A former Captain of the senior national team, the Black Stars, John Eshun was laid to rest over the weekend after funeral rites at the Railway Ground at Esikado in the Western region.
The former Accra Great Olympics coach passed away in November last year after a short illness.
The funeral was attended by several dignitaries from the sporting fraternity including the Minister of Youth and Sports Isaac Asiamah, Professor Peter Twumasi, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and retired players.
Government funded the cost of the funeral in recognition of his contribution to Ghana football.
In his tribute to the former skipper, the Minister described Eshun as one of the talented footballers to have passed through Ghana’s soccer scene.
“Soft spoken off the field, an imposing figure on it, John Eshun represented the country with pride and dignity every time he donned the national colors. He demonstrated unrivaled commitment to the national course and an exemplary dedication that all should aspire to, “he stated.
Mr. John Eshun he said captained the senior national team (Black Stars) from 1968 to 1974 and also captained Africa 11 from 1974 to 1975. He again played at the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968 and Munich, Germany in 1972.
With his vast knowledge and experience, John Eshun, he said, was instrumental in preparing and developing various football teams in Ghana since 1981 including Eleven Wise, Accra Hearts of Oak, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Accra Great Olympics, Real Tamale United and the Black Queens and later became Head Coach of Ebusua Dwarfs Football Club in Cape Coast.
According to the Minister, his contribution to football will be much appreciated with immense gratitude.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana, we commiserate with the family of Mr. John Eshun on this unfortunate loss, “he stated.
He urged the family to remain strong during this difficult time and called on Ghanaians to support them with prayers.
BY MICHAEL D.ABAYATEYE
