Every footballer’s journey is defined by moments that can change the course of their career. For Royal Oaks youngster Shepherd Abotar, that moment has arrived after earning a place in the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) final screening exercise for the Black Starlets.
Abotar impressed during the GFA’s “Justify Your Inclusion” talent identification programme held in Takoradi, standing out among hundreds of aspiring young footballers competing for a chance to represent Ghana. His performances earned him a spot in the first batch of players invited to the final screening camp.
Selected players have been instructed to report to the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram by Thursday, July 23, 2026, where the next phase of assessments will determine those who will form the core of Ghana’s next Under-17 national team.
The nationwide scouting initiative, led by Coach Kasim Ocansey Mingle and his technical team, was launched to uncover the country’s brightest young prospects during the FIFA World Cup break. The exercise aims to assemble a competitive squad for the 2026 WAFU Zone B Under-17 Championship, with an eye on qualifying for the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations and ultimately the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
For Abotar, this invitation is more than just another camp—it is an opportunity to showcase his ability on one of the biggest youth football stages in Ghana. A strong showing in Prampram could open the door to international football, increased exposure to top clubs and scouts, and a chance to wear the national colours.
As one of Royal Oaks’ emerging talents, Shepherd Abotar now has the platform to demonstrate that he belongs among Ghana’s next generation of football stars. The final screening represents not only a reward for his hard work and determination but also a significant step towards achieving his dream of representing Ghana at the highest youth level.
