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 Protect ‘star’ players - Sarfo Gyamfi
By: Bernard Nyankomago
Tuesday, 14th March 2008
Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Black Stars midfielder, Sarfo Gyamfi, has urged Ghanaian referees to protect talented and exciting players in the Onetouch Premier League from the brute tackles of ‘butchers’ whose sole aim is to injure players.
In his view, the players are crowd pullers and their presence in the game make it keener and exciting to watch.
One of such players that Sarfo Gyamfi is referring to is Kotoko’s deadly striker, Eric Bekoe whose name sends shivers down the spine of opponents and also leading the goal king race with ten goals out of fourteen matches played.
To the dismay of many Kotoko fans, Bekoe was the worst victim of rough play in last Sunday’s gruelling drawn game between Kotoko and Hearts at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium. Dan Coleman who could not handle him used all dubious means including his hands to pull him down on myriad occasions.
Speaking to Kotoko Express last Wednesday, Sarfo Gyamfi who was at the Stadium to watch the match described such incidents in Ghana football as inopportune. He blamed Referee Cecil Fletcher for refusing to stamp his authority on the game thereby allowing brutal tackles on the players.
“I know the referees are supposed to protect all the 22 players on the field. However, they cannot ignore the fact that some are “stars” and needs to be watched carefully because most often than not they are the target of rough play. In Europe, referees give maximum protection to star players. What therefore prevents the referees from protecting Eric Bekoe and other player like him in the league against unnecessary injury which can end their promising careers prematurely” he noted adding that their presence in the game attracts supporters to the stadiums and also make the league interesting to watch.
“Moreover, aside the fact that Bekoe is a Kotoko player, he is also a national asset. His services will be of great benefit to the nation in the near future. For the past years we have been struggling to get competent strikers who can deliver the goals for us. We must therefore be grateful to God for giving us such a potential and talented striker like him” said Sarfo Gyamfi.
Nicknamed “Black President”, Sarfo Gyamfi was of the view that after the splendid performance of the Black Stars in the Germany world cup and CAN 2008 where they placed 3rd, Ghana Football has now become the cynosure of all eye. He however appealed to the Stakeholders of Ghana Football to organize refresher courses for the referees in order to improve the standard of our league.
Expressing his impressions on the game itself, the former Kotoko welfare manager was enthused with the performance of the players which he described as stunning and awesome. He lauded their commitment level and was full of praise for the current group of players whom he said when groomed to become a unit, would bring back the fearsome fabulous spirit.
“I have been watching virtually all their matches. Aside what I witnessed in their 3-2 victory over Heart of Lions, last Sunday’s performance was outstanding. Collectively, they were terrific because there was team work and cohesion” he emphasized.
During his playing days with the Porcupines, Sarfo could turn opponents defence inside out like a hot knife cutting through butter with his amazing dribbling skill. Among some of his playing mates were Joe Debra, Thomas Boakye, Stanley Abora, Michael Osei, Isaac Kwakye and many others.
As a player who believes Kotoko catapulted him to the international fame, Sarfo advised the current crop of players who by divine grace are playing for a famous and gigantic club like Kotoko to see it as a great honour and urged them to play their hearts out for the club.
“In our days, we played for pride. We put the club and fans interest first before money. In fact we made sure instructions from our coaches were carried to the match and always executed” he reiterated urging the players to emulate them and deliver their best always.
He advises Eric Bekoe to always swap his position with another player whenever things become difficult as it did happen in the Kotoko-Hearts game.
In response to whether it is true he would cross carpet to another Kumasi based team, he denied that rumour which he said “I will never turn my back on Kotoko. It is my favourite club. So far as I remain, I will continue to be loyal to the them” calling on all past management to unite and work for the success of the club.
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