How Benjamin Asare’s manager convinced him to snub Djibouti move before Hearts of Oak deal
The manager of Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Cecil Tagoe, has revealed how a timely conversation with Asare convinced the Black Stars’ number one to reject a move to Djibouti in favor of signing for the Phobians.
Despite Great Olympics suffering relegation in the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season, Benjamin Asare impressed with his performances.
His standout displays caught the attention of Hearts of Oak, who moved swiftly to secure the 32-year-old goalkeeper.
Since joining Hearts, Asare has achieved remarkable success, notably earning a debut national team call-up and making his debut for the Black Stars in their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.
In an interview with Sporty FM, Tagoe shared how a critical conversation helped steer Asare away from a move to Djibouti.
“Before he left Olympics for Hearts, I had a deal for him in Djibouti. They wanted him urgently, but I sat him down and told him, ‘This is your career. I cannot stand in your way, but I just want the best for you. For you to go to Djibouti and come back to Ghana while the window is closed, I prefer you signing for Hearts of Oak for two years,’” he said.
Tagoe also expressed his confidence that staying in Ghana and excelling in the local league would be transformative for Asare’s career.
“After two years, just give me one year of excellent goalkeeping, and I promise you the sky will be the limit. He took my advice, signed for two years, and now we see Benjamin Asare earning his Black Stars call-up, with two games and two clean sheets,” he added.
Asare’s performances have also earned him a new contract with Hearts of Oak.
The club announced on Thursday, April 10, 2025, that the captain has penned down a two-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.
Watch the interview below:
