Head coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the scheduling of high-profile football fixtures during the off-season, warning that such matches pose a serious risk to players’ physical and mental well-being.
The experienced coach emphasised that the off-season should be reserved for rest and recovery rather than competitive play.
“We are not in the appropriate period in association football,”
Coach Dramani told the club’s official website.
“During this time, players should be recuperating or gradually transitioning from physical and mental rest into pre-season training. Instead, we are placing an unnecessary burden on them with another demanding fixture.”
Dramani, a veteran on the Ghanaian coaching scene, reiterated that players require a structured period of recovery following a long and intense season. He warned that playing competitive matches during the off-season—particularly high-stakes games—can push players beyond their limits, heightening the risk of injuries and long-term fatigue.
Despite his reservations, Dramani stated he would rely on his tactical knowledge and player management expertise to navigate the situation as responsibly as possible.
“We try as much as possible to manage the load during the game. It’s far from ideal, but as a coach, I must find the balance between maintaining a competitive edge and protecting player welfare,”
he noted.
The Hearts boss went on to describe the current scheduling as inappropriate, particularly as most clubs are yet to commence their official pre-season programmes.
“It’s a very difficult time of the year to play high-profile matches — especially when proper pre-season preparations have not even started. These are not normal conditions under which to compete,”
he added.
Coach Dramani’s comments have sparked broader conversation around player welfare and fixture congestion, particularly in African football, where commercial and promotional interests often clash with sporting best practices.
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