What football took from me: How Africa's deadliest stadium disaster orphaned, ruined a life
Emmanuel Clottey has spent much of his young life trying to survive in a world of storms and tragedies. He lost his father, Atu Quaye Clottey, in the May 9, 2001, Accra Sports Stadium disaster, which claimed 127 lives. Emmanuel was only a year old at the time. He said, "I believe if my father was alive, things would have been different," and "Anytime I remember that his love for football is what took him away, I become restless."
The May 9, 2001, match at the Accra Sports Stadium was between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. After a goal gave Hearts of Oak a 2-1 lead, crowd trouble erupted, leading police to fire tear gas into the stands. The Sam Okudzeto Commission of Inquiry termed the police action the principal cause of the disaster. Emmanuel decided to honor his father by becoming one of the best footballers in the country. He played colts football for Mighty Victory and attended several trials with lower-division clubs. He said, "But things didn't go well," and "Sometimes it's money, sometimes connections, sometimes just bad luck." He turned to boxing, sparring with professional fighters like John Laryea, popularly known as "Expensive Boxer."
Today, Emmanuel says he has largely given up on a professional sports career.
Quick Summary
Emmanuel Clottey's life has been shaped by tragedy, growing up without his father. He grapples with the knowledge that his father's love for football led to his death - leaving Emmanuel to navigate a world of challenges.
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