Tears Flow For ‘Alhaji Hearts’

THERE WERE melancholic scenes in Kumasi after news broke about the death of Alhaji Suleiman Braimah aka ‘Alhaji Hearts’, who reportedly gave up the ghost after a short illness in Accra on Wednesday.

The depressing news sparked sadness among many in the Ashanti regional capital as soccer fans from Hearts, Kotoko and the other clubs in the country, openly expressed shock over the Alhaji’s passing.

Many residents called into various radio talk shows in the city on Thursday morning to bid farewell to the departed football administrator; with virtually all of them describing the deceased as a perfect gentleman and a real sportsman.

Some callers even opined that his departure could create a vacuum, not only in Hearts, but sports in general in the country.

It was therefore not surprising that former Hearts CEO, Harry Zakour, literally shed tears openly over the death of Alhaji Braimah.

According to him, ‘Alhaji Hearts’ would forever be remembered for his fantastic roles, which transformed Hearts and helped advance the level of football in the country.

Zakour, who could not contain his emotions, disclosed amid sobs that the late Alhaji recently had a successful heart surgery in the United States of America (USA), and was supposed to have gone back to the US in ten days’ time for checkup when he passed on.

Young Alhaji Hearts started his romance with the ‘Phobians’ many years ago as a ball boy and rose through the ranks to become the club’s Board Member.

Reports say he played several vital roles for Hearts, one of which helped the club win the Africa Club Champions League in 2000.

Per Islam doctrine, deceased Muslims are supposed to be buried few hours after they have been confirmed dead by medical doctors, but in the case of Alhaji Hearts, his body was kept until the following day before burial at East Legon in Accra.

By: Yaw Asamoah/ thePublisher