The 2025 President’s Cup, for the first time in over a decade, pulled thousands of passionate fans into the Accra Sports Stadium, a rare sight in recent times and enough to make one question: Has Ghana football really “died”?

For many Hearts of Oak fans, this was not just a ceremonial game; it was an early litmus test for newly appointed head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani.

His appointment sparked hope among a section of the fanbase, especially those still recovering from the chaotic reign of the man who fancied himself the Pep Guardiola of local football, only without the tactics, trophies, or temperament. His legacy? Painful line-ups and heated post-match rants directed at journalists.

Aboubakar Ouattara

His elevation to Technical Director did not exactly get fans dancing in the streets either, but if nothing at all; it rescued supporters from the weekly torment of doddery, directionless football.

It was an eyesore, and that is putting it mildly.

Now, about Didi Dramani. Is he a “book or good coach”?

If I am being honest, the tag is not entirely off. I like Didi. I respect his football mind. But even I can admit that sometimes, the way he articulates his football philosophy sounds more like a thesis defence than a half-time team talk.

The man has a gift for turning basic football instructions into lectures that could confuse even club executives like Vincent Odotei Sowah or Alhaji Akanbi.

“I will try to understudy the vision of the board, which represents the direction of the club, and work to establish a clear path built on consistency and sustainability.”

These were Didi Dramani’s words during his first press conference as Hearts of Oak head coach.

A statement loaded with big words and a clear sign of his “thick grammar."

The loss to Asante Kotoko, coupled with subbing off Mawuli Wayo and Kelvin Osei Asibey due to injury, was where it all began. From my seat at the stadium, you could hear the murmurs among aggrieved Hearts supporters.

That was when the “book coach” nickname started flying around. If we were living in pre-historic times, Didi would have been branded an elitist.

Actually, he is and proudly so.

The Eye Test

Anyone who watches La Liga is familiar with Diego Simeone; intense, animated, and magnetic on the touchline.

Didi Dramani, in many ways, mirrors Simeone’s sideline presence. Not in football style, but in personality and passion.

Hearts fans may just fall in love with him for that.

Didi’s coaching style is filled with drama: restless pacing, commanding hand gestures, and sweat-soaked shirts before the first-half whistle.

Before Kotoko overturned their 1–0 deficit and went on to win, every eye was on Didi. The man was electric; you would think he downed a bottle of Bel Active before kickoff.

He lined up his team in a traditional 4-4-2, and though the result did not go in his favour, the tactical intentions were clear.

You could see flashes of the system he is trying to build:

1. Using the wide areas to stretch play
2. Building carefully from the back
3. Playing through a central striker
4. Retaining control in midfield

It is early days, but there is promise. He has started on a good note. I wish Didi well.