Former Asante Kotoko midfielder and coach, Michael Osei, has sadly passed away.
The tragic news was confirmed on Friday, November 15, 2024, at his residence in London. The cause of death remains unknown.
Born and raised in Asawase, a suburb of Kumasi, Michael Osei began his football journey with Suame-based Anokye Stars, a colts team. He later joined Neoplan Stars in Kumasi before making a significant move to Nkawkaw-based Okwawu United in the 1980s, where he played alongside his cousin, Tony Yeboah.
Osei’s career peaked with Asante Kotoko, which he joined in 1989. He helped the club win back-to-back Ghana Premier League titles in 1991 and 1992, cementing his place as a legend of the club.
Internationally, Osei was a member of the Ghana national team in the early 1990s. His performances in the 1992 African Cup of Nations qualifiers under coach Burkhard Ziese earned him recognition as a valuable player. He shared the field with greats like Abedi Pele, Emmanuel Armah, Frimpong Manso, and Kwesi Appiah during this era.
Coaching Career
Michael Osei transitioned into coaching in 2012 as an assistant coach for New Edubiase United. He later joined Asante Kotoko as an assistant to Dramani Mas-Ud Didi for the 2013/14 season, during which the club won a historic treble: the MTN FA Cup, the First Capital Plus Premier League, and the Super Cup.
In May 2016, Osei was named interim coach of Kotoko after David Duncan’s departure, leading the team to a fifth-place league finish, the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and victory in the 2016 Presidential Cup. He later returned to his assistant role under Zdravko Logarušić before leaving the club in January 2017.
Osei’s coaching career also saw him managing Liberty Professionals, lower-tier side Star Madrid, and most recently, Bibiani Gold Stars.
Legacy
Michael Osei leaves behind a legacy as a talented player and a coach who impacted Ghanaian football at both the club and national levels. His contributions to Asante Kotoko and the Ghana Premier League will not be forgotten.
Tributes have poured in from fans, former players, and football stakeholders, celebrating the life and career of a man who dedicated himself to the beautiful game.
