Kotoko, Lions clash in Wharton memorial

The Accra Sports Stadium will on Sunday host the Arthur Wharton memorial match between Heart of Lions and Kuamsi Asante Kotoko as both sides prepare ahead of the upcoming season.

With the First Capital Plus Premier League not in session, Sunday’s match will not only be used to mark the 84th anniversary of the death of Wharton, the man considered to be the first black professional footballer, but also afford both sides the opportunity to assess their teams ahead of the season.

Organisers of the match hope to use the occasion to create awareness about Wharton, who was born in 1865 in James Town, Accra, to a Ghanaian mother and a Grenadian-Scottish father. 

Wharton, a talented athlete who set a world record of 10 seconds for the 100 yards dash in 1886 at Stamford Bridge, London, played for English clubs Preston North End, Rotherham United  and Sheffield United.

Two months ago, he was also honoured by the England Football Association which unveiled a 16-foot bronze statue at a ceremony in London, which was attended by distinguished guests, including former players, politicians and Wharton's great-granddaughter.