Chairman of Heartland of Owerri, Barrister Charles Ezekwem believes that the club would eventually finish among the top three to earn a bragging right for continental football next season despite their poor start to the current 2019/2020 NPFL season, Completesports.com reports.
The Naze Millionaires have amassed only five points from a possible 18 after six games, and Ezekwem believes that the club will certainly reach their promise land, stressing that finishing in top three which will return continental football to Imo State is a moral contract he has with the people of Imo state.
“I believe we can still fight our way back to the top bracket on the league table. Yes, we have five points at the moment from a win and two draws, but we can still do well to achieve our target which is getting a ticket to play in the continent next season,” a confident Ezekwem stated.
“We will return continental football to Imo state. This is a moral contract I have with the fans, supporters of the club and entire people of Imo State.
“Remember, when it comes to continental football, after Enyimba, Heartland is next. So we are working hard to achieve this objective.”
Ezekwem spoke to Complete sports.com at the club’s training ground while monitoring the team’s preparation ahead Sunday’s match-day seven clash against leaders, Plateau United.
The Naze Millionaires boss is not intimidated by the huge margin between his team and front runners on the log.
“The league is a marathon race, not 100m race. Two or three match wins for us and the table changes,” he said.
He reels out graphic illustration of how Heartland found themselves in the present situation.
“About 80% of the players are new to the team. The coach is also new. So coming from different clubs, they need time to understand each other,” he said.
Ezekwem admits that governor Emeka Ihedioha has been motivating the club well financially.
“Yes, the governor has been there for us. Before the season started, he gave us a substantial amount of money with which we recruited and cleared our players,” he recalled.
“From the money (he gave us) we were able to offset some debts we met on ground when we were appointed.
“We give His Excellency, Governor Emeka Ihedioha our gratitude.”
