Sowu Emerges Champion

YOUNG Stephen Sowu, teammate number two from the Greater Accra region was last Saturday crowned winner of this year's MTN Soccer Academy Reality Show.

The show took place at the usual MTN Soccer Academy House at Ridge in Accra.

Some personalities including Talal Fatal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Metro TV; Ken Ashigbey, Managing Director of Optimum Media Prime (OMP); George Andah, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN and Coach Ibrahim Sunday, head coach of the MTN Soccer Academy, graced the occasion.

Sowu, also emerged top-scorer after banging in 24 goals in 32 matches at the MTN Soccer Academy. He receive a certificate of participation, a trophy, a dummy cheque for GH¢5000 and a brand new Hyundai car. He also received a medal, an invitation for a justify-your-inclusion with Sporting Lisbon of Portugal and other products from the sponsors of the event.

Sowu would also get the opportunity to watch the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa courtesy MTN.

Nineteen-year-old Michael Gator, teammate number 11 from the Volta Region, who netted 20 goals during the event placed second and also received a brand new Hyundai car, a trophy, a dummy cheque for GH¢2000 and a certificate of participation as well as a medal.

He also got other products from the sponsors and will subsequently be given an air ticket for a trip to an African country yet to be decided by the organizers of the event.

Teammate number 3, Hassan Karroum from Greater Accra came third and he also took home a trophy, a medal and products from the sponsors of the show.

He will also be attached to a local club yet to be named for training.

All the nine teammates who were earlier on evicted were also invited and presented with a trophy and a medal each in front of the huge crowd.

Speaking at the crowning ceremony, Mr. Ashigbey thanked the spectators who thronged the Academy House in their numbers for believing their dream.

“Everything started this year as we invited prospective teammates all over the country. Over 22,000 sent in text messages and bought forms to participate in the event”.

Twenty players were eventually shortlisted after the screening exercise, out of which only 14 teammates were inducted into MTN Soccer Academy House where they went through 85 grueling days of serious football with viewers watching them live, he added.

On his part, Mr. Andah said it was a great opportunity for his company to be part of the event. By Pierre Toto