Meet Edwin Gyimah: The ex-Black Stars player now struggling after family betrayal

Before the shocking claims of betrayal and homelessness that have dominated headlines since Thursday, April 9, 2026, Edwin Gyimah was once a familiar name in African football, a tough-tackling Ghanaian defender who carved out a long and solid career in South Africa’s top flight.

Before moving abroad, Edwin Gyimah began his career in Ghana, where he featured for Sekondi Hasaacas and later WA All Stars.

It was in the Ghana Premier League that he first stood out for his aggressive, no-nonsense style of play, combining strength and defensive discipline that would later define his career abroad.

Gyimah built his reputation as a physical and disciplined defender, the type of player every coach trusted to shield the backline and disrupt opposition attacks.

Ex-Black Stars defender left homeless, alleges spiritual attacks from family

During the early years of his career, he moved from Ghana to South Africa and quickly became a key figure at SuperSport United, where his aggressive style and relentless work rate made him a regular in midfield.

At SuperSport, Gyimah was part of a competitive squad that won domestic silverware, including the Nedbank Cup in 2012 and the Telkom Knockout in 2014.

His performances in Pretoria elevated his reputation across the league and established him as one of the dependable foreign professionals in the South African Premier Soccer League.

That reputation eventually earned him a move to one of the continent’s biggest clubs, Orlando Pirates. Joining Pirates represented a significant step in his career, placing him at a club with one of the largest fan bases in African football.

Though never the flashiest player, Gyimah’s combative style and defensive awareness made him a valuable squad member during his time in the famous black and white shirt.

His consistent performances abroad also brought recognition at international level. Gyimah earned call-ups to the Ghana national football team between 2012 and 2016, featuring as a defensive option during a competitive era for the national team.

While he was not always a regular starter, his presence in the squad reflected the trust coaches placed in his physical presence and tactical discipline.

Over the years, Gyimah became one of the most recognizable Ghanaian professionals in South Africa, representing several clubs across the league.

After his spells at SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates, he went on to play for teams such as Bidvest Wits, Black Leopards and later Sekhukhune United.

His longevity in the league, spanning more than a decade, is a testament to the reputation he built as a reliable defensive midfielder.

For many years, Gyimah lived the life of a successful foreign professional. Playing for major clubs in the PSL meant steady contracts, competitive salaries and bonuses, while his appearances for Ghana added another layer of prestige to his career.

But the story that has now resurfaced has taken a far darker turn.

In a recent emotional interview, Gyimah alleged that betrayal from his own family and a damaging fallout with his former agent triggered a dramatic collapse in both his career and personal life.

According to him, accusations that surfaced publicly following a failed transfer move damaged his reputation in the football industry, causing clubs and colleagues to distance themselves.

He claims that despite receiving multiple contract offers within a year, none of the deals materialised, leaving him stranded and struggling to revive his playing career.

More painfully, Gyimah alleges that while he was still playing abroad, members of his family took control of his property in Ghana under questionable circumstances.

The former midfielder said the situation has left him displaced, forcing him, his wife and his children to move from place to place.

Today, the man who once patrolled midfields in packed stadiums across South Africa says he is battling hardship, emotional distress and a sense of abandonment.

FKA/JE

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