends acknowledged Dramani’s pedigree in Ghanaian football but stressed that a coach’s success ultimately hinges on player performance.

“Didi Dramani is a huge name in the circles of Ghana football. But the principle I walk with in life is that everything starts from you,” he said.

He emphasized that club leaders—both at Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko—are doing their part, and it’s now time for the players to step up.

“The leaders of Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko are trying their best, so the players need to perform. I won’t limit it to Hearts of Oak. The players must perform.”

Mends also highlighted the fragile nature of coaching appointments in Ghana football, where job security often depends more on boardroom satisfaction than results alone.

“Coaches will come and go. Even if the coach wins the league and the board is not satisfied, they will fire him. So it all starts from the players. The coaches can train the team, but if they don’t apply it, it’s not his fault.”

Didi Dramani embarks on his new journey with the Phobians, aiming to rebuild and restore the club’s former glory.

The former Black Stars assistant manager lost his first game in charge of Hearts of Oak following 1-2 loss to Kotoko in the President’s Cup.