“A legacy is the impact and impression an individual makes and leaves behind in the lives of others. It no longer represents the individual. It represents the people who carry on his or her name with passion and integrity”- Farshad Asl.
The news of the sudden demise of the legendary Sam Arday saddens the sporting fraternity and indeed the entire nation considering the fact that Sam was one of the very few existing technical brains of his generation after the proximate demise of his comrades.
As the footballing fraternity acknowledges this tragic loss, Sam Arday would be fondly remembered for his legendary status as the first African coach to guide the National Olympic team, the Black Meteors to win bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games as well as his incredible exploits with the U-17 team, the Black Starlets to win gold in the Africa and World championships in Mali and Ecuador in 1995 respectively.
We will also remember with nostalgia how Sam Arday introduced a crop of unsung U-17 talents to his own brand of football, which has come to be known the world over as the ‘the Multi System’. This novelty system of football caught the attention of FIFA and prompted the world football governing body to organize a forum of football coaches to explain his ‘multi system’ to the football world. Such is the testament of his unparalleled footprints in the football world.
Again, Sam’s contributions to football also left in its trail a famous football club Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord, now West African Football Academy (WAFA) which has produced many talents to feed our national teams. Indeed, through his valour, the pages of history would be assured of descriptions of immeasurable contributions to the development of football in the country.
Sam Arday’s successful exploits as a technical brain of the game was duly acknowledged with reverent respect. It is therefore evidenced that he was twice honoured by the state with the Order of the Volta and the Grand Medal (Civil Division) in 1995 and 2006 respectively.
Today we have gathered here in grief to bid farewell to our noble legend whose dedicated service to our country will surely be more visible and greatly appreciated with profound gratitude as time advances. In the words of Irvin Berlin when, “the song is ended the melody indeed lingers on”.
Yes, the melody of Coach Arday indeed would linger on forever.
On behalf of the President of Republic, the Ministry of Youth and Sports commiserates with the family of Coach Sam Arday on this sudden loss. May the good Lord grant the family the fortitude to bear and go through this difficult moment.
Fare thee well Coach!
Fare thee well Mr. ‘Multi-System’