A few months ago, social media went buzzing due to a trending obituary poster. It was a striking sight, with four names standing out to viewers, not for their grief-laden undertone — but each one instantly recognizable, evoking a powerful sense of legacy.
The Amarterfios – Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Angel Di Maria and Serena Williams, by virtue of their names, had stolen the spotlight from their deceased grandmother, on her memorial tribute poster.
There is a powerful force that shapes a child’s sense of self in the quiet moments between birth and the first words, their name.
Seemingly just a label given by parents or guardians at birth, a name is way more powerful. It carries with it layers of meaning, history, and expectation.
As children grow, their names can shape the way they are perceived by others and how they view themselves.
With this knowledge, Abdul Rahman Amartefio had a vision for his children, and that vision influenced the names he chose.
He opens up on how he’s always dreamed of having children with a keen interest in sports.
“First of all I’m a Barcelona fan and by extension a staunch fan of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. I knew my kids would definitely end up playing football. It’s something I’d hoped for for a long time. I was a footballer but didn’t get the opportunity to play at the professional level.
“I always knew I’d name my first child after Messi. However, my love for Iniesta is even more than what I have for Messi, so I had no option but to name my second son after him.
“You’d realize Angel Di Maria never played for Barcelona, but he’s a player I’ve always admired. I see him to be a very responsible gentleman, hence my decision to name my third boy after him. For Serena Williams, I just love her as a player and a person from afar. I just had to honor my daughter with such a great name,” he says.
Be it a stroke of luck or by divine orchestration, little by little, one of his four children, Andres Iniesta Amartefio, is beginning to emulate his namesake, the Barcelona great.
For residents of Mamprobi, the Iniesta’s exploits are known, but at the inaugural Small Poles U-13 tournament, the audience was wowed. From the moment Iniesta touched the ball, the young boy captured the crowd’s attention with a dazzling display of control, vision, and instinct that seemed far too refined for his age. Selwyn Sackey, CEO of Small Poles, was one of those blown away by his talent.
“Even before we found out his name, he stood out from the rest anytime he touched the ball. His magical left foot, dribbling ability and vision was just outstanding.
“I asked the coach, after the game, who the kid was and we spent the next few minutes debating whether that was his real name or a nickname,” he recalls.
This outcome has however not surprised Abdul Rahman who believes his mindset towards his children’s upbringing is what has created this phenomenon.
“I’ll admonish every parent to be on the look out and monitor the interests of their children. Investing time effort and resources into their gifts is important – just as they would do for formal education.
“For me, just as I would buy books for my children for school, I’d do same in buying equipment for them for sports.
“That way we respect the field of sport, and teach our children how valuable the sport is,” he explains.
The right guidance, for Abdul Rahman, is incredibly essential for his son at this point. Talented footballers, especially at a young age, are like uncut diamonds—full of potential but in need of careful shaping.
Coaches, mentors, and a supportive environment play a crucial role in helping young players develop not only their technical skills but also their mental resilience and character. And this is where, Small Poles, an organization with the sole aim of bridging the seeming gap between education and sport, comes in.
Abdul Rahman speaks highly of the initiative, and their resolve to creating a smooth path towards a a career in sport.
“I love what the people at Small Poles are doing. They are making a huge effort to identify and educate young players, while providing the platform for them to excel.”
Iniesta’s talent is evident for all to see.
From the local pitches of Mamprobi to hopefully rising whispers among the top scouts, young Andrés Iniesta — is quickly making a name for himself. With exceptional vision, composure beyond his years, and a relentless work ethic, he’s not just wearing a famous name — he’s living up to it. For now, he remains grounded, focused, and full of promise — a young talent with big shoes to fill and every intention of doing just that.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
- President Commissions 36.5 Million Dollars Hospital In The Tain District
- You Will Not Go Free For Killing An Hard Working MP – Akufo-Addo To MP’s Killer
- I Will Lead You To Victory – Ato Forson Assures NDC Supporters
Visit Our Social Media for More
About Author
