Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, says he would maintain his neutrality during the J. A Kufuor Cup game between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium on August 26.
The ex-President who turns 80 years on December 8 is expected to be at the stadium to watch the game between the two glamorous clubs intended to raise funds for the J.A Kufuor Foundation.
At the official launch of the game at his residence on Monday, President Kufuor said despite his lineage with the Porcupine Warriors as a former board chairman, he would celebrate any side that triumphed on the day.
“Now that Hearts has agreed to come and play Kotoko in Kumasi of all places to honour me, I think it’s only fair for me to now state here that for this grand match that is coming on, Kufuor would be like the father of both sides” he stated.
Tracing the history of the rivalry between the two clubs, President Kufuor said Kotoko may be 30 years younger than their arch rivals, but they won four Africa Club Championships at the time Hearts, the oldest club in the country, had none.
He was optimistic fans would enjoy a great game between the two rivals and although he believes the Porcupine Warriors have an urge, he wouldn't rule out the possibility of the Rainbow club causing an upset should they compete well in Kumasi.
He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah, and his deputy for their support and described football as “a major vessel for promoting peace on earth”.
“I don’t think there is anything in terms of institutionalised sports to beat football to bring people together for peace and happiness”, the former President stated and advised that football should be separated from political discourse.
President Kufuor, therefore, applauded the country for taking steps to unite the people using football stating that “I am happy Ghana was also using football to bring all sides together”, he added.
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