MTN Elite U19: Catch Them Young Referees shine at maiden Division Two Championship

The maiden edition of the MTN Elite U19 Championship has highlighted the impressive rise of the Catch Them Young Referees, whose professionalism and composure have earned widespread praise throughout the tournament.

Taking centre stage at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the young male and female referees have delivered standout performances marked by confidence, fairness and consistency. Their high officiating standards have drawn commendation from coaches and national team scouts, underscoring the growing success of the Football Association’s referee development programme.

Under the expert guidance of Referees’ Manager Alex Kotey, the young officials demonstrated courage and impartiality in handling competitive fixtures across the 11-day tournament, which concludes on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Among the standout performers were Hannah Oduro (Eastern Region), Ibrahim Abdul Basit, Richard Ntim, Benedict Adjei, Foster Amoakwah, Felix Amponsah, Ibrahim Abdul-Hanan, Isaac Eshun, Andy Afotey Annan and John Ampadu, supported ably by assistant referees Philip Nikoi Blankson, Musah Abdul-Manan, Elvis Adzoyi, Michael Oseo Bonsu, Angela Alorbu, Samuel Korsah and Aaron Gyan. Their performances have been described as a delight to watch, reinforcing Ghana’s strong reputation for referee training and capacity building.

The young officials, made up of both centre and assistant referees, gained invaluable hands-on experience officiating competitive matches featuring U-19 teams from all ten Regional Football Associations. Their success not only validates the GFA’s Catch Them Young initiative but also signals a promising future for Ghanaian refereeing.

By maintaining high levels of discipline, accuracy and fairness under pressure, these young referees have proven that the future of officiating in Ghana is in safe and capable hands, complementing the championship’s goal of nurturing the next generation of football excellence.

After the conclusion of the competition, the GFA will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the referees’ performances as part of ongoing efforts to further develop and mentor young officials across the country.

Running from October 23 to November 2, 2025, the MTN Elite U19 Championship features ten regional teams from across Ghana and serves as a vital platform for emerging footballers to showcase their skills, gain experience, and attract attention from national selectors and professional scouts.

Proudly powered by MTN Ghana, the championship reflects the Ghana Football Association’s unwavering commitment to youth football development. Through structured and sustainable initiatives such as this, the GFA continues to build clear pathways from grassroots to the professional level — nurturing both the players and referees who will define the future of Ghanaian football.

GFA Communications