With only 56 days remaining until the kickoff of the qualifying tournament for the men’s under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Beninese coach Urbain Honfo is taking proactive steps to ensure his team’s readiness for the competition scheduled from May 15 to 29 in Accra, Ghana.
In a move aimed at meticulous preparation, Honfo recently dispatched an email to both the Beninese Football Federation (Fbf) and the Ministry of Sports in Benin.
While the specific contents of the email remain undisclosed, sources suggest that it outlines a comprehensive preparation plan crafted by Honfo to gear up for the upcoming tournament.
Addressed personally to Mathurin de Chacus, the president of the Beninese Football Federation, and Minister of Sports Benoît Dato, the email underscores Honfo’s commitment to meticulous planning and foresight in nurturing young football talent in Benin.
According to reports from Africafootunited, Honfo, who assumed the role of head coach of Benin’s U17 team in April 2020, has long advocated for the development of grassroots football in the country.
He has consistently emphasized the importance of establishing robust structures, including U17 and U20 championships, to provide young players with competitive opportunities and nurture a pipeline of talent for the national team.
Reflecting on the significance of grassroots development, Honfo remarked, “It’s the work at the base that will ensure that one day we will qualify…” His proactive approach to preparing the U17 team highlights his dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and competitiveness in Beninese football from the grassroots level upward.
With Honfo’s preparations underway, attention now shifts to the authorities responsible for endorsing and implementing the proposed plans, signaling a pivotal moment in Benin’s football development trajectory.
As the nation gears up for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Honfo’s initiative underscores the importance of strategic planning and foresight in achieving success on the international stage.
