Sports

‘Don’t let Christian Atsu’s name die’, wife of late Ghanaian footballer pleads

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2023

Marie-Claire Rupio, the wife of late Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, who lost his life six months ago in the earthquakes that devastated parts of Turkey and Syria, has called on Ghanaian authorities not to let his name and legacies perish.

Rupio, who spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday, said she hoped the name of the former Chelsea and Newcastle midfielder would not be buried and forgotten by the West African country, as well as the football world.

Rupio, who had three children for Atsu, said it was important for his memory and legacies to be maintained as he had impacted the lives of many in his short life.

“For me, it’s very important that his name is still there, especially for the children, that he was known, that he was loved by everybody,” Rupio said.

“I just hope that his name will never go away. He helped a lot of charities, even in the UK. He’s helped a lot of people in Ghana. You can’t really talk just about his talent, he’s been a good person as well.

“The people who are close do know that, even from the outside as well, they have seen it. He’s built a school for children in Ghana and that’s something that not everybody would do, if they have money”, she added.

Atsu, who was only 31 years old at the time of his death in February, was one of over 50,000 victims of the earthquakes that rocked parts of southern Turkey and Syria.

He was found dead under the rubble of his home in Antakya on 18 February, almost two weeks after the quakes.

According to Rupio, she had spoken to Atsu a day before the disaster following his goal for his team in a match against Kasimpasa, and congratulated him on scoring the only goal of the match, only to hear the devastating news the following day.

“I didn’t believe that it could happen in a place wherehe would be. As a human being, you think this can’t happen to you or anybody you love.

“I was like ‘he’s fine and he will call’. But then after a while his sister called and told me that his building had totally collapsed. I was shocked, it was hard to believe.”

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”