Ten former national football stars (seven men and three ladies) have become the first beneficiaries of an innovation that was birthed by a retired player who has seen some of his compatriots struggle to make ends meet after hanging their booths.
A casual conversation between Stephen Appiah and Betway’s Kwabena Oppong Nkrumah in Takoradi in 2016 led to the birth of an initiative that sets out to help retired footballers.
‘The 12th Man’ as the project has been christened was outdoored yesterday at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
The ten legends will embark on a life-changing four-month journey which will see them graduate with a variety of skills and qualifications to increase their chances of employment.
During this period, Betway alongside the programme’s ambassador, Stephen Appiah, will invite various industry experts from the fields of coaching, broadcast, finance, and event management to give the former players practical skills that they can use in their communities.
Addressing a gathering of ex-footballers, administrators and industry players at the launch, the Country Manager in charge of Marketing Kwabena Oppong-Nkrumah recounted the genesis of the programme and intimated his excitement with the programme.
“We are excited to be launching such a powerful programme. Betway takes pride in making a meaningful difference in Ghanaian communities. Through the 12th Man programme, we look forward to honouring and upskilling our former football heroes who have done so much for the country,” Kwabena Oppong-Nkrumah said.
The former players kicked off the campaign a Skills Acquisition Course. Upon completion of the skills acquisition course, the players will have an opportunity to further upskill themselves through certified courses organized by the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
The former stars will then go on to complete a Club Administration and Project Management course that will reveal some of the behind-the-scenes planning that comes with running a professional club.
Betway 12th Man ambassador, Stephen Appiah, said the initiative was dear to his heart, considering how a number of his former teammates have unfortunately been forgotten – even after their memorable contributions towards Ghana football.
“As a former footballer, I am honoured to lead such a life changing programme. I see many of my friends I shared dressing rooms and cracked jokes with go through very difficult times.”
“I believe the Betway 12th Man is such an important initiative to give back to these legends who have invested so much in the game. Our football is where it is today because of the time and effort they gave and I have to applaud Betway for recognising and upskilling them in such an impactful manner,” Appiah said.
The legends are Yaw Amankwah Mireku, Abass Hamdia, Adwoa Bayor, Ali Jarrah, Lydia Ankrah, Awudu Issaka, Dan Quaye, Isaac Amoako, Peter Ofori-Quaye.
