Ghanaian football legend Rev. Osei Kofi has revealed that he believes he would have been dead had he accepted Stoke City’s lucrative £30,000 offer in 1969.
Recounting the events that led to his decision to decline what was considered the biggest transfer offer of the 20th century, he said he simply could not refuse the request of the late Ashanti King, Otumfuo Opoku Ware I, and two other esteemed individuals.
Speaking on Channel One TV, he mentioned that, in addition to meeting the renowned trio, Kotoko’s star player Wilberforce Mfum had already departed for the USA, a situation that further complicated matters.
“I met Otumfuo, the late Opoku Ware, Mr. B.M. Kuffour, and Mr. B.K. Adu Sei. These three elderly people called me. At the time, Mfum had left for the USA. He was offered $5,000, which was a lot, but mine was £30,000,” he said.
“A young boy like me, how do I tell Opoku Ware, Mr. B.M. Kuffour, and Mr. B.K. Adu Sei that I’m leaving? I would’ve been dead by now.”
Recalling how he garnered interest from the English side, Osei Kofi narrated that he scored four goals in a two-legged friendly against Stoke City in 1969.
He scored a brace to inspire Kotoko to a 3-1 win in the first game at the then Kumasi Sports Stadium.
“They came to Ghana, and we beat them 3-1. I scored two goals against the best goalkeeper in the world at the time. His name was Gordon Banks.”
He continued, noting that his exceptional display prompted a second-leg clash between the two sides, during which he scored another brace in a 3-2 defeat.
“Because of me, Kotoko invited me to Britain in 1969. We went, and they beat us 3-2. I scored the two goals.”
Osei Kofi further narrated that Gordon Banks, impressed by his performance, suggested that Stoke City sign him, claiming that he had the potential to surpass one of England’s greatest-ever players, George Best.
“So immediately after the match, Gordon Banks held my hands and introduced me to their officials, saying that I’d be better than George Best in the next two years, so they should sign me.”
“Not knowing, Dogo Moro and Dr. Gyan Selby, who led our team to Britain, went behind closed doors to sign a contract. They told me at the Kotoka International Airport that I had a contract, but they wanted to show it to the officials to see if they would allow me to go,” he added.
Rev. Osei Kofi is regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest-ever players. He won multiple league titles with both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, as well as two Africa Cup of Nations trophies.
In his heyday, he was nicknamed the “Wizard Dribbler” due to his quick feet and ability to glide past defenders.
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