Copyright gbcghanaonline
By: Kwame Bediako He was known as the King of Wingers, an extraordinary talent whose pace, flair, and football genius transformed the game into an art form in Ghana. Yet, despite dazzling fans with his speed and skill, his career came to an abrupt end at just 26 years old. Six years later, the world lost him forever. This is the tale of Baba Yara, a legend who rose faster than any winger and fell far too soon. Born Osman Seidu Maada on October 12, 1936, in Kintampo Zongo, young Baba was always full of energy and mischief. His name, Baba Yara, famously originated from a playful incident when his mother shouted in Hausa, “Ei, Baba Yara!” a phrase meaning “Father of a boy!” This amusing outburst stuck and would soon become synonymous with Ghanaian football greatness. Before stepping onto the football pitch, Baba had a thrilling career as a horse jockey at the Accra Turf Club, riding from 1950 to 1955. His speed and fearlessness on horseback were the first signs of the remarkable talent that would later captivate football fans across Ghana and Africa. In 1955, Baba Yara’s football journey officially began when Asante Kotoko signed him. His debut match was unforgettable; he scored a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw, immediately capturing the hearts of supporters. From that moment on, the stadiums were packed to watch this electrifying winger dazzle opponents with his speed and elegant playmaking. By 1959, Baba was a household name. His relentless runs and skillful dribbles earned him the title the King of Wingers. He captivated fans who flocked to stadiums, eager to witness his mastery. His excellence was recognized as he won Ghana’s Player of the Year in both 1959 and 1960. His performances for the Black Stars were even more remarkable, scoring 49 goals in 51 matches, including a stunning debut where Ghana thrashed Nigeria 7-0, with Baba scoring twice and assisting four goals. Under the leadership of President Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana assembled a “super team” known as the Real Republicans, and Baba Yara was its shining star. Across Africa, he amazed crowds, earning the accolade of Most Distinguished Member of the Black Stars in 1961. Ghanaian football finally had a superstar of international repute. Tragedy struck on March 4, 1963, when the team bus returning from a league match in Kpandu crashed near Kpeve. Baba Yara suffered a devastating spinal injury that left him paralyzed. At just 26, the King of Wingers would never play or walk again. Despite treatment in England and the courageous fight that followed, he passed away on May 5, 1969, at only 32 years old. Today, Baba Yara’s legacy lives on through the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, a lasting tribute to the man who gave Ghanaian football its first true icon. Though he is gone, his name, story, and spirit continue to echo through the history of Ghanaian football. Baba Yara, the King of Wingers is never forgotten.
