Kpando Heart of Lions, a club that has carved its name into the annals of Ghanaian football, is scripting a remarkable chapter in the 2024/2025 Ghana Premier League season.
Sitting third on the league table with 50 points, level with the mighty Asante Kotoko, the Lions are not just competing—they are roaring with the intent to claim their first-ever premier league trophy.
At the helm of their public image, Eric Eli Adzie, the club’s Public Relations Officer, speaks with a conviction that echoes the heartbeat of the team and its supporters. His words, steeped in pride and history, reveal a deep-seated belief in the team’s ability to topple giants like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, a mindset that has become a generational legacy.
The Lions’ campaign this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With only a few points separating them from league leaders Gold Stars, their ambition to lift the coveted trophy is palpable.
Their performances on the pitch have matched their aspirations, with standout victories that have sent shockwaves through the league. One such triumph was a commanding 2-0 win over Hearts of Oak at the Kpando Stadium during their second game of the season.
The victory was not just a result but a statement—a declaration that Kpando Heart of Lions fears no one, not even the storied Phobians.
Against Asante Kotoko, another titan of Ghanaian football, the Lions have been equally formidable, remaining unbeaten in their league encounters this season and securing four out of a possible six points against the Porcupine Warriors.
These results are not mere statistics; they are the embodiment of a mentality that Adzie describes as intrinsic to the club’s identity.
Reflecting on this legacy, Adzie’s voice carries the weight of history as he speaks to AhotorSports. “It’s a good feeling because when Lions qualified to the League in the 2002/2003 season, they ignited that rivalry with Kotoko way back and that has transcended to generations,” he says.
The rivalry with Kotoko is not just a contest of skill but a clash of spirits. It began over two decades ago when Lions first ascended to the premier league, a moment that marked the birth of a fierce competitive edge.
That spark has since been passed down, from one generation of players to the next, fueling a belief that no challenge is too great, no opponent too mighty.
Adzie’s words paint a vivid picture of the mindset that defines Kpando Heart of Lions. “So anytime we are coming up against Kotoko we know we are winning even if we are depleted,” he asserts with unwavering confidence.
This is not blind optimism but a conviction rooted in history and reinforced by the team’s performances. Even when injuries or fatigue might weaken their ranks, the Lions approach their clashes with Kotoko with an unshakable certainty of victory.
The same fire burns when they face Hearts of Oak, a club whose storied success makes them a formidable adversary. “Anytime we play against Hearts of Oak we know we are playing a very difficult opponent and should be able to beat them because we are the giant killers,” Adzie adds.
The term “giant killers” is not just a catchy phrase; it is a badge of honor, a testament to the club’s ability to defy expectations and topple the titans of Ghanaian football.
This mentality, Adzie explains, is more than just a strategy—it is a tradition. “It’s a generational tradition of mindset,” he concludes, encapsulating the essence of what drives Kpando Heart of Lions.
This mindset is woven into the fabric of the club, from the players who don the red and white jerseys to the fans who fill the stands with their chants. It is a belief that transcends tactics and formations, a collective resolve that has been nurtured over years of battles on the pitch.
It is what propels the team forward, even when the odds are stacked against them, and it is what has brought them to the cusp of history in this remarkable season.
The Lions’ recent 1-0 away victory against Legon Cities is a testament to their momentum. A solitary goal, crafted through precision and persistence, was enough to secure three vital points, keeping their title dreams alive.
With each passing game, the Lions are proving that they are not just contenders but serious challengers for the premier league crown. The gap to Gold Stars, the current leaders, is tantalizingly close, and the prospect of Kpando Heart of Lions lifting their first-ever trophy is no longer a distant dream but a tangible possibility.
In Kpando, football is more than a game—it is a way of life. The town pulses with pride every time the Lions take to the field, and this season, that pride has swelled to new heights. The team’s success has galvanized the community, uniting young and old in their shared hope for glory.
For the players, each match is an opportunity to honor the legacy of those who came before them, to uphold the tradition of fearlessness that Adzie so eloquently describes. For the fans, it is a chance to witness history in the making, to cheer for a team that embodies their spirit and resilience.
Bashiru Hayford’s side will take on defending champions FC Sarmatex 1996 this weekend on Match Day 30 at their favorite home venue hoping not only to extend their last three unbeaten run but also catch up Gold Stars at the summit should falter for the second time on the bounce.
