‘Keep this team for the future’ – Kassim Ocansey tells GFA

Black Starlets head coach Kassim Ocansey has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to keep the current U17 squad together, stressing that consistency and continuity will be crucial to developing a strong foundation for the senior national teams.

Ocansey believes the young players have demonstrated significant potential at the 2026 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship in Burkina Faso and should be given the opportunity to develop together rather than being disbanded after the tournament.

“I will say we should not do away with the team. We must keep this team together for the future. There are a lot of potential players in the team and if we can keep them, they can be the foundation for the future of our senior national teams.”

The coach’s appeal highlights the importance of long-term planning in Ghanaian football, where promising young players need a clear pathway from youth football to the senior level.

Maintaining the core of a squad over time can help players build stronger partnerships, gain valuable international experience and adapt to the demands of competitive football.

Ocansey’s call goes beyond preserving a single squad. It is a plea for a consistent development strategy that gives talented youngsters the time and support they need to mature into senior internationals.

With the right investment and continuity, members of the current Black Starlets team could form an important part of Ghana’s future at the highest level.