Black Starlets players are fighting for Laryea Kingston - Derek Boateng

Ex-Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng has commended the dedication of the Black Starlets to their coach, Laryea Kingston, during the 2024 WAFU Zone B U17 Cup of Nations.

Kingston, who assumed the coaching role for the Black Starlets in April, has been instrumental in the team's transformation. Ghana is now poised to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, a milestone they haven't reached since 2017.

The Black Starlets began their WAFU U-17 Championship journey with a remarkable 5-1 victory over Ivory Coast at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.

Boateng, present at the match, lauded Kingston's influence. "Laryea Kingston is an exceptional coach. His leadership is making a significant difference, and it's a joy to see. His success is our success, and I'm thrilled with the work he's doing with the Black Starlets," he remarked, as reported by kickgh.com.

Boateng also noted Kingston's deep roots in the sport, which he believes contribute to his understanding of such tournaments.

"The players' commitment to him is evident. The team's dynamic shifts positively whenever he communicates from the sidelines," he observed.

"The readiness of the players to respond to a coach's guidance is a testament to their preparation, and Kingston's approach reflects this. The team already knows their roles, which speaks to effective coaching," Boateng added.

Looking forward, the Black Starlets are set to compete against Benin, where a victory or draw would secure their place in the WAFU tournament's semi-finals. Their goal is to reach the final, ensuring their spot in the U-17 AFCON.