Gt. Olympics legend George Alhassan enstooled King of Football

A galaxy of football greats invaded the La Township last Saturday for a match in honour of former Black Stars and Accra Great Olympics’ goal poacher, George Alhassan.

The two-time Africa Nations Cup winner is widely regarded as being the La community’s most inspirational and pioneer of the game.

An exhibition match between a George Alhassan All-Star team and La Oldies somehow lived up to its billing as spectators were confined to witness a humorous and entertaining football.

The match at the La Town Park saw George Alhassan playing for the opening 15 minutes before being substituted after limped off.

Mohammed Polo, Yahaya Kassum, Emmanuel ‘Abega’ Quarshie, Hesse Oddamtten, Sampson Lamptey and Thomas Otinkorang all defied their ageing legs as they continued to show some glimpses of exuberance.

Former Black Stars Captain Awuley Quaye , Isaac Acquaye, Akwei McClean and Mahama Muller fought tirelessly to ward off occasional onslaughts by the La Oldies’ attacking force of Alex Djanie, Amoah Tawiah, Mawule Quarshie and Ashitey ‘Maka’ Armah.

Among the other famous faces were Hearts of Oak legend and winner of maiden edition of Ghana goal-king award, Peter Lamptey, Ali Jaraa, Jonny Orlando and Gt. Olympics ace, Pee Lartey, who was an instrumental figure when the Dade boys won the Novelty League in 1974, where George Alhassan emerged the top scorer.

The event, organized by the La Old Stars Football Association in partnership with McDan Group of Companies was to honour the 1982 AFCON golden boot winner, for his immense contributions in the development of football in La.

Beyond George Alhassan’s obvious playing qualities as a striker, there was also something in his personality that inspired the youth who might never had previously considered a career in football.

A citation presented to him reads:
“As a handsome, young, energetic and athletic Footballer, George Alhassan, who is also known as Jairzinho, started his Football career within the La Township during the 1970s.

With your passion for the Game of Football, you established a host of Football Teams for the benefit of the La citizenry. Prominent among the Teams you established are Cosmos F.C which nearly qualified for Premier Division Football in Ghana, MONACO FOOTBALL CLUB, MONACO LADIES F.C, just to mention a few.

It is refreshing to note that out of the various Teams you established, some of the players emerged playing for the Premier Football Division, others also gained employment in various institutions. Out of these efforts by you- George Alhassan, many people including the La people made their living for themselves and their various family members.

Your feelings for fellow human being, your generosity, are simply amazing. You made your financial resources, residence and other assets available to us the La people.

Jairzinho , you made us the La people proud by living among us and having made a lot of exploits in your Football Career. For instance, you played Accra Great Olympics, Super Standfast, as well as featuring for the Ghana Blackstar on several occasions. As a hero, Jairzinho emerged the Goal-King during the 1982 African Cup of Nations in Libya. Added to this great continental achievement, you also won, among many achievements, the Goal-King Title in Ghana on two (2) occasions.

Your dazzling football skills, your flair, your terrific pace and speed won the hearts of many and earned you lucrative professional footballing career in various countries; namely- UNITED ARAB EMIRATES; SOUTH KOREA; EGYPT; GABON; and finally in BELGIUM.

As a founding Father, Jairzinho used his organizational instincts to form the La Old Stars Football Association.

For all these exploits, your benevolence for us the La people, the La Old Stars Football Association expresses its profound APPRECIATION to you.”

Former Hearts of Oak forward and a product of George Alhassan’s Cosmos FC, Sowah Ghartey said “I’m really proud of George Alhassan. He deserved all the recognition for what he’s done for people of La”

“My deepest thanks to everyone, especially good people of La”, George Alhassan noted after the ceremony.

Former Municipal Chief Executive of the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly, Hon. Rita Odoley Sowah, who chaired the function made a cash donation to George Alhassan as a token of affection.

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