Born on May 17, 1955, in Accra , Mr. William Klutse grew up in Lagostown, now known as Accra New Town. His passion for football began at a very early age, and by the age of 8, he was already showcasing his skills with Adabraka Maomao in 1963.
From 1964 to 1965, he played for Flamingos babies in Lagostown, and later moved to Titanics in Aveno, where he featured from 1970 to 1973. Seeking greater opportunities and a pathway to a professional football career, he joined the Juapong Textiles team (Juantes) in 1973.
His exceptional talent and skill quickly stood out, and within a year, he was transferred to the Dumas Boys of GTP in Tema in 1974. His impressive performances with Dumas Boys earned him a call-up to the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, that same year.
And as it is with his nature, he made a historic mark in 1978 when he helped Ghana win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil in Accra. He played a pivotal role in the tournament and famously scored a memorable goal against Nigeria, which remains one of the standout moments of his career.
Following his success on the continental stage, he moved abroad in 1980 to join Al Wasl FC in the United Arab Emirates, where he played until 1984. He also had brief stints with Ghanaian giants Accra Great Olympics and Accra Hearts of Oak before hanging up his boots.
Driven by a deep love for football and youth development, Willie Klutse transitioned into management. In 1999, he was appointed Team Manager of Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, and was part of the technical team that led the country to the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina. During this time, he worked with future stars like Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, and John Paintsil, among others.
Immediately after his role at the national team In 2001, he joined Inter Allies FC, as head coach before taking on the role of Technical Director, a position he continues to hold with distinction to this day.
Mr. Willie Klutse’s life and career stand as a shining example of dedication, excellence, and service to Ghanaian football. Today, as he marks his 70th birthday, we celebrate not only a football legend but a true national treasure.
