Veteran Ghanaian Football Coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong has revealed he had dreams of standing in front of congregants and ministering the word of God as a pastor until he eventually ended up in his current profession.

In a career spanning over 30 years, J.E. Sarpong has had a distinguished career having coached the two Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.

He has also handled top clubs like Great Olympics, Dawu Youngsters, Ebusua Dwarfs, Liberty Professionals and others.

As seasoned coach turned 71 years on Wednesday, June 10, Takoradi-based Skyy Power FM called to celebrate him on live radio.

A hugely impressed J.E. Sarpong reflected on how it all began for him and said but for his sporting talents given him by God, he would perhaps have been a pastor by now.

“I attended school at Nkonya Secondary School, I was a footballer and an athlete.After, I enrolled at St. Francis Teacher Training College, Hohoe (1971-1973) and was the [Volta] Regional Champion in 100m, 200m and 4*100m anchor. That’s where my interest developed,” he told the Skyy Sports Show..

“Actually, I wanted to become a pastor but God didn’t permit me, and [in place of that] gave me this [sports] profession.

“So I attended Winneba [University of Education] to study [Physical Education] and joined Accra Academy in 1984.

“Same year [1984], Accra Hearts of Oak approached me for my services, and together we build a very youthful team made up of Ablade Kumah, Nana Benyin Crentsil, Joe Addo, Shamo Quaye, Ezekiel Alamu, Tetteh Anan Django, Ben Adjei, Thomas Quaye, Santrofi Acquah, etc, who formed the basis of the famous Musical Youth,” he revealed.

As a coach, J.E. Sarpong is known for his outspoken nature and at most times has shown he can be hot-headed. It’s interesting to note how he would have fared as a pastor.