Yvonne Ama Dwamena, sister of the late Raphael Dwamena expressed her pain in losing his ‘lovely’ brother who gave up the ghost in a tragic moment in Albanian football.
In a devastating turn of events, Raphael Dwamena, the former Black Stars striker while on duty on the pitch for KF Egnatia, collapsed on the pitch during a league game against Partizani in the Albanian top-tier league.
Despite immediate on-field medical attention, Dwamena was pronounced dead while being transported to Kavajë Hospital on Saturday, November 11.
On Onua FM/TV’s Maakye morning show on Tuesday, Yvonne Ama Dwamena, who is the second of three siblings, expressed the family’s deep sorrow and revealed the profound closeness they shared.
“He was one in a million. My brother was everything. He was a humble soul,” she said.
The family is still awaiting official communication from Dwamena’s club regarding the tragic incident.
Affectionately known as Nana Kwame, Raphael Dwamena, the first-born in his family, left an indelible mark on the football world.
Born in Asamankese in the Eastern Region, he began his football journey in Nkawkaw. Dwamena’s career took him to prestigious European clubs such as FC Zurich, Levante, and Real Zaragoza.
Despite facing challenges, including an aborted move to the English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion due to failed medicals that brought attention to his heart conditions, Dwamena continued to excel in major leagues.
From the Spanish La Liga to the Austrian and Swiss leagues, he recently showcased his talent in the Albanian league.
The sudden loss of Raphael Dwamena has sent shockwaves through the football community, prompting an outpouring of tributes for the talented and humble athlete.