Tribute: SWAG Mourns The Late CK Gyamfi

Death is inevitable. But true legends, ­ the sages say, never die. They take away memories and leave the footprints.

In a tribute from the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) to the late footballer and coach, it said "Perhaps, in the case of Charles Kumi Gyamfi or Nana Gyamfi Kumi, he left us both memories and footprints.He had paid his dues and when death came, he embraced it peacefully and depart­ed to rest in the bosom of his maker".

It said "the death of Charles Kumi Gyamfi (known in sporting circles as C.K. Gyamfi) hit­ the sporting fraternity, particularly the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), very hard. For many decades his life, work and achievements have provided sports journalist a lot of invaluable resource and inspiration.

"For SWAG, he was not only the consummate football legend, but also a venerable Patron who gave the association a lot of support and wise counsel during his active years." The tribute noted.

The late C.K. Gyamfi had been an integral part of SWAG for over almost five decades. The older members of this respectable association, such as Joe Lartey, Oheneba Charles and Joe Aggrey (with whom he served on the Council of Patrons), and H.O. Ampomah, Ken Bediako, Emmanuel Amoako, Ackah Anthony, Felix Abayateye and Kwabena Yeboah have had many years of close working relationship and friendship with him either as a player,coach and administrator.

The tribute said "he shaped the destiny of Ghana football, both as a player and as a coach, and his works and achievements across the globe are written in pure gold. His achievements are legendary.

"As a player he featured for both rival clubs, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, where he made his mark before his talents took him to Europe. He opened the doors for future generations as the country’s first player to play overseas, when he joined German side Fortuna Düsseldorf in 1960." It noted.

The late C.K. Gyamfi was appointed as a Patron of SWAG over two decades ago in recognition of his immense contribution to the development of Ghana football and his outstanding relationship with the spo­rts media. He was an active member of the Council of Patrons until age and health issues slowed him down. Nonetheless, he maintained close ties with the association and SWAG me­mbers occasionally paid him a visit at home to relive fond memories and also drink from his fountain of wisdom.

Ghana Legend CK Gyamfi Laid In State

Top Ghanaian football officials have been paying glowing tribute to deceased legend CK Gyamfi, who has been laid in state ahead of his burial on Saturday.

Several top officials including football administrators, politicians, academia, family and friends paid their last respect to the legendary Ghanaian coach at the State Banquet Hall in the country's capital, Accra on Friday.

Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi and his lieutenant including George Afriyie, Ibrahim Sannie Daara amongst others attended the solemn event.

Former Ghana chairmen Dr Nyaho Tamakloe and Nana Sam Brew Butler as well as ex-sports minister Enoch Teye Mensah, Accra Mayor Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuiye and legend Mohammed Polo are some of the top dignitaries who graced the occasion.

The late CK Gyamfi will be buried at his hometown of Okorase on Saturday December 19.

Sunday December 20 will mark the Thanks-giving Service at the Rev. Joseph Thomas Clegg Memorial Methodist Church, Kaneshie, Accra.

The celebrated Ghana coach passed away on September 12, aged 86.

The revered Ghanaian has been given a state burial following his immense contribution to football for several years.

Gyamfi is credited for coaching Ghana to win the Africa Cup of Nations on three occasions- a feat which was later equaled by Egypt's Hassan Shehata.

He was the first African player to play in Germany when he joined Fortuna Dusseldorf in 1960.