Dakar, Senegal – (African Boulevard News) – Senegal’s U-17 head coach, Saliou Dia, has called on African countries to continue building on the excellence exhibited at junior levels in international competitions. Dia made this plea ahead of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2023, set to take place in Senegal.
Dia said that Africa boasts of abundant talent in football, and it is high time that national teams nurtured the talent exposed in youth competitions. He added that building on this level of excellence would be crucial for Africa to excel in international football competitions.
“Junior competitions give players a platform to showcase their skills and talents. African teams have consistently performed well in such tournaments, and it is high time that national teams built on this excellence,” Dia said.
Dia’s comments came after Senegal qualified for the U-17 World Cup scheduled for Peru later this year. The West African nation has consistently impressed in youth competitions, with the U-20 team reaching the final of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Dia’s remarks are timely and call for action as Africa prepares to host the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023. The tournament will feature eight teams, with the winner and runner-up qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2024. Senegal, the host nation, will certainly be looking to use their home advantage to their advantage.
Apart from showcasing young talent, the tournament will also expose African football to global attention, boosting tourism and investment in the continent’s football industry. If harnessed well, the tournament can act as a stepping stone for Africa to excel in international football competitions.
Dia’s call for African teams to build on the success of junior teams can be achieved by providing more resources to national football teams and investing in youth development programs. African countries also need to put in place structures that support and encourage young talent to flourish.
In conclusion, Dia’s plea is a wake-up call for African countries to harness young talent and build on the foundation for success established at junior levels. Building on this success will be crucial for African teams to compete at the highest level of international football. The TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is a perfect opportunity for Africa to showcase its abundant talent.
