Coach Basigi aims high ahead of FIFA Under-19 World Cup

The Black Princes of Ghana would be looking to surpass the group stages berth at this year's Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) U-20 Women's World Cup and the technical brain to lead the onslaught would be experienced coach and one of the best on the continent – Yussif Basigi.

Coach Basigi, is an elite football coach having had spells with Ghanaian football giants Sekondi Hasaacas and led Ghana's female senior national women's team in various international competitions.

The 2018 World Cup task

Having been drawn into a very difficult group, coach Basigi knows that his side would have to be at their very best if they want to escape the group phase, which they have never surpassed in four attempts, but Basigi remains hopeful of making history with the Black Princesses.

Ghana would open their account against four-time winners France, at the Stade de la Rabine, Vannes and lock horns with Holland in the second group at the same venue and finish off against New Zealand, at the Stade Guy Piriou, Concarneau.

In an interview with GNA Sports, Basigi said, ''our group is very tight one, looking at our opponent which includes host France, Holland and New Zealand.

“These countries are no minors when it comes to women football so we can't underestimate them. My foremost challenge and target is to make it out the group stages,” he stated.

Experience at the global stage

The former Black Queens coach, who played for Tamale Masters and Burkinabe club 'Rustin club de Bobodilaso', highlights the coaching challenges that come with managing the junior side, but believes some players who have played at the World Cup in the past would be very instrumental for the team's progress in France.

"It is true I've got the experience in coaching the national female senior national team, but I need to highlight that, it very challenging with the junior sides but the advantage with my team is that most of them have featured in the World Cup before and they know the nature of competition ahead.

Pre-world preparation

Prior to this year's World Cup, the Black Princesses would go pre-camping in Europe as they have scheduled some few friendlies as part of preparations towards the tournament to be played in August.

Basigi has enumerated how important going to camp early would aid the preparations for the tournament, as they intend playing some friendlies to help give his team the much needed exposure.

"How far we go in this year's tournament largely depends on the preparations. We need to go on time and prepare adequately for the competition. This would boost the confidence of the team,” Basigi told GNA Sports.