Tribute To The Late Shamo Quaye

Sixteen years ago a gem of a soccer player was thrust unto the Ghanaian soccer scene as a member of the ‘Musical Youth’ of Accra Hearts of Oak whose dazzling skills, soccer IQ and aura rejuvenated the local league and rekindled hope and enthusiasm in the teeming Phobia supporters whose love for the Oak Tree was waning faster than the speed of light. I therefore consider it a distinguished honour and priviledge, ladies and gentlemen, to pay tribute to this illustrious son of Ghana and soccer idol of mine in the person of the late Shamo ‘Bebeto’ Quaye.

Though sometimes sarcastically mimicked for your presumed low academic intellect your soccer IQ was so astoundingly mystifying to the extent that you were more than an enigma. I remember with nostalgia all the wonderful memories you left me and the entire Phobia fraternity especially your penalty kick (goal) against Ebusua Dwarfs in Cape Coast, your curvy goal from the center circle against Joe Baah of Olympics in Accra, and above all the stupendous goal against Mohammed Odoom at the Kumasi Sports Stadium also from the center circle even though you were closely sandwiched between Frimpong Manso and Emmanuel Ampiah. The memories are indeed countless and I must confess I once feigned sickness and got an exeat from school just to go catch a glimpse of your out-of-the-worldly soccer artistry and finesse on display, and true to character or expectation you did not disappoint.

However, on November 30, 1997 our hearts were crushed when death laid its icy hands on this blossoming flower amid very bizarre circumstances which have received more interpretations than one. I can recollect vividly hearing the breaking news that fateful day on my way home from Circle and doing the unimaginable of sobbing in the presence of three female passengers. Today would have marked your 39th birthday and this tribute is to celebrate your life and legacy and not to mourn your death because in our minds and hearts your spirit forever lives on.

Papa Shamo, Shamo ‘Leather’, damirifa dua, damirifa dua, damirifa dua!!!! Ghana soccer loves you, Accra Hearts of Oak loves you, and I appreciate you so much beyond description, and your legend will forever remain indelible from the innermost depths of our hearts and minds. May Your Soul Continue To Rest In Perfect Peace!

Carl Owusu-Barnes (Maryland, USA) Roscoli@hotmail.com.