A former Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tema, Robert Kempes Ofosuware, has entreated Ghanaians to support ex-footballers who are struggling to make ends meet.

Mr Ofosuware, the patron of Accra Hearts of Oak Old Players Association (AHOOPA), made the call last Sunday at the AHOOPA End-of-Year party held at the Dolphins Events Centre in Tema.

In attendance were former Hearts stalwarts, including Sam Amarteifio, Collins Paha, Peter “Goal Thief” Lamptey, Kwesi “Awui” Adzra, Tetteh Chandu, Carl Lokko, Sam Suppey, Sam Johnson, Ablade Kumah, Ali Jaraah and Daniel Odartey.

He said: “Our former players have brought us happiness at various stages of our lives and most of them were semi-professional footballers when they were at the peak of their careers. They did not earn so much, but they delivered trophies for our favourite clubs and the national teams.

“It is our turn to repay them for the memories and joy they made us feel. I’m a Phobian and will never hesitate when it comes to supporting ex-players of this great club. As a member of the patrons of AHOOPA, I promise that we will sustain this event to the end of time,” he added.

The Managing Director of Hearts, Gerald Ankrah, whose birthday coincided with the celebration, expressed gratitude to the old players for “giving the club the great history it has today through their exploits in the past.”

The chairman of AHOOPA Evans Aryee-Quaye, thanked the patrons for funding the activities of the association.