President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has paid glowing tribute to former Accra Hearts of Oak and Black Stars striker, Anas Seidu Tonda.

The 1978 Africa Cup of Nations winner passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in his home in Accra, Newtown.

President Simeon-Okraku was speaking at the residence of the late national star on Sunday, July 2, 2023 following a successful burial ceremony at the Awudome cemetery.

‘’I grew up to know Anas Seidu Tonda, I didn’t see much of him but courtesy our colleagues who write, I read a lot about him and I know he was a proud son of glorious Hearts of Oak’’ he said.

‘’I know he was part of the fearsome group and I know he was a proud son of our dear country Ghana.  I also he serves both Hearts of Oak and Ghana to the best of his ability and it’s that singular reason why all of us here are here to say bye, bye to a proud son of our soil, a proud son of Ghana’’.

‘’Having listened to the account of the previous speakers, Thunder carried a lot of venom in his foot. He made sure he didn’t respect not only our defenders but also our goalkeepers and at all times he made sure he punished them very well. It is not for me to say, you have heard from some of his mate and their testimony confirms his passion and love not only for Hearts of Oak but Ghana’’ President Simeon-Okraku added.

The legendary forward is fondly remembered for being part of the 'fearsome five' of Accra Hearts of Oak, who conquered Ghanaian football in the seventies.

Together with Mohammed Polo, Peter Hammond, Mama Acqua and Peter Lamptey, they were unplayable in their days. His outstanding performances earned him a place in the Black Stars squad that won the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations.

The family of the late footballer will gather again on Tuesday for the 3-day Dua (Observation).

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