He has been replaced by former Sharks and Plateau United coach Ndubuisi Nduka. Heartland's Media Officer Cajetan Nkwopara said the Dutchman asked to be allowed to go take care of family matters "de Kruif, who jetted out the country after last weekend’s CAF Confederation tie against Congolese side AC Leopards, had in a letter to the club management stated that he was taking a break to attend to some family problems," Nkwopara said. "He however stressed that he would return to Owerri in the near future after sorting out his problems back home." De Kruif last year led Heartland to break its 18-year-old trophy jinx when they beat Enyimba to lift the Federation Cup. Nduka will now take over the position while the trio of Ramson Madu, Bob Acholonu and Christian Obi retain their positions as assistant coaches. Veteran coach Christian Chukwu stays as technical consultant. Heartland’s management further named former Golden Eaglets assistant coach Emman Osuigwe as coach of its U-20 team, and former player Willy Udube steps in as coach of the club’s U-17 youth team. Heartland last weekend laboured to a 3-2 home victory over Congolese side AC Leopards at the Dan Anyiam stadium in the CAF Confederation Cup. The return leg takes place in a fortnight in the South West city of Dolisie, Congo.
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