Baffoe in handshake with Globacom Director Tunde Kaitell

By Ameenu Shardow

ormer Ghana defender Anthony Baffoe is thrilled by the prospect of working with youngsters in the maiden Globacom Soccer Academy.

The telecommunication giants in conjunction with English club Manchester United have launched the soccer academy reality show dubbed ‘Dream Team’ to unearth talents in the West African sub-region.

Thirty three boys between the ages of 14-17 years will be scouted from Ghana, Nigeria and the Republic of Benin for Glo’s maiden soccer academy haven sent a text message on the Glo network (shortcode 3836) to qualify.

These talents will be housed and mentored in a World class facility which will be based in Lagos, Nigeria.

The selected participants will be trained and mentored by highly qualified coaches and ex internationals including Baffoe and Nigerian great Victor Ikpeba.

And Baffoe, 47, who will be working as a technical coach for the academy has expressed delight to be associated with the program aimed at churning out future stars.

“It is a very interesting role and I am very happy to be a part of it,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“Also with regards to the players association (PFAG), you get to know these young players very early.

“It is also very important for us to be there to mentor these players in all aspects as we have played the game before.

“To be able to boost their psyche and guide them as you play a role as a teacher and therefore it is with great pleasure to be working with these boys as they look to achieve great things.”

Glo’s inaugural soccer academy program will see coaches and officials visit several cities in the three countries for five weeks to scout for talents for the competition proper.

The winner of the new exciting reality show will be taking home a staggering Ghc 60,000 (approximately $30, 612) and an opportunity to train in the renowned Manchester United Soccer School.

The other participants will also be taking home Ghc 10,000 (approximately $5, 102) plus a G-Bam scholarship worth Ghc 9,300 (approximately $4,744).