“It’s not about how much one is paid for what he or she has done or is doing but the fact that society appreciates what one has done or is doing in itself very heartening. “ Unknown.

Appiah is a saint, when cometh another Appiah. Exit of a Colossus. These are just a few of the headlines in honor of Stephen “Tornado” Appiah, one of our dear sons who have served this country in the field of Football. Stephen Appiah recently retired from the National team, the Black Stars after almost sixteen years of service.

In the last two decades there has been two affable Appiahs’ who have captained the National team and got the support of fans from the two major power houses of Ghana Football; Hearts and Kotoko. They are Kwesi Appiah and Stephen Appiah. Stephen Appiah stands out among them because it was under his Captainship that Ghana qualified to play at the pinnacle of world Football. The World Cup, not once but twice. Tornado as he is known to most of his fans started his playing career in the streets of Accra. He played the usual colts football and through hard work and luck, was spotted by his beloved Accra Hearts of Oak at an early age. Coach Sam Arday got him unto his Multi System team to win the U-17 World Cup in 1995. He joined the U-20 side for Malaysia 1997 and Nigeria 1999,Athens 2004 Olympics and then the Blackstars and then the World………… This is indeed a true success story any footballer will be proud of.

Again, Stephen Appiah is the only captain and player of the National team who has officially retire from the Blackstars. (I stand for correction). While we celebrate this great son, we should please try to be careful not to let the great ones before him who got nothing for all their services to the nation feel unappreciated. We shouldn’t make it look like he is the best thing ever to have happen to our football. I am saying this because, the team or the era that Appiah captained was or is the most motivated squad (Finance and everything) that this country has ever had. In his era, Africa had five slots at the World Cup and not the one slot in the early 60’s, 70’s or the two in the 80’s or the three in the 90’s but FIVE.

Our heroes in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s all played their part for nothing. Yes nothing. Rev. Osei Kofi who rejected a 30,000 pounds move to England for the sake of this country was given a tea kettle sometime ago. The Jones Attuquafio’s, James Agyei’s, Wilberforce Mfum etc. who won the first two nation ‘s cup got next to nothing. The victorious 78 squad were promised houses they are yet to receive it. The 82’s squad were given a piece of cloth and handshake. (I hear they were promised lotto kiosk). This is the reason most of them especially, Mohammed Polo (one of the three players who have assisted in the Blackstars than any other player. The other two are Osei Kofi and Baba Yara. Source-Wikipedia) speaks with so much bitterness because we seem either to have forgotten them or do not appreciate their services. Awuley Quaye, captained the 78 squad, only God knows where he is. Abdul Razak played 70 times for Ghana and scored 25 goals; he is one of the best 30 footballers in the last 50yrs (2007). He was voted the Best in Africa in 1978. Abedi Pele captained the team for almost ten years played 73 times and scored 33 goals and three times Africa Best. They got just nothing. These are just a few of our heroes who gave all their best for this nation yet they were never rewarded.

Can anyone imagine what would have happen if any member of the current team is asked to buy his own ticket for a match? (Remember Sulley and Hon. Muntaka) I bet we will never have made it this far. Let’s remember the pacesetters while celebrating Stephen Appiah. The Germans, Brazilians, The Dutch, The English etc. always celebrate with their past heroes.

Stephen “Tornado” Appiah, God Bless You. You will always remain one of our Heroes.

Nana Yaw Asante Yeboah Haatso – Accra.