Leave The Black Stars Alone And Focus On Youth Football - Ex Footballer Derek Boateng

Derek Boateng desires that the Ghana Football Association prioritize junior soccer.

Former Ghanaian midfielder believes the move will benefit the national team.

Since 2021, Ghana has not qualified for any junior competition.

Derek Boateng, a former Black Stars midfielder, has advised the Ghana Football Association to focus on youth football.


The administration currently led by Kurt Okraku has been criticized for focusing more on the senior national team than on junior football.

Boateng, a product of junior football in the late 1990s, went on to play at all levels for Ghana and believes the FA should pay more attention to youth football.

Derek Boateng has requested that the Ghana Football Association prioritize juvenile football.

"I believe it is time for the FA to focus on youth football and leave the Black Stars alone. Let the Black Stars be and concentrate on grassroots football," he said on Joy FM.

"When an U17-aged player is not performing well, there is much to discuss with him. You can offer him advice and reintroduce him to the game. You will offer him words of encouragement. Where is the concern regarding grassroots football?"There is nothing, and they should announce, "We are bringing back colts and will strengthen our junior national teams."

In 2021, under the current administration, Ghana won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Stephen Appiah and Derek Boateng, formerly of Ghana, were present when the AFCON trophy arrived in Ghana for a two-day tour.

The Total AFCON trophy will visit the majority of Total Stations as part of next year's awareness-raising activities for the competition.

Stephen Appiah, an ambassador for Total Energies, and Derek Boateng, a former teammate, were present to receive the trophy.