Leopards mourn passing of great coach Gyamfi

Gyamfi Charles Kumi

AFC Leopards are in mourning following the death yesterday of their former coach, Charles Kumi Gyamfi.

The Ghanaian legend (pictured) won the Kenyan Premier League title with AFC Leopards in 1998 and 1989 before leaving at the beginning of 1991.

The 13-time KPL champions issued a statement yesterday, “We have learnt of Gyamfi’s death in Ghana with profound shock. We join the Ghanaian soccer family in mourning one of the greatest soccer coaches who also played a key role in putting Leopards on the map in African soccer.”

His former protégées Tom Omboko and John “Shoto” Lukoye expressed shock at the demise of the coach they said was a father-figure.

“He was tactically astute.But what set him apart is his caring attitude. He was a father-figure. He believed in hard work. He came along with his son Patrick, but would not force him into the team.

“In fact, it is us that asked he be included in the team. He simply believed in merit,” Omboko said after learning of Gyamfi’s death.”

Lukoye said: “Gyamfi created the spirit of competition for places. He created that atmosphere and he would leave everyone on the edge. It is absolutely crushing that he has passed on.”