From Abedi Pele to Thomas Partey: GFA highlights Colts clubs that produced Ghana stars

The Ghana Football Association has highlighted the contribution of Colts clubs across the country to the development of some of Ghanas most prominent footballers.At the launch of the 2026/27 Colts Football Season, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku named several community clubs that played important roles in the early development of former Black Stars players.Great Farcos produced Ghana legend Abedi Pele, while Great Cedabs nurtured former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan.Mighty Victory was the Colts club of Stephen Appiah, while Michael Essien began his grassroots journey with Paa Badu/Liberty Babes.Okraku also mentioned Fantomas FC, which produced Sammy Kuffour, Emmanuel Duah, Jerry Akaminko, Ransford Osei and Mark Edusei.Other clubs cited included Anokye Stars, which produced Anthony Yeboah; Karen Stars, which nurtured Nii Odartey Lamptey; Kotobabi Powerlines, which produced Yaw Preko; and Cowlane Babies, which provided an early platform for Laryea Kingston, Aziz Ansah, Godwin Attram and Dan Quaye.BT International produced Derrick Boateng, while Owareman FC was the Colts home of Sulley Muntari.Real Republicans also produced Shilla Illiasu and Mohammed Gargo, while Tema Young Schweppes nurtured John Boye.The list continued with Arsenal Babies Colts FC, which produced Joe Ansah; Tema Hearts Babies, the starting point for Ishmael Addo; Kumasi Corners Babies, which developed Yusif Chibsah; and Ashaiman Young Revelations, which produced Thomas Teye Partey.Okraku said the history of these players provides evidence of the importance of grassroots football and the need to maintain a strong Colts development pathway.The GFA revived and restructured the Colts system in 2020 as part of efforts to identify and develop young talent across Ghana.