Accra Hearts of Oak SC have made a major statement in youth development with the signing of 12-year-old attacking sensation Shepherd Abotar, one of Ghana’s most exciting young talents. The Phobians officially confirmed the acquisition, with the Sekondi-Takoradi-born star joining their prestigious Royal Oaks Juvenile Development Team ahead of the new season.
A Meteoric Rise from Grassroots to Glory
Abotar’s journey to Hearts of Oak has been nothing short of remarkable. After honing his skills at Young Dreamers Academy, the youngster lit up the 2024/2025 EKMA Football Association U15 Colts League, where his performances turned heads across the country.
Despite playing against older and more physically developed opponents, Abotar’s technical brilliance, vision, and football IQ shone through. His stats from the season speak volumes:
- ✅ 4 goals
- ✅ 10 assists
- ✅ 3 Man of the Match awards
A Hearts of Oak youth official told Townflex Sports
“Shepherd is a special talent. His ability to read the game, pick out passes, and influence play at such a young age is rare. We believe he has the potential to become a future star for Hearts of Oak and Ghana.”
A Football Brain Beyond His Years
What sets Abotar apart is his maturity on the ball. Scouts have praised his composure in the final third, creativity, and knack for unlocking defenses—qualities that make him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
His rapid development has also attracted interest from multiple clubs, but Hearts of Oak’s proven youth system and clear pathway to first-team football made them the ideal destination.
Backed by Elite Representation
Abotar is managed by DelSul Sports Consult, a reputable agency known for nurturing top talents in Ghana and beyond. His manager, Delle Kule P. Ebenezer, emphasized the youngster’s mentality:
“Shepherd’s work ethic is incredible. He’s humble, hungry, and has a natural football instinct that you can’t teach. This move is just the beginning.”
The Royal Oaks Advantage
Hearts of Oak’s Royal Oaks setup is renowned for producing elite talents, offering top-tier coaching, tactical education, and a direct route to professional football. For Abotar, this environment could be the perfect platform to refine his game before making the leap to senior football.
A Future Black Star in the Making?
At just 12 years old, comparisons to past and present Ghanaian greats are inevitable. However, those close to him are focused on steady growth rather than hype.
With Hearts of Oak’s track record of developing young stars and Abotar’s undeniable talent, Ghanaian football fans may soon have a new hero to rally behind.
Remember the name: Shepherd Abotar. The next big thing in Ghanaian football has arrived.
