The second edition of the U17 and U18 talent detection program, initiated by Togo national team coach Claude Le Roy, will conclude this Saturday with a grand final in Lomé. This year’s program, designed to identify and nurture the country’s brightest young football prospects, has attracted significant attention from players and coaches alike.
Organizers have unveiled the exciting prizes reserved for the winners. “The first-place winner in the Girls category and the first-place winner in the Boys category will attend, along with their coaches, the UEFA Champions League Final at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain,” the statement read. This unique opportunity offers the young athletes a chance to witness elite-level European football firsthand, an experience that could inspire the next generation of Togolese stars.
Last year’s winners, Yannis Sankoutcha and Rakiyatou Yaya, were rewarded with a trip to the Europa League final in Lyon, demonstrating the program’s commitment to offering life-changing experiences to its standout participants. Both players gained invaluable exposure and returned with motivation to further develop their skills at home and in competitive leagues abroad.
For the 2019 edition of Graines du Togo, a total of 150 candidates have reached the Grand Final following the regional qualifiers. This includes 45 girls and 105 boys, all of whom impressed during earlier stages of the competition. The Grand Final itself will unfold in two stages: a series of tests to evaluate individual technical and tactical abilities, followed by a small tournament featuring age-group teams. The tournament will also include a selection of players from the 2018 edition, offering a platform for returning participants to showcase their continued development and experience.
Claude Le Roy, a veteran coach with decades of experience across African and European football, has emphasized the importance of such initiatives for Togo’s football future. “Programs like Graines du Togo allow us to spot talent early, provide guidance, and motivate young players to reach their potential,” Le Roy explained. “It’s not just about finding great players; it’s about preparing them for professional careers and inspiring them to dream big.”
With the final set for April 20th in Lomé, excitement is building among players, families, and football enthusiasts across the country. As the top youth prospects showcase their skills in front of coaches, scouts, and organizers, the event promises to be a celebration of Togo’s emerging football talent—and a reminder of the potential that lies in the country’s next generation of stars.
The Graines du Togo 2019 Grand Final is not just a competition; it is a stepping stone toward international exposure and professional development for young Togolese footballers.
