Sports
FIFA TDS: Regional teams receive orientation ahead of elite U15 Boys Championship Kick-Off
Ahead of the much-anticipated Elite U15 Boys Championship, participating regional teams gathered at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) in Prampram for an orientation session on Wednesday.
The meeting provided crucial information about the competition, ensuring that players, coaches, and officials are well-prepared for the tournament’s commencement.
The orientation session began with a welcome address delivered by Eugene Noel Nobel, an Executive Council Member and Chairman of the Elite U15 Committee.
Nobel expressed his excitement for the tournament, emphasizing the significance of the event in developing the next generation of football talent in Ghana. He highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and discipline throughout the championship, urging the young athletes to make the most of this opportunity to showcase their skills.
Following the welcome address, JoeSalam Abubakar, 1st Vice Chairman of the National Juvenile Committee, delivered a special message to the players and coaches on behalf of President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and the National Juvenile Committee.
In his message, Abubakar encouraged the young players to approach the competition with focus and determination, reminding them that this tournament is a stepping stone toward their future aspirations in football. He also commended the coaches for their dedication to nurturing talent and contributing to the development of Ghanaian football.
Michael Kwabla Fiaduse, a member of the organizing committee, then took the teams through essential aspects of the competition, ensuring that all participants are aware of the rules and procedures that will govern the tournament.
He covered critical topics such as pre-match meetings, submission of team sheets, appropriate strips for games, and key match regulations.
His detailed presentation aimed to ensure smooth coordination throughout the championship, helping teams to focus on their performance on the field.
The orientation session marks the final preparation stage before the official kick-off of the Elite U15 Boys Championship. With the teams now fully briefed, anticipation is building as young talents from across Ghana get ready to compete for regional pride and showcase their potential on the national stage.
The Elite U15 Boys Championship is part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme designed to identify and nurture promising young players and offer them a platform to compete at a high level.
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has been named on the official eight-man shortlist for the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season award.
The Ghana international is nominated alongside his City teammate Erling Haaland, Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal trio Gabriel Magalhães, David Raya, and Declan Rice, Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, and Brentford striker Igor Thiago.
A season of high-profile excellence, Semenyo earns his spot on the prestigious shortlist following a stunning breakthrough year where he registered 16 goals and four assists in 35 Premier League appearances.
The 26-year-old split his highly productive campaign between two clubs, starting the season in electric form for AFC Bournemouth before securing a high-profile £64 million transfer to Manchester City in January 2026.
The versatile attacker adapted instantly to life under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
He won the February EA SPORTS Player of the Month award after netting three goals in his first five games for City, and most recently opened the scoring in a 3-0 midweek victory over Crystal Palace.
Elite Competition for the Top PrizeThe Premier League confirmed that the winner will be decided by combining a public fan vote with the choices of an expert football panel.
Semenyo faces incredibly stiff competition from the other seven nominees who have dominated the 2025/26 landscape:
The Black Starlets will begin their 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign today, Thursday May 14, 2026 with a highly anticipated Group D clash against Algeria in Rabat.
Ghana heads into the tournament determined to make a strong statement after an impressive qualifying campaign in the WAFU Zone B Championship.
The Black Starlets secured qualification to the continental showpiece after finishing second in the regional tournament, narrowly losing to Ivory Coast on penalties in the final after an intense contest between the two West African rivals.
As part of preparations for the AFCON, the Black Starlets engaged in a series of international friendly matches aimed at sharpening the squad ahead of the tournament.
Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his technical team tested the side against Ivory Coast on two occasions before concluding preparations with another competitive game against Mali in Morocco.
The technical handlers believe the preparatory matches have given the team the right exposure and tactical discipline required for the challenges ahead.
Algeria, meanwhile, also booked their place at the tournament after finishing runners-up in the North African qualifying tournament, UNAF.
The North Africans fell to hosts Morocco in their final qualifying match but demonstrated quality and resilience throughout the competition to secure qualification.
Thursday’s encounter is expected to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams eager to begin their campaign on a positive note in a difficult group.
Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum expressed confidence in the readiness of his players and praised their commitment during preparations.
“The boys have prepared very well for this tournament. We have worked hard over the past few weeks, played competitive friendly matches, and I believe the team is mentally and tactically ready for the Algeria game,” he said.
Dr. Ogum acknowledged the quality of the Algerian side but insisted his players are fully focused on executing their game plan.
“Algeria is a good side and qualifying from the North African zone is never easy. We respect them, but we are also confident in our own abilities. The players understand what is at stake and they are eager to make Ghana proud.”
He also emphasized the importance of a strong start to the tournament.
“Opening games are always very important in competitions like this. A positive result can give you confidence and momentum, so we are going into the match with determination and belief.”
The Black Starlets have looked sharp in training since arriving in Rabat, with all players available for selection and no injury concerns reported by the technical team.
Ghana will be aiming not only for success at the AFCON but also qualification to the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year, making every group stage game crucial in their quest for continental glory.
