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Former Ghana President Jerry John Rawlings has pledged to be physically present when Sammy Kuffour officially retires from football in a testimonial match next week. The 64-year-old made the pledge when the ex Ghana and Bayern Munich defender paid a courtesy call to officially invite him to the historical event at his residence in Accra on Friday. The former military officer recounted his first encounter with Kuffour while he was Head of State and expressed delight at how the then-budding talent rose through the ranks to be one of the finest at his profession. �I remember very well when I visited the team in camp at Burma Camp and for some reason, I don�t know, all the players went into hiding,� Rawlings said. �Only Kuffour remained to receive me and it showed even at that early age how bold and courageous he is and I am not surprised at all he has made it this far in his career. �I therefore will find the time to come and watch the game in Kumasi to ensure that this illustrious son of Ghana gets the proper farewell.� Kuffour, 34, whose playing career spanned almost two decades will lead a star-studded side �Friends of Kuffour� which includes; Daniel Amokachi, Samuel Eto�o, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Patrick Mboma, Jay-Jay Okocha, Lothar Mattheus, Oliver Khan, Samuel Eto, Rigobert Song, Mohammed Kallon, Pablo Thiam amongst others against the Black Stars on December 23 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.