The testimonial football match organized by former Ghanaian international and Bayern Munich star, Samuel Osei- Kuffuor at the heavily packed Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Christmas Eve was unique in several ways.

The convention is that such matches are either arranged by the Football Associations or clubs. This is about the first time in living memory that a retired international star has taken it upon himself to organize what one would say in local parlance as his “own funeral”.

The organization was first class. It really justifies the saying that at times you have to blow your own trumpet to avoid any discordant tune. Kuffuor can feel proud that he has ended his football career on a really sound note

Testimonial matches are not fashionable in my part of the world and the huge patronage for the Kuffuor match should engage the attention of the Ghana Football Association that perhaps it is time they included this aspect of football organization in their scheme of things.

I am sure Kuffuor will be too willing to put his services at the disposal of the FA in this respect. He is quite amiable, a trait I noticed as far back as 1992 when as a member of the Black Stars/Meteors management team who led the Olympic football squad for the Barcelona Games.

For the records, Ghana became the first African team to win Olympic medal (bronze) courtesy victory over Australia.

Kuffuor was a great inspiration to the team. As lead vocalist, he was the initiator of all the inspiring songs in the team bus on the way to the stadium.  If on the substitute’s bench, he was the cheer leader.

In sum, he was a team player no wonder he was able to make so many friends among his colleagues.

He also won respect from the elderly presumably because of his comportment. This explains why he could attract two former Heads of State, Jerry Rawlings and John Kuffuor and the Asantehene to watch his testimonial match.

The sages say “you can dine with the elders if you know how to wash your hands well”.Kuffuor has made his mark; when cometh another?

Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Jan 3rd 1994: Ghana Under 23 team to play in Germany five-a- side contest. The team comprises: Isaac Otoo, Joseph Addo, Alex Opoku, Augustine Arhinful, Emmanuel Duah, Samuel Osei Kuffuor,  James Narnor,  Joseph Famiyeh,Emmanuel Opoku, Anthony  Osei Kwadwo,  Seidu Yusif,  Isaac Asare,  Muftau Mohammed,  Kenneth Sarpong ,Kofi Sarkodie and Emmanuel Asare.