Legendary Ghanaian coach Sam Arday has been reported dead. Ghana’s finest Arday reportedly met his demise on the afternoon of February 12 2017. Though still unknown, the veteran coach died in Accra, after battling a short illness. He died at 71.
Nicknamed ‘Multi-System,’ Arday tested almost all sides of Ghana’s world of world having coached several footbal teams in the country. Among others, Sam Arday coached the Black Stars, Black Satellites, Black Starlets and the Black Meteors. Versatile Arday, was also the Technical Director of Ghana Premier League side West Africa Football Academy (WAFA).
Sam Arday managed the Ghana national side on two occasions – from 1996 to 1997, and again in 2004. He was the coach of Ghana’s U23 team who won the Olympic Bronze Soccer Medal at Barcelona ’92 -a win which was the first for an African country. Arday then became the first black man to win an Olympic medal in football. He was also the coach of Ghana national under-20 football team.
The veteran guided the under-17 team -the Black Starlets, to the 1995 FIFA U-17 World title and the African Under-17 Championship in Mali that same year. In the Ghana Premier, Sam Arday handled giants Asante Kotoko, Okwahu United.
Sam Arday served as a scout for Ghana ahead of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He continued in the role for the national team, when Kwesi Appiah was Black Stars head coach. Arday’s last job before he died was a technical director’s position at West African Football Academy.
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Following the announcement of the death of the veteran coach, tons of condolence messages have been pouring in from friends and well wishers of the family.
President Nana Addo in a tweet on Sunday February 12, eulogized the legendary coach whose impact on Ghanaian sports cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
“Saddened by the news of the death of Sam Arday. Undoubtedly one of the most brilliant coaches Ghana has produced.”
Arday will be greatly missed in the world of football in Ghana and beyond. May his soul rest in peace.
Details of the burial of the veteran coach have not been made known, but we will keep you updated with more information as events unfold.
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