Kotoko Legend Names Hearts of Oak Icon as Ghana’s GOAT Over Abedi Ayew Pele

Kotoko Legend Names Hearts of Oak Icon as Ghana’s GOAT Over Abedi Ayew Pele

  • An Asante Kotoko legend has declared Mohammed Polo of Hearts of Oak fame as Ghana's true greatest player of all time
  • Known as "The Dribbling Magician," Polo’s exceptional dribbling and creativity on the field made him a standout player
  • Abedi Ayew Pele is celebrated for his illustrious career in Europe, winning multiple league titles

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A former Ghana international and Asante Kotoko football legend has generated widespread discussion regarding Ghana's true greatest player of all time, with the famous Kotoko figure picking Hearts of Oak's Mohammed Polo as the most outstanding Ghanaian player of all generations.

While Abedi Ayew is known for his successful European career with Olympique Marseille and his three African Player of the Year awards, Hearts of Oak’s dribbling magician, Polo, is equally celebrated for his dazzling skills and contributions to Ghanaian football.

Sarfo Gyamfi picks Hearts of Oak icon Mohammed Polo as Ghana's greatest player of all tiem ahead of Abedi Ayew Pele
Sarfo Gyamfi picks Hearts of Oak icon Mohammed Polo as Ghana's greatest player of all tiem ahead of Abedi Ayew Pele. Image credit: Gary M. Prior/ALLSPORT, HeartsOfOAKGH/X
Source: Getty Images

Sarfo Gyamfi stirred controversy, on Kessben FM on Tuesday, by declaring that Mohammed Polo, not Abedi Ayew Pele, is Ghana’s greatest player of all time. This bold claim has sparked discussions among football fans and pundits alike.

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Sarfo Gyamfi’s unique perspective

Sarfo Gyamfi, commonly known as Black President, who played alongside both Abedi Ayew and Mohammed Polo during his time with the Black Stars, who recently defeated Madagascar in Morocco, is uniquely positioned to weigh in on this debate. His experience playing with these two football icons gives him invaluable insight into their playing styles, abilities, and impact on the national team.

Gyamfi’s assertion that Polo was the better player is more than just a personal preference; it is grounded in his firsthand experience on the pitch with both players.

''Let me tell that Ghana's finest ever player is Mohammed Polo. He was too good. He is the best ever. I played against him many times in Kotoko and Hearts of Oak games, and so I know what I am saying. I also played with him in the same Black Stars team (as well as AbediA yew). He was simply unplayable. For me he is the best Ghanaian player ever.' Purely talented' Sarfo Gyamfi said.

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Mohammed Polo: The dribbling magician

Mohammed Polo, often referred to as "The Dribbling Magician," was a player whose skills were nothing short of mesmerizing. His dribbling ability, close ball control, and creativity made him a fan favorite, especially during his time at Hearts of Oak, with many lovers of game sometimes comparing him with Lionel Messi.

Polo’s flair on the field was peerless, and he could often make defenders look foolish with his intricate footwork and vision. His contribution to Ghanaian football is not only measured by his club success but also by his role in the national team.

Polo played an integral part in the Black Stars’ success during the 1970s and early 1980s. His ability to change the game with a single pass or dribble earned him the admiration of football enthusiasts and earned him a place in Ghanaian football lore. Sarfo Gyamfi’s endorsement of Mohammed Polo as the greatest player reflects the profound respect for his skill, which transcended mere statistics.

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Abedi Ayew Pele's success in Europe

Abedi, on the other hand, is one of Africa's most decorated footballers. His career in Europe, particularly at Olympique Marseille, cemented his status as a global football icon. Abedi Ayew won multiple league titles, a UEFA Champions League trophy, and three African Player of the Year awards, a feat that few can match. His ability to perform at the highest level in Europe made him a household name and a symbol of African football excellence.

Ghanaian football legend Abedi Ayew, known professionally as Abedi Pele gestures as he speaks about his career at his home in Accra, on July 13, 2017
Ghanaian football legend Abedi Ayew, known professionally as Abedi Pele gestures as he speaks about his career at his home in Accra, on July 13, 2017. Image credit: PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP
Source: Getty Images

Despite his European success, Sarfo Gyamfi’s comparison of Ayew to Polo highlights the differences in playing style and influence. While Ayew was undeniably a more accomplished player on the international stage, Gyamfi seems to suggest that Polo’s natural talent, creativity, and influence in Ghanaian football were just as valuable, if not more so, than the accomplishments of Ayew in Europe.

Otto Addo's big decision

YEN.com.gh earlier reported Otto Addo's game-changing decision to install local custodian Benjamin Asare as Ghana's starting goalkeeper in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

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Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Gariba Raubil avatar

Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled content writer and journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments including two All Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 Women’s AFCON. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh

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