Orlando gives to Oldies, DASG

Ghanaian-born Nigerian international, Johnny Orlando has presented items worth $1,000 to the Retired Old Footballers Association of Ghana.

The items which included a set of jersey and footballs were donated in support of the Oldies League which is currently being played in the Greater Accra Region.

The former star, who was in the country to support Accra Hearts of Oak win the CAF Champions League, also presented gloves and balls worth $350 to the Dodoo Ankrah School of Goalkeeping (DASG).

Making the presentation, Orlando noted the contribution of the retired players to the development of the national game and said the donation is to motivate them in their quest.

“I hope this will encourage them to be active once again in the game which they so much loved in their youth.

Expressing satisfaction at their efforts, Orlando pledged a further donation of a trophy and a cash amount of ?2million to the retired footballers next year.

Johnny Orlando, who is now a coach in the United States, shot to the Ghanaian football limelight when as a student of Apam Secondary School he got selected to play in the Central Regional Academicals and the National Academicals team.

Orlando’s skillful play caught the eyes of Accra Hearts of Oak’s technical men who recruited him to join the team in 1972.

He played for the Phobians for two years before moving to Swedru All Blacks and Accra Great Olympics later.

Joining the exodus train to Nigeria in the latter part of the 70’s, it took little time for Orlando to again attract attention from the Nigerian national team handlers who persuaded him to play for the most populous state on the continent.

He joined the Super Green Eagles in 1979 and was a key member of the 1980 Nations Cup winning squad and the Olympic team.