Before Enyimba International Football Club issues its official statement, I wish to personally address the press release from Heartland Football Club, Owerri, and its Technical Manager, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
Ordinarily, I would not engage in a public exchange with Coach Amuneke, who is my senior in both age and football. However, for the sake of clarity and because silence can sometimes be misinterpreted as consent I must set the record straight.
The players in question were not poached by Enyimba. They approached us of their own accord, accompanied by their managers and agents. At no time did we request their clearance from Heartland FC; they arrived with their documents already in hand. The question that should be asked is how those clearance papers were obtained not why the players chose to join Enyimba.
In football, player movement is natural. Last season, six of our regular starters moved to Abia Warriors, and our first-choice goalkeeper is now with Rivers United. We did not issue statements or lodge complaints; we simply recruited replacements and moved on.
The players in question have submitted their clearance to our TMS manager for registration ahead of the new season. I would advise Coach Amuneke to focus on strengthening his squad because in football, players will always go where the opportunities and conditions are better.
Finally, let it be clear: these players were present during Heartland’s back-to-back relegations. Their departure did not cause the club’s misfortune, and suggesting otherwise is misleading.
