Late Sly Tetteh was my greatest mentor – Essien

Michael Essien says the late Alhaji Sylvester Tetteh was his greatest mentor.

Sly Tetteh was the founder of Accra-based premier league side Liberty Professionals. He died September 3, 2011 when playing a charity match in Cape Coast.

Answering questions from his fans, the Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien today March 7, 2012 on his official website, he said, “My mentor from my childhood through to his recent passing was Alhaji Sly Tetteh – the man who spotted me and ensured I went on to fulfil my potential.”

According to the Ghanaian player, Sly Tetteh was his “father, brother, mentor and special adviser” who made sure he grew up to be a responsible person and footballer.

Essien regretted not seeing his mentor when he passed away. “Unfortunately I wasn’t there when he passed away and didn’t get a chance to say goodbye,” he added.

But he believes that Alhaji Tetteh is “still mentoring me wherever he is now”.

By Ekow Quandzie