Hearts of Oak Defender Kelvin Osei Assibey Pays Emotional Tribute to Kotoko Captain Samba O’Neil

By Emmanuel Austin Baah Last updated Feb 24, 2026

Kelvin Osei Assibey, defender for Accra Hearts of Oak, has paid a heartfelt tribute to Samba O’Neil, captain of Asante Kotoko SC, following the passing of his mother.

In a touching message of condolence, Osei Assibey expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as an irreplaceable void. He noted that losing a mother is akin to losing a part of oneself and acknowledged the profound pain such a bereavement brings. The Hearts of Oak defender assured the Kotoko captain of his unwavering support during this difficult period, encouraging him to remain strong and to take comfort in the support of family, friends and the wider football fraternity.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko SC, in an official statement, confirmed the sad news and expressed profound sorrow at the loss. The club extended its heartfelt condolences to their captain and his family during this difficult time, praying that her soul rests in perfect peace.

The gesture from Osei Assibey, coupled with Kotoko’s official announcement, has drawn widespread sympathy from supporters of both clubs, underscoring the unity and solidarity within the Ghanaian football community beyond traditional rivalries.

Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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