Sports News of Friday, 5 June 2020

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Rev. Osei Kofi wades into Ghana’s GOAT debate; Abedi Pele doesn’t come close to me

Rev. Osei Kofi Rev. Osei Kofi

Ghana legend Osei Kofi has made a declaration that he was a better player than Abedi Ayew Pele, describing himself as the country’s greatest footballer of all-time.

Abedi Pele is widely regarded as the best player to have donned the jersey of the Black Stars.

The three-time African player is revered in the West African nation and beyond due to his successful period with the Black Stars and French giants Olympique Marseille.

However, Osei Kofi, who is now a reverend, says his name is worth mentioning when debating about Ghana’s greatest player of all-time because he was a better player in his prime than Abedi Pele.

He concluded that he has impacted Ghana football more than one-time UEFA Champions League winner.

“Let me tell you the truth, Abedi Pele played in Ghana for only a brief period. His playing career is centred mostly in France, so if we speak of players who impacted Ghana, he doesn’t get close to me,” Osei Kofi told Sunyani-based Akonoba FM.

“Anyone who does a list of all-time best eleven for Ghana will do a mistake. You can only compile this list looking at generation by generation.”

“Your trophies won will determine you earn a slot in such a prestigious list.”

“Not when you go and play abroad and make a name then you become the best in Ghana.”

“Those who stayed here, sacrificed and won laurels for the country are the ones who deserve such mention.”

“Someone goes abroad, plays for money and you say he is Ghana’s all-time best.”

“You can only do a generation by generation list,” he concluded.

Osei Kofi, who won two African titles with the Black Stars, played for Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak during his playing days.

He is famously known for rejecting a lucrative move to English side Stoke City in order to remain with the Porcupine Warriors.