Cranes defender Ssali needs unwavering assistances

Feb 27, 2011

IN a new turn of events, Cranes and Bunamwaya defender Edward Ssali has been given a go-ahead by medical experts to re-launch his soccer career, nearly three weeks after he was diagnosed with a heart problem.

IN a new turn of events, Cranes and Bunamwaya defender Edward Ssali has been given a go-ahead by medical experts to re-launch his soccer career, nearly three weeks after he was diagnosed with a heart problem.

The problem was identified during a medical examination at Mulago Hospital prior to Cranes’ departure for the African Nations Championship in Khartoum.

Ssali was advised that playing with the problem would endanger his life.
Later, in an emotional moment, the 25-year-old broke the results to his colleagues. He watched from the sidelines as the team made an early exit from the Khartoum show.

Ssali was told after the first examination that the problem would either have to be treated or he quits active football. Having the problem treated raises a fundamental issue.

Ssali’s case is moreless similar to that of Nigerian star Nwankwo Kanu who has won nearly everything in football except a World Cup medal.

In 1996, Kanu was diagnosed with a heart defect that threatened to cut short an amazing career. But after a successfull heart surgery, he returned to the pitch.

Ssali’s love for football is unquestionable. He might still need more intervention by medical personnel and other groups. His case should open our eyes. He competes in a domestic league run without systematic medical care or health insurance.

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