Anwar U. Larry writes,

It’s official. It’s now 10 years since Hearts last won the title. Two days, was exactly 11 years since a corner-to-goal from Douglas Nkrumah and a Felix (darn, I cant remember his surname... from Liberty Profs.) set Hearts on course to what became the club’s 20th league title in Ghana, in a 2-0 victory over Sporting (Saint)

The Phobians, historically, have had a predilection for winning the league title in years ending in NINE over the past four decades.

2008/[9]

199[9]

198[9]/90

197[9]

BREAKDOWN

1979

1.Hearts 34 22 7 5 64-25 51
2.Kotoko 34 22 6 6 51-24 50
3.Dumas 34 15 10 9 32-24 40
4.Hasaacas 34 15 8 11 35-24 38

1989/90

1. Hearts 30 27 3 78
2. Kotoko 30 75

1999

1.Hearts 30 19 5 6 57-27 62
2.Ebusua Dwarfs 30 16 5 9 40-29 53

2008/9

1.Hearts 30 14 10 6 36-26 52
2.Kotoko 30 14 7 9 42-31 49

In case you wondering how come Hearts had a historic 78 points from 30 games in the 89/90 season, here’s your answer. It’s the year that PENALTY SHOOTOUTS was introduced after every DRAW game and so the winner of the shootout got an extra point.

News making rounds indicate that the new season will come with shootouts after every stalemate or draw game affair in a bid to rectify the penalty-curse of our national teams. And if the new rule goes into effect, remember that 30 years ago, Hearts took full advantage more than any other club the last time out.

So with the year ending in NINE and the league season about to start, let’s hope this will be the year/season we end our long wait for the league title.

Also, Hearts won her only champions league title at the grand age of 89. You see the NINE again?

On the contrary, there have been heartaches in years ending with NINE. None bigger than the 1979 CAFCL final which we lost on penalties to Union Douala of Cameroon.

PICTURE: The last time we won the league in 2009. Can you name the squad in the picture below?