Kassim Mingle completes first Black Starlets scouting exercise in Upper West

Coach Kassim Ocansey Mingle and his technical team have completed the first phase of their nationwide talent identification programme after a successful scouting exercise in the Upper West Region.The exercise, held on Thursday at the Malik Jabir Sports Stadium in Wa, attracted dozens of talented young footballers from across the region hoping to impress the national selectors and earn a place in Ghana's next Black Starlets squad.Mingle, together with his technical staff, including goalkeepers' coach Stephen Ahorlu, spent the day assessing players' technical ability, tactical understanding, physical qualities and overall potential as preparations continue for the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship.The session provided the coaches with an opportunity to identify several promising prospects and reinforced the Ghana Football Association's belief that talented players can be discovered in every corner of the country through structured scouting programmes.The nationwide exercise forms part of a new technical development strategy aimed at giving young footballers equal opportunities to represent Ghana while allowing coaches more time to build competitive national teams.Following the successful opening session in Wa, Mingle and his team will continue the scouting mission in the Upper East Region on Friday at the Kurt E.S.

Okraku Technical Centre in Winkongo, Bolgatanga, before moving on to the Northern Region and the rest of the country.The month-long exercise will cover all regions of Ghana as the technical team seeks to assemble a new Black Starlets squad for the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship.Should Ghana qualify, the selected players will also form the core of the team for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.The GFA hopes the nationwide talent hunt will strengthen the country's youth development pathway and ensure a steady supply of players capable of representing Ghana at the highest level.