Ghanaian side Great Olympics have paid touching tribute to the late Jones Attuquayefio revealing he never turned his back on a club that nurtured him into stardom.
A statement by the club’s board of directors expressed shock and sorrow at the news of the death of Sir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, a former player and coach of the club, who served his apprenticeship and matured into a star with wonderful leadership qualities that made it so easy to work with him at all levels.
It described the former footballer, coach and administrator as an inspiration to his colleagues during his playing days, a role model and an icon when he took up training and management of the team.
“He never lost sight of the fact that Accra Great Olympics sponsored his coaching course in Brazil and remained loyal to the club till the day he died.”
Attuquayefio's footballing career spanned almost 20 years. He started with Ghana Academicals in the early 60’s, transferred to Accra Standfast FC for a short-stint, later joined Ghana Republicans and finally settled with Olympics where he played from 1966-1974. His Olympics career coincided with the club’s most successful spell in Ghana football and culminated in two league titles in a space of four years.
He was a member of the Black Star team that won the African Nations Cup in 1965.
Attuquayefio’s coaching career kicked-off right after his playing days, his first job was with the Olympics team in the mid-70s and handled the Wonder Club for almost a decade.
“We followed with admiration and pride his achievements and his successes at the club, national and international levels, particularly his achievements with our city rivals and friends Accra Hearts of Oak at the Africa continental level. We celebrated his recognition as the best football coach in Africa, a few years ago.
“It is with this sense of pride and admiration that Accra Great Olympics use this moment of grief to console his wife and family and to assure them that the indelible marks left by Sir Cecil in history will always live after him and reflect on them.
“Farewell 'Sir’ Cecil Jones Attuquayefio. You were a role model, an icon and a hero.” the statement concluded.