The Black Starlets, Ghana’s U-17 football team, will resume their camping at the prestigious Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Monday, July 28, after a two-week break following their participation in the WAFU B U-20 Boys Cup.
This marks a significant step in their preparation for the upcoming WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place later this year.
The camp, which will continue until September, serves as the foundation for the Black Starlets’ quest to qualify for both the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and ultimately the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Under the guidance of Coach Frimpong Manso, the young squad is working hard to refine their skills and strategies in preparation for one of the most important tournaments in their footballing journey.
Rigorous Scouting and Medical Clearance
The journey to this point has been a rigorous one for the selected players, with extensive scouting and evaluation processes to identify the most promising talents across the country. The coaching staff, along with medical personnel, have carefully screened each player, ensuring that they meet the physical and medical standards required to compete at the highest level.
MRI scans and medical clearance were an essential part of this process, helping to guarantee the players’ fitness and readiness for the demanding months of training and competition ahead.
A significant number of the selected players have been chosen from Division Two clubs around the country. These players have shown exceptional promise at the grassroots level and are now being given the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Notably, Benab FC and Nsawam United each have three players representing them in the Black Starlets’ current camp, showcasing the depth of talent present in Ghana’s football development system.
Black Starlets Celebration inspired by Asafo Powers 😁. pic.twitter.com/XIEOR0wDEo
— Shaban Mohammed (@ShabanMo9) May 16, 2024
Veteran Presence in the Squad
While many of the Black Starlets’ squad members are young and relatively inexperienced, there are a few veteran players who will bring valuable experience to the team.
Notably, Narbi Joseph and Issah Abdul Rafiu are the only remaining members of the team that participated in the previous WAFU B tournament, which was hosted in Accra. Their experience will be crucial in mentoring the younger players and helping them adjust to the high expectations of international football.
The presence of these veterans also serves as a reminder of the importance of continuity and leadership in the Black Starlets setup. Their experience will provide a steadying influence on the team, especially during the more challenging moments of the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations qualification.
Friendly Matches to Fine-Tune Skills
As part of their preparation for the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations, the Black Starlets are scheduled to play a series of friendly matches. These games will provide valuable opportunities for the team to fine-tune their tactics, improve their understanding of one another on the field, and test various strategies that could prove vital during the tournament.
These friendly matches will also help Coach Frimpong Manso and his staff identify areas that require improvement before the team competes in the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations. By playing against different opponents, the Black Starlets will be able to adjust to various playing styles and sharpen their skills ahead of the competition.
The Road to WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations and Beyond
The ultimate goal for the Black Starlets is to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and, from there, secure a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Ghana has missed out on the last three editions of the U-17 AFCON, a trend that Coach Frimpong Manso is determined to break.
The Black Starlets will have to face tough competition from other strong teams in the WAFU B region. However, with their blend of youth, talent, and experience, Ghana is well-positioned to succeed in the tournament. Coach Manso is focused on developing a squad that can compete at the highest level, and his decision to reduce the squad size during the camp before finalizing his selection for the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations will allow him to pick the best possible team.
According to the Ghana FA, below are the full list of players expected to report for Monday’s campain.
Meanwhile, Ghana Sports Market earlier reported that the Ghana Football Association are on the verge of securing a massive broadcasting deal with DSTV.
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