The most devalued department in football is goalkeeping but it is the soul that drives every team. Whenever they are called upon, few are able to stand up to the test and Sammy Adjei will always come up as one, a performer whose brilliance never faded till he called time on his illustrious career.
Sammy Adjei managed to touch the hearts of football fans with his over two decades on the pitch. He depicts brilliance, competence and precision in the goal post. Adjei was like a Soldier who never let his guard down, ready to fight and defend his territory. He shielded his defenders like the hen cover the chicks.
The momentous achievement of Hearts of Oak in the late 90s through to the middle 2000s was embedded in the heart of Sammy Adjei. A safe pair of hands who made the work easier for the Phobians. His aerial supremacy, point-blank saves; heroics were the imprints Sammy left for Hearts. When Hearts was sweeping aside Esperance in the 2000 Champions League finals, Sammy was in the posts keeping it cool. He remains a strong party to the Super Cup and all the wonderful memories the Phobians had in continental football.
Sammy Adjei’s story with Hearts continentally was nothing different from the dominance they had in the Ghanaian game. He joined force with his colleagues to dominate the local games for many years.
Whiles keeping the posts safe for the Phobians, National duty was at his beck and call. Adjei transferred his sterling qualities to National football becoming a National asset for many years. At 18, Sammy represented Ghana in the U-20 World Cup in Nigeria and saw Ghana to the quarter-finals.
Sammy Adjei did not renege on responsibilities as he served in various Ghana National teams. He maimed the posts for Ghana enroute to the 2006 World. He was an epitome of a wonderful goalie who has gone down as one of the best Ghanaian goalkeepers. Sammy has enclave his name well in the minds of those who saw him play and certainly his exploits will be passed on to generations unborn.
Aside Hearts of Oak, Sammy Adjei played for Club Africain of Tunisia and Ashdod of Israel. He won over six Premier League with Hearts, Champions League, Super Cup and lots of other local trophies including individual awards. Sammy made 38 national appearances. He was born in 1980 and has since retired.
Credit: footballwrap.com
