Former Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu has opened up about the real reason behind his departure from the club, insisting it was more about ensuring peace for Board Chairman Togbe Afede XIV than a matter of poor performance. Boadu, who ended an 11-year trophy drought by leading Hearts to five titles in just 18 months, left the club with a proud record. However, a disappointing run just one win in nine league matches, including late collapses against rivals Great Olympics and Asante Kotoko fueled talks of his exit. Speaking on The BKB Show with Kankam Boadu, the coach detailed the deep bond he shared with Togbe Afede XIV. “I often mentioned Togbe’s name after matches, and many didn’t understand why. He’s more like a father and brother to me. His guidance went beyond football , he advised me on personal matters too. Togbe is a good man. If it were just him at Hearts, I would have stayed for 50 years,” Boadu said. Explaining his departure, Boadu firmly dismissed the idea that it was solely due to poor results. “Some say I left because of performance, but I disagree. A coach who doesn’t win trophies can be labeled underperforming. I won the league, the FA Cup, and qualified the team for Africa during my time despite all the challenges and sleepless nights.” He admitted, however, that internal issues made his position untenable. “Honestly, I can’t fully explain why I left. Maybe the bad run influenced some opinions, but even then, I had just won the FA Cup. Some members of management didn’t appreciate what I achieved. It became a heavy burden. So, to allow peace for Togbe and the club, I decided to step aside.” Boadu added that despite his exit, his achievements at Hearts of Oak would stand the test of time. “No one can erase what I did for Hearts. I left with a smile because the weight was too heavy to carry. I made my peace with it.” Samuel Boadu is now at the helm of Berekum Chelsea and has guided them to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. By Emmanuel Owusu