Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, the tiny one million populated and Portuguese speaking country in the Central Atlantic ocean-off the coast of North West Africa, would come alive this Easter season as teams from different countries congragate to compete for the Africa Youth Cup holding between April 19 and 29.
The Africa Youth Cup is an annual international youth football tournament for both male and female teams in Cape Verde.
2019 is the maiden edition.
The tournament is open to all teams from around the world, offering both African content and a blend of Western, South American, and Asian flavors.
Bayelsa State is participating. 18 players selected at the last edition, named “The Restoration Starlets”, also known as Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, on Wednesday, left Bayelsa State for Senegal en route Cape Verde, for an invitational tournament, set to kick off this weekend.
The team is aptly backed by the governor.
Speaking in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, Director General of the Restoration Cup, Ono Akpe, described the backing by the Governor, as laudable, as his efforts has led to several outstanding achievements recorded in the sporting sector, since he took over as the number one citizen in the state, in 2012.
Furthermore, Chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Bayelsa chapter, Diepreye Teibowei, who is also the Head Coach of the Restoration Starlets, commended Governor Seriake Dickson for sponsoring the team to the African Youth Cup in Cape Verde, adding that the team would make state proud. “I must say that am glad to be part of this history. I sincerely thanked the Governor for this feat.”
Two teams from Nigeria, some African Countries, alongside Benfica Youth team from Portugal, are to battle for honours at the Cape Verde tourney.
The Africa Youth Cup is an initiative for youth engagement and to serve as a catalyst for social cohesion while showcasing the beauty and culture of the host city. The Africa Youth Cup further aims at making football at youth level in Africa more exciting and competitive.
One of the key attractions of the tournament to promote youth football in Africa is that winner of the Africa Youth Cup, if an African team, and the best-performed team from Cape Verde shall get a free all-expense paid slot to an International Youth Soccer Tournament in either Asia, Europe, or South America.
This offer covers registration fees, accommodation, feeding, and cost of participation at any of the chosen tournaments. The teams shall, however, be responsible for all their travel logistics like airfare, visa fees, insurance, and other incidentals.
Cape Verde, the archipelago holds 10 islands and 8 islets covering a total area of 1,557 sq miles (4,033 sq km). The islands are divided into two groups: the windward islands and the leeward islands. Santiago is the archipelago’s largest island, both in size and population.
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