Story: Atta Kwaku BOADI

Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa South in the Upper East Region Dr  Clement Apaak has paid a glowing tribute to  the former Black Stars’ captain  Abedi  Ayew Pele  for a successful football career.

Describing him, in a terse post on his Facebook  as the undisputed God-father of contemporary Ghanaian football, the vociferous MP  said “you gave your personal best to the national team, led your siblings to the national team on merit, now your sons are continuing the tradition on merit.

According to him, the name Ayew is intrinsically liked to the Black Stars, “our national team. You are indeed a living legend”.

The former Black Stars captain and father of the Ayew brothers, Abedi Pele, was celebrated with the Living Legends Award at the Ghana Football Awards 2022 held at the Accra Conference Centre on July 2, 2022.

He was honored for his immense contribution to Ghana’s football and the African game, and even his influence at the global stage.

The legend was part of the Ghanaian players who won the 1992 African Cup of Nations. He won Ghana’s Footballer of the Year in the following year – 1993, and was ranked the 9th best player by FIFA. He was also the leading goal scorer with 33 goals until Asamoah Gyan surpassed his total tally.

Abedi Pele by his introduction to the world of football was discovered by Herbert Adika, a formal Juvenile coach, who played a significant role in Abedi Pele’s involvement in European football. The former coach during the event, was as well celebrated with a citation for providing Ghana football with a great talent as Abedi Pele.

Abedi Pele is recognized on the continent for his amazing play of football in the 80’s and has become a big inspiration for football players here in Ghana, Africa and even around the world.

His two sons, Andre and Jordan Ayew have also featured at the highest levels of football for Ghana and many top European clubs.