Hearts of Oak to face Great Olympics in Awuley Quaye Memorial match
Two of Ghana’s prestigious football clubs, Accra Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics, will face off on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in a memorial game at the McDan La Town Park in Accra.
This game, featuring former players from both clubs, is dedicated to the late Great Olympics player and Black Stars captain, Awuley Quaye, who passed away on March 25 earlier this year.
“We believe that the game is going to pull a lot of crowd which will create awareness of our father’s funeral. We, the family, want to thank everyone and the entire nation for the support,” said Lawrence Awuley, son of Awuley Quaye told JoySports.
Former Asante Kotoko and ex-Black Stars player Rev. Osei Kofi also paid tribute to the legend, saying, “It’s only one thing that makes Awuley Quaye special. To be able to rise to become a Black Stars skipper. I’ve seen seven captains of the Black Stars and Awuley has shown the kind of captain he was. He had respect and was very humble and truthful. We will miss him.”
The memorial match will take place at 3 PM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the McDan La Town Park in Accra, while the state burial will occur on June 8, 2024, at the State House.
Awuley Quaye’s legacy in Ghanaian football is illustrious, having led the national team to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1978. His leadership and skill on the field left an indelible mark on the sport in Ghana. In 2023, the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) paid tribute to Quaye during their 47th awards ceremony, recognizing his significant contributions to football.
Quaye was also a legendary figure for the Ghanaian club Great Olympics, playing a pivotal role in the team’s domestic successes during the 1970s. His influence extended beyond the football pitch, as he was the father of former Ghana U-17 star Awuley Quaye Jr., who achieved fame by winning the U-17 World Cup in 1997, as well as Lawrence Awuley Quaye.
The passing of Emmanuel Awuley Quaye is mourned by the entire Ghanaian football community, as they remember and honor the life of a true icon.