Hearts of Oak coach Herbert Addo says he is using the Elite Cup competition as a platform to give precious game time to some of his fringe and returning players from injury.
The Phobians posted an impressive 3-0 win over Elmina Sharks in their first game of Group 4 in the inaugural competition on Wednesday.
The game saw the likes of Abraziz Abankwa and Ashittey Ollenu making a return to the first team after a long injury layoff.
This adds up to the weekend return of Emmanuel Hayford who also just returned from injury.
Coach Herbert Addo is delighted with opportunity to us such a competitive platform to give these players some playing time on their return from injury.
“If a player is injured you need to give him time to recover and then you also have to give him time to be fit after a long layoff,” he said.
“Then tactically, you have to give them a match – people like Aziz, Ollenu and the others.
“They needed some playing time and this was a chance to give them the chance.
“I made similar changes in the last game in Tema and we will do same for Sunday’s match before we prepare for Esperance.”