Mr. Yaw Bawuah, who was passed on, was Chairman of Kotoko in its last golden era. He helped Asante Kotoko to win the African Club Championship when we beat El Ahlhy by a lone goal at the now Baba Yara Stadium.
Kotoko later went to rout Zamalek 5-0 [the whole team went into meltdown; they feared Kotoko like hell]
It was a magical goal. The dexterous John Bannerman [Fanti man who had played for Eleven Wise under Blay Miezah; the Akarakachiii boys who toured Brazil] took the ball on the right flank. Dribbled past two or three Zamalek defenders and sent in a surgically perfect cross.Â
The redoubtable Opoku Nti stretched his fullest and nodded the ball home. The net ballerina-ed in approval. Oseikrom went haywire and the Republic into a frenzy.
The Great Bawuah worked with dudes like Charles Allen Gyimah whose kids grew up to become notable personalities in the country.
The cup was brought to the house at Lartebiokorshie with Opoku Nti in tow. His thigh was bandaged. Heroic dedication many today crazed by money do not and cannot have.Â
The charismatic Papa Arko captained the squad. That era of football was an organic one held up by philanthropists, business people, teachers, aficionados, patriots, and all sorts.
Rest in peace Sir. You brought us such joy and a true patriotism that will never leave some of us.
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