1978 AFCON winner and legendary figure for the Black Stars and Accra Hearts of Oak, Mohammed Polo, has made a passionate appeal for living football legends to be honored while they are still alive — not after they pass away.
Speaking at the recently held “Honoring the Legends” event, Polo questioned the motive behind recognizing former players only now. He stated that he does not want to be celebrated posthumously, insisting that honors should be given when legends can appreciate them.
“They are waiting for me to die before they honor me and I’m saying, no, if I die, no, I don’t need anything again. I want to be honored now because if I die, I don’t even need it. He recalled the sad circumstances surrounding his former captain, Awuley Quaye, who led Ghana to victory at the 1978 AFCON.
According to Polo, Quaye had to endure serious hardships, including a leg amputation, before his death ; a situation most people were unaware of until it was too late. Polo criticized the state burial given to Quaye, questioning why greater support wasn’t provided while he was alive.
Polo also expressed frustration over the treatment of fellow legend Anas “Thunderman” Seidu , one of Ghana’s celebrated “Fearsome 5” squad members. He pointed out that Seidu struggled with his health and finances while alive, yet was only publicly honored after his death, with an edifice at Kpobiman named after him.
“Anas Seidu , when he was alive, was struggling ; struggling with his life. Nobody cared. When he died, you came and then used the edifice at Kpobiman in his name. For what?
Mohammed Polo’s emotional remarks call attention to a long-standing concern in Ghanaian sports: the neglect of national heroes who once brought glory to the country but are often forgotten until they pass away.
