Former National U17 head coach Joseph Apana passed away in the early hours of Monday, January 23, 2023, at his residence in Tanzui in the Upper West region.
Coach Apana, affectionately known by many in the sporting world, was tasked with handling the National Male U16 team, which later became the National U17.
Coach Apana has worked for the National Sports Authority in Tamale, Cape Coast, Koforidua, and finally retired in Bolgatanga in 2003.
He has trained a lot of coaches in the Upper East Region, including Coach Peter Abilba, the late Yussif Abubakar, Coach Fatawu Salifu, and Coach Francis Bawumiya. He also nurtured players like Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah in 1995.
Coach Apana has coached teams like B. A United, Ebusua Dwarfs, Okwahu United, Tano Bofoakwa, and others.
Interacting with A1 Sports, Coach Francis Bawumiya, head coach of Division One side Akatsi All Stars, a former protege of Coach Apana, said he was distraught about the passing of his mentor.
Coach Francis added that the late Coach Apana inspired and encouraged him into the coaching profession. “He is my Godfather in the coaching business. He is always happy to hear about my coaching exploits thus far. I’m sad and disappointed for not getting the opportunity to coach the national team for my father, a mentor to see before passing to glory. But it is well, he is gone but still with us in spirit,” Mr. Bawumiya stated.
Coach Apana’s body was laid to rest on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at his family house, Tanzui.
Source: A1radioonline.com
