By Festus Chuma,
Botswana Football Federation President Tebogo Sebego has paid tribute to former Ghana FA Boss Ben Koufie who passed on last week at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana at the age of 84.
He had worked for the BFA as a technical director between 1992 and 2001 before returning to Ghana where he was elected Ghana Football Association (GFA) President.
In an interview with a leading daily in Botswana, BFA President Tebogo Sebego said,
“Ben Koufie is the father of modern football in Botswana. His legacy continues through those he trained, particularly referees and coaches. May his soul rest in peace.”
Koufie played club football for Cornerstones and Ebusua Dwarfs, and represented the Black Stars from 1957 to 1958.
After retiring as a player, Koufie became a coach of the Ghanaian national side and managed Zimbabwe from 1988 to 1992.
He led Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko to the Africa Club Championship in 1971 and Great Olympics to the semi-finals a year later. He also coached Ivorian team Africa Sports, and in Ghana with Akosombo Akotex.
Koufie was the Technical Advisor to the Zimbabwe Football Association from 1981 to 1982 before becoming Technical Director of the Botswana Football Association from 1992 to 2001, and President of the Ghana Football Association from 2001 to 2003.
May his Soul Rest in Peace.
