Kurt Okraku assures Black Starlets of massive support ahead of WAFU opener

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has charged Ghana’s U-17 side, the Black Starlets to give their best in the 2024 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) competition.

Ghana will host other African nations in the youth championship which kicks off with the Black Starlets squaring off with Ivory Coast on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Ahead of the competition, the team led by former Black Stars winger Laryea Kingston has been training rigorously with high-profile friendly games and pre-tournament competitions like the U16 UEFA Youth Championship.

In a meeting with the team, Okraku assured the team of massive support from the FA as well as the entire nation.

“I am very happy to be here and to see you on the night before your first major competitive test tomorrow. Over the past months, you have been working hard and looking forward to this week. I’ve come here to encourage and assure you that the Football Association and the entire nation are behind you,” President Okraku said.

He further urged them to believe in themselves and clinch victory in their opening game against their Ivorian counterparts.

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“You offered yourself to serve Ghana at this tender age and Ghana has offered all of you the chance to serve. This is the first time that I am going into a tournament that I feel extremely confident. I trust in your abilities and whatever happens, you will surmount the challenge. I’m looking forward to the celebration after the match.” he encouraged amidst loud applause.

The game kicks off at 2:00 pm local time with Ghana’s next game scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Ghana are hoping to leverage the competition to return to the African U17 Youth  Championship which has eluded them for the past seven years having last participated in 2017.