My father was the ‘mallam’ for Hearts of Oak, says former GFA boss Lepowura MND Jawula

Former Chairman of the Ghana Football Association [GFA], Alhaji Mohammed Nurudeen Jawula, has disclosed that his father was the traditional spiritual head of Ghana Premier League giants, Accra Hearts of Oak at a point in time.

The issue of 'juju' in the top-flight have at some point taken the centre stage before and after match days.

It is believed that some clubs have dominated the local scene with the aid of black magic.

Speaking in an interview, Jawula gave credence to the use of black magic in Ghana football when he narrated how his late father used to consult for the Phobians.

“My father came from Gonja, and he was then living in Accra and was then a mallam. He was working officially with Accra Hearts of Oak" the renowned football administrator told Citi TV show Footprints.

"My father was responsible for the club’s spiritual work (juju) at that time, and I am sure till now the club still believes in juju,” he said.

He added that the phenomenon of black magic is not exclusive to only Ghana and that many footballers across the globe believe in one form of spiritual work or the other.

“All the clubs in Ghana practice juju. Let me be quick to add that even Brazilians and South Americans believe in that.” He added.

“I remember I took RTU to Korea in 1986 to play a game against Uruguay and the players spent the whole night praying under candles, reciting incantations and at the end of the game, they won 2-1. Maybe it is psychological, but the players believe it works, so that is what it is," he added.