Hearts of Oak head coach Nebojša Kapor has hailed the impact of his side’s perfect start to the season, saying back-to-back victories have significantly boosted morale within the squad as the Phobians prepare to host Bechem United in their next league fixture.
Speaking to club media ahead of the encounter, Kapor began by thanking supporters for their backing, singling out the travelling fans who turned out in force for the team’s away victory at the weekend.
First of all, thank you very much, and greetings to all the members of the Phobia family. Congratulations to all of them, and thank you very much for their support,” Kapor said. “On Sunday’s game, I was really surprised when I saw the stands full behind us. Thank you very much for that.”
Asked how important the winning start had been for the team’s confidence, the coach did not hesitate.
Our confidence level is very high because of two victories especially the win in what was a debut match. I am sure these three points will give us a lot, and in future we will see the benefits of this victory.”
Kapor described the current moment as the most important for the group, adding that the players are fully bought into the philosophy he has introduced since taking charge. “As I said, our confidence level is very high, and the players really believe in everything we are doing. I am sure we will continue on our winning path,” he said.
Pressed on what has pleased him most from the team’s two outings, Kapor was reluctant to single out any one element, pointing instead to a broader set of standards the squad is working to embed. “There are so many things we are trying to improve every day, things we are trying to get right and that give us an advantage in every single action,” he explained. “You cannot talk about everything and explain everything, but you can put the best of yourself into every single action.”
The coach also pointed to strengthened competition for places within the squad as a source of optimism. “We have a lot of players who are in a serious position to take on roles and put their individual skills to work for the club. This is something that is more than what we can express in a few sentences,” he said.
With Hearts of Oak now returning to home soil, Kapor was clear about his expectations for the fixture against Bechim United.
Defender/midfielder Alex Bansu is a doubt after a late injury before the previous fixture, but is expected back in the squad “very soon,” per the club’s medical team
Our expectation in every single match for Hearts is victory this is normal,” Kapor said. “We started the season very well, and we don’t want to stop. I am always trying to be positive and to put that positive mindset into my players, because I see a lot of space for improvement.”
He was careful to balance confidence with realism, noting that results have not obscured areas the team still needs to sharpen. “Victories have come this is a fact but I also feel, and I think the players feel it too, that we can improve a lot. Our expectations are very tough, very strong, and it takes a good mindset and a winning mentality to apply in the game and take the three points. That’s it,” he said.
Kapor was also asked about the mood in the dressing room after defender Alex Bansu suffered a late injury in the buildup to the previous match, forcing a change of plans shortly before kick-off.
“I’m sure it affected us in the beginning, because you have a plan and then you have to change it. Injuries are something nobody wants in football. When the players became aware of what was going on, all of us were disappointed not just a little, but genuinely disappointed and I’m sure that affected the start of the game,” he admitted. “But the good news from the medical team is that we can expect Alex Bansu back in the squad very soon. His injury is not as serious as first feared.”
Hearts of Oak will be looking to make it three wins from three when they host Bechem United, with Kapor’s men aiming to carry their early-season momentum into a first home fixture of the campaign.