The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has unveiled a slate of new appointments to lead the country’s yet-to-be-established national youth teams.
This move underscores the association’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talents within the Ghanaian football ecosystem.
For the U19 team, the GFA has entrusted the reins to the experienced duo of Abdul Karim Zito and Eric Bekoe. The U15 team, seen as the foundation for future success, has been placed under the capable leadership of Yaw Preko and Awudu Issaka.
Nurudeen Amadu has been appointed as the head coach of the U18 team, with Vision FC’s Hamza Obeng serving as his assistant.
In a move to solidify their pipeline of talent for the senior national team, Ghana is introducing additional youth national team levels from U15 through U23.
Director of Coaching Education Desmond Offei explained the vision behind this restructuring.
“We announced that we are going to introduce new development phase national teams – U15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 23. Every talent will now have the right pathway without gaps between age groups where there was previously nothing happening for a player after U17 until the U20 team,” Offei told 3sports.
The overarching goal is to create a seamless progression from the youngest ages to the full senior side, the Black Stars. Players identified at each youth level will embody the technical, tactical and athletic profiles that align with Ghana’s overarching national team DNA and playing philosophy.
“As we scouted these U20 boys, it was done through our national DNA. These are the type of players Ghana needs in the A national team, and the players scouted fit those profiles,” Offei stated. “If they develop well, they’ll automatically have an opportunity with the senior national team.”
The installation of Otto Addo as new head coach of the Black Stars provides an opportune system for promoting youth talent.
“Luckily we’ve got a fantastic new coach in Otto Addo who loves to work with young players,” said Offei.
“This is a great opportunity for our boys to keep working hard, and when the time comes, they’ll be ready to contribute to the senior national team.”
By implementing this comprehensive youth national team structure, Ghana aims to holistically nurture their next generation of players and fuel sustainable success for the Black Stars for years to come.