FIFA High Performance expert Cayl Coetzee has lauded the ongoing KGL Foundation Inter-Regional U17 Championship as an exemplary initiative by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for talent development.

Coetzee expressed admiration for the talent displayed during Tuesday’s Group A matches, which featured teams from the Northern, Ashanti, Central, and Brong Ahafo Regions at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. He highlighted the Championship’s competitiveness and the GFA’s continued commitment to youth football development, supported by the KGL Foundation.

Coetzee praised the performances of the Catch Them Young Referees, a program created by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku to nurture young referees. He noted the impressive standard of refereeing and the level of competition and coaching, which he believes will benefit football in the long term.

“It’s an excellent initiative. The teams have been very competitive, and such programs truly deserve more investment. The young players have performed exceptionally well,” Coetzee said. He also highlighted the success of the Catch Them Young Refereeing programme, noting the professionalism of the young referees.

Coetzee emphasized that the Championship is a vital part of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS), which focuses on identifying and nurturing future football stars. He pointed out that FIFA’s significant investment in talent development aims to ensure that the best compete against the best, which this tournament effectively provides.

Launched in 2021, the KGL Foundation Inter-Regional U17 Colts Championship has become a crucial platform for talent discovery, benefiting players and clubs in the Premier and Division One Leagues. The 12-day Championship continues until Thursday, August 8, 2024.