Soccer News of Friday, 28 May 2010
Source: charles osei asibey br. (sbj)
Arguably, Sammy Osei Kuffuor is one of Ghana's most decorated footballers, having seen it all from the juvenile national sides through to the senior as well as top notch European sides.
But he fears Ghana football will hit the end of the road when the Michael Essien and co. generation phases out .
To the former Bayern Munich central defender, the lost on concentration on the Colts football in the country could spell doom for Ghana taking into account the over concentration on the senior national soccer side, the Black Stars.
Speaking in an interview with Happy FM's Charles Osei Asibey last Tuesday morning, he noted that players like, Emmanuel Duah, Alex Opoku, Mark Edusei, Yaw Sakyi, Patrick Allotey, among others were products of Colts soccer, and if attention is given to juvenile soccer, more Kuffuors will emerge.
"Colts football in the country is dwindling, and I am afraid there will be no replacements for the Appiahs because Colts football is dying.
"In the past, there was a Colts festival where most of my playing mates were discovered, but it is sad to note that such competitions are non existent; sending wrong signal to our football," he added.
Few days ago, he announced his retire ment from active football and has plunged deep into business entrepreneurship.
To the rugged defender, his long stay on the pitch from the late '80s to the late '90s has compelled him to lay down his tools.
Kuffuor indicated that he hanged his boots as a fulfilled footballer participating in all FIFA organized tourneys.
But he pointed out that his greatest moment came when he appeared on the World's biggest sporting stage-the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where he calved a niche for himself with Bayern.
He attributed his tall list of mementos to the almighty God as well as how he conducted himself on and off the field.
According to the iconic defender, the Black Stars will travel far in the South Africa showpiece should players like Quincy Owusu Abayie make it in the final 23 because of his qualities-speed and his ability to run with the ball. He recollects with deep sorrow when his side, Bayern Munich lost to Manchester United in the Champions League.