Two of the best under-15 football teams from Africa will be in Hilversum, the Netherlands to compete in the Premier Cup African Qualification Tournament, sponsored by Nike on June 15. The teams, Right to Dream Football Academy (Ghana) and ENPPI (Egypt) will be playing to book their spot in the World Finals of the Manchester United Premier Cup in Manchester later this year.

This year will be the first time that Africa will have their qualification tournament for the World Finals. Only 2 teams with very strong and talented players have been selected for this qualification tournament. Next year there will be 4 teams from 4 different nations playing for 1 final place. The following teams have already qualified for the World Finals in August alongside the host team Manchester United; FC Basel (Switzerland), F.C. Honka (Finland), Willem II (The Netherlands).

Over a million players have taken part in the Premier Cup since its inception, including some of the most celebrated young footballers in the world. Premier Cup graduates currently playing a starring role at the highest level for club and country include Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres and PFA Young Player of the Year 2007 Francesc Fabregas.

Cesc played alongside Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqu for the FC Barcelona Dream Team in the 2002 Premier Cup and recalled: “The Premier Cup is a good experience for all young players. It conditions you to play in a tournament at a high competitive level. At that age this can be a valuable experience that you can use later in your professional career.”

Another up-coming young player Ismael Aissati, remembered the high level of competition he faced for the first time through his Premier Cup experience with PSV a year later. “Although we didn’t progress to the World Finals, Premier Cup was a valuable experience for me. Not only did I improve my skills but it helped my attitude in becoming more professional at a very young age. When you are used to winning it hurts a lot when you lose, but it has to make you stronger. You think about what you could have done better and then work at it.”

This certainly is a step in the right direction for Africa’s future stars. And although I am inclined to support my country, I wish both teams the best of luck. Let’s show the world what we are made of.