Accra Hearts of Oak head coach Nebojsa Kapor has called on the club’s supporters to turn up in their numbers when the Phobians begin their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign against Berekum Chelsea on Sunday.
Hearts will host the Bibires at the University of Ghana Stadium, with Kapor counting on the famous Phobian support to help the team make a strong start to the new season.
The fixture comes with added pressure for Hearts, who have struggled in recent Premier League season openers.
The Phobians failed to win their opening game of the 2025/26 campaign after being held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Hohoe United. That result extended their run to four consecutive league openers without a victory—three defeats and one draw.
Historically, however, Hearts have enjoyed a much stronger record on opening day. A 2016 statistical review showed the club had won 11 of 21 opening-day fixtures, with six draws and four defeats.
Kapor is therefore hoping to put recent struggles behind them and start the new campaign with three points, but he knows the backing of the supporters will be crucial.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s encounter, the Hearts coach urged the club’s faithful to fill the stadium and get behind the players.
“We are a very big family and as we are facing Berekum Chelsea in our first game, I want you all to come and support the team,” Kapor said.
Hearts will also take confidence from their recent head-to-head record against Berekum Chelsea, having beaten the Bibires 2-0 away in the 2025/26 league campaign and also recorded a 1-0 away victory in the previous season.
With the new season now underway, Kapor will be hoping the Phobians can turn their home advantage and fan support into a winning start.
By: Emmanuel Opoku