Professional Footballers Association Visits Ailing Cities Goalie

Some executives of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) have visited the sick goalkeeper of Legon Cities, William Essu.

The visit was made by the Vice President, Tetteh Zutah, and General Secretary, Anthony Baffoe, on Thursday, September 14, a day after the circulation of news on his deteriorating health condition.

The Association assured Essu of the requisite support throughout his recovery journey, its website said.

The health condition of Cities’ second-choice shot-stopper came to public notice after the death of their first-choice goalie Sylvester Sackey after what the Club described as a “short illness”.

It is reported that both Legon Cities and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) owe the goalie salaries and bonuses respectively.

Essu who formed part of Ghana’s U23 squad in the AFCON qualifier is reported to have written to the head Coach of the Black Meteors Ibrahim Tanko few months ago to demand his locked-up bonuses for medical attention.

In the said letter, he wrote that he had exhausted all his life savings on his treatment, which seemed to be in vain. At the time, he said he needed more money for medical checkups.

“Due to this I’m still ill and in the house as well. I humbly request that the GFA humbly release our bonuses for the match we played against Algeria for the qualifier to us so that I can use it for my medical care and be fit again for my beloved country and club again.”

PFAG said their visit was a reaffirmation of their commitment to the welfare and well-being of professional footballers in Ghana.

“The PFAG believes that the strength of the Union lies in its ability to stand by its members in times of need. We conveyed the importance of staying strong and persevering through difficulties, both in football and in life… This demonstration of solidarity reflects the broader commitment of the PFAG to stand by its members in times of need,” it said on its website.

Additionally, it said the visit serves as a poignant reminder that, beyond the game, these footballers are human beings who can lean on one another for support and inspiration during life’s challenges.