Kuffour rules out coaching as he bids farewell

Samuel Osei Kuffour's playing career ended three years ago but the ex-Ghana international is planning one final act in the game when he plays in his testimonial match on December 23.

The 35 year-old decorated Ghana defender would be joined by colleagues across the globe when his testimonial game is played at the Baba Yara Stadium.

As he counts down to the day, Kuffour, who played in Ghana's debut World Cup in Germany 2006 explained that the game would be his final act in the sport, having sat out for three years.

"Yeah, I don't think I would play a role in the game after my testimonial. I expect that to be final game.

"Others have still remained in the game in various capacities but for now, I don't see myself in any role," he told www.ghanafa.org. "There are other things we can all do to help our nation."

Kuffour, who won 59 caps and scored 3 goals since making his debut in 1993, has not played for any side since 2008 and plans to enjoy the moment before turning to other interests.

"From a shoeshine[boot polisher] boy and starting my career on the streets, I am glad to have had such a beginning. It's bee part of my journey.

"It's the end that matters and I am glad to have come this far."

"I want to enjoy the moment. It's always an honour and a privilege to have your colleagues and nation join you to end the game this way [testimonial match]. It would be the first and I hope others have it. There's still time for others who finished their careers before me to have it.

"Afterwards, I would go and relax and turn to other things, contribute to society and my country."

Kuffour, who spent a greater part of career playing for German side, Bayern Munich expects former colleagues Oliver Kahn, Steffan Effenberg, Mario Basler, Giovanni Elber, Carsten Jancker, Bixente Lizarazu turn up for the game, according to the organizers.

Also, most of Kuffour's mates from his days with the various national teams will all play a part in the historic match.

Kuffour announced his retirement in September 2008 after a career spanning over a decade and having appeared at every tournament organized by FIFA; U-17, U-20, Olympics, World Cup as well as four appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He spent a successful period with Bayen Munich from 1993 to 2005 and won everything there is in club football from the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup.

Kuffour was named by CAF as one of the 30 best African footballers of all time and was twice, 1999 and 2001, runner-up in the Africa footballer of the year award.

He featured for Torino, Bayern Munich, AS Roma, Livorno and Ajax during his playing career.