Accra , Dec 16, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings will be among the number of dignitaries to witness the testimonial match of Samuel Osei Kuffour at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi on December 23.

“I will shelve every activity on the day to come to the stadium to watch the match”, President Rawlings told the former Black Stars and German Bayern Munich player when he called on him at his residence on Thursday.

Former President Rawlings urged the former player to extend invitation to President John Kufuor and all who matter in sports and society to fill the Stadium and make the occasion an eventful social gathering.

“The presence of these high profile personalities will serve as a befitting testimonial match for you.” Former President Rawlings said.

He said, “The intention behind the concept alone makes me feel great and happy for him, I am glad I played a role in his life”.

Former President Rawlings described Kuffuor as "a dedicated and very disciplined player both on and off the pitch, a virtue we must esteem as a country”.

The former Bayern Munich defender in a brief speech stated that, “I feel emotional this morning. I want to say a very big thanks to former President Rawlings for the Five Million Cedis he gave us after winning the U-17 World Cup.

“In fact that financial reward made me who I am today. I invested it wisely through the inspiration of my mother and today I am reaping the benefits”. Kuffour stated.

Herbert Mensah, an aid to the former President who was also present at the event, commended the former Black Stars player for remembering 'the shoulders' on which he stood to rise to stardom and to the top.

The match is expected to attract high profile players including Oliver Khan, Lother Matthaus, Andre Dede Ayew Asamoah Gyan and other international soccer greats among others.

Kuffour is on record to have featured for all the male national football teams and was a key performer for German giants Bayern Munich for eleven seasons with 175 league appearances.