NPFL: Heartland GM Assures On Debts Payment, To Axe Misfiring Players

The General Manager of Heartland FC Ifeanyi Chukwudi is optimistic the problems that bedeviled the club in recent times would come to an end soon, as the Naze Millionaires hope to add more quality players to their squad, Anaedoonline.ng reports.

Heartland have been rocked by financial issues, leading to the non-payment of players and officials salaries, as well as political bickering and power tussle over the leadership of the club by the state’s politicians.

Chukwudi, who replaced Godson Onyemaobi as the General Manager at the club in October 2020, assured that all outstanding debts would be cleared before March.

Coach of Heartland, Fidelis Ilechukwu, is currently owed five months salaries and an outstanding sign-on fee of N1.5m, while the players have reportedly not been paid for four months.

“The problems of the club are well documented and we are prepared to resolve them,” Chukwudi told reporters.

“Governor Hope Uzodinma is aware and has promised to wade in and ensure the club return to the glory days. It’s what we are committed to achieving and hopefully before the end of March outstanding salaries will be paid.

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“COVID-19 was a major reason why the team struggled for finance. Our foreign partners could not invest in the club as agreed, due to the pandemic and that was why we had no choice but to run to the state government for funds.”

He also hinted that there were plans to axe some ineffective players at the club.

“We are planning on bolstering our squad. There are some players who have not measured up since the start of the season. We intend to recruit quality players as their replacement during the mid-season break.”

Heartland are 13th in the Nigerian Professional Football League table with 13 points from 10 games. They play Sunshine Stars in Akure on Sunday.