Black Princesses coach Yusif Basigi has called for early camping abroad ahead of Ghana’s campaign in this year’s Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup.
With about four months to kickoff of the tournament in France, Ghana’s U-20s are yet to regroup for camping since securing qualification in January.
While he is yet to even begin local preparations, coach Basigi is hoping the Princesses are able to pitch camp in Europe soon.
Speaking to GNA Sports, Basigi enumerated how important going to camp early would aid the preparations for the World Cup 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 said.
During the U-20 Women’s World Cup draw held in March, Ghana got pitted against hosts France, New Zealand and the Netherlands in Group A. The Black Princesses will start their fifth World Cup outing against France in the second game of the opening day on August 5.
The big 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.
”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 told the GNA.
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 comes 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.
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