Veteran coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, says he is humbled by the honour of a charity match on June 29 to celebrate and recognise his achievements.
The match fixed for the Accra Sports Stadium is being put together by Primeval Consult, a Sports Marketing and Event Management in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to honour the former national star.
Attuquayefio, who has been off the game due to illness said at the press launch of the match on Wednesday, that he is elated at the opportunity to have a feel of the job he has done in his lifetime.
“I’m very happy and on my own behalf, I want to thank the organizers for this honour. It has been four years out and I missed football, the fans and everything connected to it.
“I will meet my friends and I believe it will speed my recovery. It is my fervent hope that all football lovers will patronize this match for the sake of sportsmanship,” Attuquayefio said in a frail voice.
Reverend Mike Nii Abossey, Board Member of Primeval Consult described Attuquayefio as a huge figure in Ghana sports, hence the need to celebrate his achievements.
He said the history of Ghana football cannot be complete without the 67-year old trainer, who guided Hearts of Oak to the CAF Champions League, CAF Super Cup and CAF Confederation Cup titles in 2000, 2001 and 2004.
He explained that friends of the football veteran trainer, notably his colleagues during his Black Stars days will play against the present members of the Black Stars in the game.
Wolanyo Agra, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), said Attuquayefio has paid his dues to Ghana football, and the fans can only reward him by turning out in their numbers for the game.
George Afriyie, Executive Committee member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said his outfit is very committed to the match in honour of a man responsible for the rise to fame of current members of the Black Stars including Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan.
Proceeds from the match would be donated to Attuquayefio, and a special donation to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where the trainer has been undergoing treatment.
Attuquayefio enjoyed legendary status during his playing days and continues to attract equal attention as a coach. The 67-year old Great Olympics legend played for the Black Stars between 1965 and 1974, featuring in three successive finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Between 2003 and 2004, he handled the Benin national team and was the pillar behind their maiden appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 in Tunisia.
Primeval Consult last year organized a fund-raising dinner dance for the Retired National Footballers Association (RENFAG).**
