Former Ghanaian goalkeeper Ali Jarah
has expressed his frustration on the continual neglect by all and sundry
adding that he is gradually dying out of pain. Ali Jarah was only weeks
away from signing a professional contract with German club side Cologne
when by a strange twist of fate, his world came crashing down.
His
movement was impaired by a waist problem that had previously not been
detected. His dream of becoming a top professional was shattered and his
means of livelihood disappeared.
Despite the psychological
trauma and difficulties he encountered in the immediate aftermath of his
disability, Jara did not recoil into his shell as he set up Ghana’s
first modern goalkeeping academy as his way of giving back to the
community he lived in and society at large.
But till date, the
ace goalkeeper in a post on his Facebook wall, expressed his frustration
over the neglect by not only the nation but those he used to call
friends and loved ones.
Below is the full text of Ali Jarah’s message to all.
“I
just wanted to share this with friends. Life has never treated me
fairly; siblings and friends have also never treated me fairly. Those
you treat well will turn their backs on you. Why will people judge you
with your disability and turn their backs on you?
“This
world is a journey, why will people suffer and toil which it’s no fault
of them. Friends and brothers who are supposed to comfort that fellow
neglects him. This is a little story I have to share with you, friends.”
“I
started as a footballer (goalkeeper to be specific) I’ve played 3
juvenile World Cups and 1 African cup of nations. I’ve won one juvenile
world cup, two silvers and one African cup of nations. I also played for
Accra Hearts of Oak. I won all the 3 awards in the 1992/1993 season. I
got paralyzed in 1993.”
“I started training goalkeepers
to give back to the society, which I’ve helped over 30 goalkeepers to be
in the premiership and the national teams both male and female. I coach
people with disability; I’ve been able to help 7 amputees to play in
Turkey.”
“Why is it that I’ve been able to change
peoples’ lives and no one cares about me? I am dying slowly.” Ministers,
Philanthropists, FA, parliamentarians can’t they came to my aid. In
Ghana if you don’t have a push you can’t survive.”
“Day
in and out, I am heading towards my grave. They will wait till I die
before they remember me. If I got paralyzed at 17 dying for my nation,
what does the nation expects me to do now after 23 years?
I
leave this to the world to judge. You can share my little story amongst
friends and brothers so they know. When I die, I died because of pain”.
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