Asante Kotoko captain Samba O’Neil is in mourning after the passing of his mother.
The team offered their deepest sympathies to the Congolese defender and his loved ones during this difficult time.
Samba O’Neil, who serves as the leader of the Kotoko squad, is known for his strength on the pitch. Off the field, he now faces a personal tragedy. The club has not disclosed further details regarding the cause of her death, requesting that the family’s privacy be respected.
O’Neil, whose full name is Ndongani Samba Gilbani, is a key central defender for the Ghana Premier League side. The Congolese player joined Kotoko in July 2024 from Burkina Faso club Rahimo FC and has quickly become a leader on the pitch.
A Strong 2025/26 Season
Before this personal tragedy, O’Neil was having an impressive season. He plays mainly as a central defender but can also operate in midfield. His performances have made him one of the most reliable defenders in the Ghana Premier League.
By late 2025, he has scored three goals, known for finding the net at important moments, including a header against Young Apostles and a penalty against Basake Holy Stars. He also scored for Kotoko in the CAF Confederation Cup match against Wydad Athletic in Morocco.
His strong displays have caught the attention of clubs abroad. Reports suggest Maccabi Tel Aviv made an offer of around $150,000 for him, and Dubai City FC have also shown interest.
Journey to Kotoko
Before moving to Ghana, O’Neil spent time in both Niger and Burkina Faso. He played for Nigerien clubs AS Douanes and Sahel SC before joining Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso in 2021. In his final season with Rahimo, he made 29 appearances, scoring once and providing four assists. After his contract ended, he joined Kotoko on a two-year deal in July 2024.
The club was already in talks to extend his contract by May 2025, showing how much they value his leadership and skill. As captain, he has become a central figure for Kotoko this season.
The Kotoko family now stands with their captain as he faces this heartbreaking loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Samba O’Neil and his family always.