Kurt Okraku pays tribute to Ghanaian stars who emerged from Colts football

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has paid tribute to a generation of Ghanaian football stars whose careers began in the countrys Colts football system.Speaking at the launch of the 2026/27 Colts Football Season at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Tuesday, Okraku highlighted the important role community football has played in producing some of Ghanas biggest football names.Before we talk about numbers, competitions, facilities and investments, let us remember the reason Colts football matters, Okraku said.He recalled how several former Black Stars players started their football journeys with Colts clubs before progressing to professional football and the national team.Great Farcos produced Ghana legend Abedi Pele, while Great Cedabs was the starting point for Asamoah Gyan.Stephen Appiah also came through the system with Mighty Victory, while Anthony Yeboah began his journey with Anokye Stars.Other notable Colts graduates mentioned by Okraku included Sammy Kuffour, Emmanuel Duah, Jerry Akaminko, Ransford Osei and Mark Edusei, who were nurtured by Fantomas FC.The list also featured Nii Odartey Lamptey, Yaw Preko, Laryea Kingston, Derrick Boateng, Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, John Boye and Thomas Partey.Okraku said the achievements of these players demonstrate the importance of giving young footballers opportunities at the community level.Talent does not begin at a stadium. Talent begins in a community. Talent begins on a dusty pitch, he said.The GFA revived and restructured the Colts football system in 2020 with the aim of creating a pathway for young players from grassroots football to elite development, professional clubs and the national teams.