The Minister of Youth and Sports (MOYS), says it has learnt with deep shock the passing away of Sir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, a former player and coach of the Black Stars.

A statement signed by Otor Plahar, Public Relations Office of MOYS, said the immense contribution of the late Attuquayefio to the development of football resonates with football enthusiasts within the country and beyond.

“We recall with nostalgia his achievements on the field of play as a young player for the various clubs before taking to coaching.

“At the club level, the late Attuquayefio has had a glittering coaching career spanning several years which includes guiding Hearts of Oak to their CAF Champions League victory, the CAF Confederation Cup and the Super Cup,” it stated.

The statement said, Sir Attuquayefio had also achieved an impressive career with Liberty Professionals before leaving the shores of Ghana to Benin where he successfully guided their national team to their first ever African Cup of Nations tournament.

It said the passing away of this international coaching legend is a great loss to Ghana and the sub-region, especially now that the country is taking measures to step up its performance both at the national and International levels.

“His rich experience as a star player and as a coach would have been heavily relied upon.

“In this moment of national loss, the Minister on behalf of his Ministry and its agencies sends his condolences to the wife, children, the bereaved family and the entire sports fraternity."