Former Asante Kotoko player and coach Michael Osei dies at 53

Nov 15, 2024 - Tragic news has hit the Ghanaian football community as Michael Osei, a legendary former Asante Kotoko player and coach, has passed away at the age of 53.

According to reports, Osei collapsed and was pronounced dead at the hospital in London on November 15, 2024.

Osei's remarkable career spanned multiple clubs, including Okwahu United, Asante Kotoko, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Mainz 05. He later transitioned into coaching, leading several top-tier Ghanaian clubs, such as New Edubiase United, Liberty Professionals, Bibiani Goldstars, and his former club Asante Kotoko.

Sarfo Manu, secretary for Asante Kotoko legends, revealed to GhanaWeb that Osei had experienced heart problems, which led to the installation of a heart enhancer. However, it's unclear whether this condition contributed to his sudden collapse and eventual passing.

In a poignant interview, Manu shared that Osei had recently received coaching offers from Ghanaian clubs but was holding out for an opportunity facilitated by his former teammate, Jurgen Klopp.

''He collapsed. Michael had heart issues so he has heart enhancer but I cannot confirm whether that led him to collapsing. I spoke with him last Thursday and he said he had offers form Ghanaian clubs but he was waiting on Klopp. They were teammates so he said Klopp was willing to get him a club to coach", Manu revealed.

As a player, Osei won two Ghana Premier League titles with Asante Kotoko in 1991 and 1992. He also had a notable international career, representing Ghana in the 1992 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

After retiring from playing, Osei transitioned into coaching, leading several Ghanaian clubs including Asante Kotoko, Liberty Professionals, and Bibiani Gold Stars.

During his tenure as Asante Kotoko's coach, he won the Ghana Presidential Cup in 2016 and guided the team to a fifth-place finish in the league.

Source: Florence Kyei / Lead News Online