Kwaw Annam has shared insight into Swedru All Blacks’ history
Ghanaian historian Kwaw Annam has disclosed that Swedru All Blacks started as a military team before transitioning to civilians.
According to him, during World War II, military personnel formed a team to play during their free time, which gradually developed into a cohesive unit.
He indicated that some of the players at the time, came from various parts of the world, including Switzerland and Guinea-Bissau.
“When the war ended, the men came to where they were stationed, some from Switzerland, Guinea-Bissau, and other nearby towns. With no jobs to do, they reminded themselves, ‘Why don’t we play football? Maybe we can contact Kotoko and other teams to play.’
“The intention was to use the little money they’d get from gate proceeds to support themselves. They played about two or three games, but some felt they were being cheated when sharing the money, leading to fights and disputes,” he told Benjamin Sackey during Sports Check on GhanaWeb TV.
He further noted that the then-traditional leader, Nana Ayipuah Ababio II, and the queen mother held a meeting with the players to form a proper club and compete in tournaments to raise income.
He explained that some players initially objected to the idea, but after the chief supported them in tough situations, they consented.
“Nana Ababio and the queen mother called them for a meeting, congratulating them for finding a way to raise revenue. However, Nana expressed concern about the rifts among them. He proposed organising them properly and forming a club.
“Initially, some agreed, while others didn’t. But during the discussions, one player’s wife passed away. Nana heard about it and helped organise the funeral. The soldiers were impressed by Nana’s kindness,” he narrated.
It was indicated that the soldiers agreed to let the chief transform the team into a professional football club, which was officially formed in 1945.
Nana Ababio subsequently passed away on September 24, 2010.
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