NEW COACH: Keni arrives to seal Hearts of Oak deal
Young Japanese-American, Kenichi Yatsuhashi, is set to be announced new Hearts of Oak coach following his arrival in Ghana.
The 46-year-old finally touched base in Accra Sunday afternoon after a 33-hour flight from his America base via Tokyo due to his inability to secure visa from the Ghanaian embassy.
“Couldn’t get visa from Ghanaian embassy today; they issue visas only on Tuesday & Thursday.”
“I was told by the (Hearts of Oak) managing director (Gerald Ankrah) to fly in tomorrow (Saturday), and they will sort things out at the airport”
“Wish me luck!!!,” coach Keni posted on his official twitter feed last Friday.
Keni describes himself as “born in Japan, lived in Brazil, USA, Kyrgyzstan, and Qatar, and am able to communicate in English, Japanese, some Portuguese, and elementary Russian.”
He has previous stints with the Aspire Academy and holds many licenses and certifications including a USSF A and National Youth coaching license, a CONCACAF International Coaching license, an NSCAA Goalkeeping diploma, and a KNBV Advanced diploma.
His recent job has been as coach of the Downtown United Soccer Club in New York.
Kenichi Yatsuhashi is also a licensed referee.
Hearts of Oak are expected to offer the coach a two-year deal and is expected to be assisted by ex-player Yaw Preko who also seals his contract later in the week.