… The Tornado steps up on the Tennis Court

Stephen Appiah won the Ghana Premier League, Ghana FA Cup, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italia, Turkish Super Lig, Turkish Super Cup and the FIFA U17 World Championship.

He was not named CAF Footballer of the Year, he did not win the FIFA World Cup, African Cup, BBC African Player of the Year and UEFA Cup nor was he named in CAF XI, but he is still the man many people admire.

Ghanaian football legend, Stephen Tornado Appiah is never idle even after completing his illustrious career as a professional footballer.

The man who played football from the streets of Chorkor to Indafa park at Mamprobi, through Bukom before joining Accra Hearts of Oak and traveling to Europe to feature for top clubs in Italy and Turkey. He served the National football team, the Black Stars by good example, leading Ghana to its first ever FIFA World Cup Qualification and glory has found another lovely sports.

The talented, skilful and forceful footballer played as a midfielder for Udinese, Parma, Brescia, Juventus and Fenerbahçe. Appiah was a member of the Ghana national team, which he played for the Black Starlets (winners of FIFA U17 World Cup 1995), Black Satellites, Black Meteors, the Olympic team 2004, and senior level, Black Stars.

He is now a social tennis player and has taken his aces and volleys to a high grade because his technical abilities are so superb and flashy.

He gives much credit to his trainer, popularly known as Rasta who was also a footballer but could not rise to stardom.

The two have trained privately for years and have now come out to challenge and beating some youthful tennis gems.

Reigning over younger tennis players has gingered Appiah with some hope that he must play and inspire others.

So after football, the Tornado. Nii Barnie Appiah from James Town has not given up in sports.

Despite his effective managerial role in steering the Black Stars to their fifth World Cup, he is inspiring young tennis players as well.

Stephen Appiah has taken his tennis lessons very serious and never joke with his training.

Linking up with personalities on the courts has also given him another level of confidence to increase his leadership qualities and may end up in politics or spearheading the Ghana Tennis fraternity.

People have not forgotten his philanthropy and always bless him for his love for humanity.

Now he is being pushed to consider politics and turn his community around.

He has considered all the opportunities but he is gradually building himself and establishing a guide for younger generations not to give up, but always find something to do despite the odds and challenges.

As Deputy Chairman of the Black Stars management committee, he has accomplished the task of qualifying the National football team to the next World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.

His other agenda is to make Ghana Tennis attractive and encourage more young players in school. to get on the court.

He gives much credit to Rasta for getting him engaged even after football to find a new sporting love.

By playing tennis after football, Appiah has widened his scope and vision of leadership. He has transformed and he knows what he is gaining.

He believes every football star must plan for the future, because one cannot play after some time.

His desire is to help in any form and position to motivate young athletes. .

For Stephen Appiah, he loves to share and give hope to fellow human beings.

He urged sports people not to give up, but keep on trying till they succeed.

He is Deputy Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee who have guided the current Black Stars to another FIFA World Cup Qualification in 2026 in USA. Mexico and Canada.

He attributes the success of the Black Stars to discipline, commitment and professional attitude of players.

He will not reject any role to shape Ghana Tennis and the Ghana Olympic Movement.

By Sammy Heywood Okine