Thomas Agyepong dreams of Gothia Cup

Thomas Agyepong is one of the most sought after Under 17 player in the country, having captained the national Under 17 team at the 2013 Africa Under 17 Championship in Morocco

Not only is he regarded as a good footballer, but also possesses the right charisma to lead the national team.

He belongs to an elite group of players who have captained the Ghana national Under 17 team, otherwise known as the Black Starlets.

That list includes Ghana's captain at the 1991 FIFA Under 17 World Cup, Alex Opoku, Emmanuel Bentil, who led Ghana to win the 1995 FIFA World Cup in Ecuador and Godwin Attram 2007 Black Starlets captain.

After leading the Black Starlets at the 2013 African Under 17 Championship in Morocco, Agyepong has now turned his attention on the upcoming Gothia Cup.

'Our number one priority is to go there and win and also to play good football. We will carry ourselves well to let everybody know that it is not only football we learn to play but we have character training also.

'The African game is more physical, but this one would be a different game with different clubs from different countries involved.

'The African Championship was much more competitive and we had to deal with high expectations from the country. But this would be a development focused competition for us.'

Right to Dream Academy is set to achieve another milestone when the U-18's take part in theprestigious Gothia Cup for the first time from 16th July to 21st July.

'It's good because we have heard about this competition from some of RtD's graduates who have schooled in the United Kingdom,' Thomas Agyepong said.

'Thomas Boakye and Bismark Kwarteng who schooled at Hartbury College in the UK told me it is a very good tournament to participate in. It's a very good competition for a young footballer and also helps to develop your talent.'

The U-18's, who are coached by Umar Kenya, have been preparing for the tournament by playing several friendly matches on campus since the term began in April.

They wrapped up their preparations for the tournament, posting a 1:0 victory over the Ghana Police

team who are also preparing for the Security Services Games.

'We are really prepared. We have played so many games and won many. We (the players) have played with each other for a long time and we have been together at the Academy for years.'

RtD has a huge reputation for producing some of the best players in Africa in the past few years. The

Academy has had the most successful African U15 football team in recent years, by achieving four top 8 finishes in the World Finals of the Manchester United Premier Cup.

'We will be under some pressure because this will be our debut appearance at the tournament and also because we want to win it despite it being our first time.

'We believe in our abilities and the coaches know what we can do. The tournament will only be part of our development process.'

Agyepong's character best epitomizes what Right to Dream Academy stands for. The non- profit organisation offers opportunities to talented underprivileged children from across Ghana and Africa to become role models through education, football and character development.