Seeds of Togo 2018: Sankoutcha and Yaya will go to Lyon!

The 2018 edition of the “Graines du Togo” (Seeds of Togo) competition, an initiative launched by Claude Le Roy, head coach of the Togolese national team, reached a highly anticipated conclusion last Saturday. After several months of regional selections and national evaluations, two young talents emerged victorious: Yannis Sankoutcha in the boys’ category and Rakiyatou Yaya in the girls’ division. Their triumph not only symbolizes personal achievement but also reflects the growing importance of youth development in Togolese football.

As a reward for their outstanding performances, the two winners will have the unique opportunity to attend the UEFA Europa League final in Lyon next month. This experience is expected to broaden their football horizons, offering them exposure to top-level European competition and allowing them to observe professional players and football structures up close. For many young African footballers, such an opportunity is both inspirational and motivational, potentially shaping their future ambitions.

In the boys’ competition, Sankoutcha, born in 2004 and representing the Swallows training center, stood out throughout the various assessments. Demonstrating impressive athletic ability, technical skill, and tactical awareness, he secured the top position in his category. He finished ahead of Kokou Amedigbe and Tawfick Tchagbele, who also displayed strong potential but ultimately fell short of Sankoutcha’s overall performance.

In the women’s category, Rakiyatou Yaya, born in 2000, claimed first place with a consistent and dominant showing. Her solid performances placed her ahead of runners-up Ami Reine Gake and Tatiana Kayaba. Rakiyatou’s success highlights the increasing level of women’s football in Togo, a sector that has long been overshadowed but is now gradually receiving greater attention and support.

The “Graines du Togo” competition, which began in January, targets young female footballers born between 2000 and 2003 and young male footballers born between 2002 and 2005. The primary objective of the project is to uncover hidden talent across the country, particularly in areas where scouting and training resources are limited. By establishing a comprehensive map of the most promising young players—both male and female—the initiative aims to boost the national talent pool and strengthen the future of Togolese football.

Participants underwent a series of rigorous physical, technical, and tactical tests designed to evaluate their potential to reach a high level of play. The program allowed coaches and talent scouts to identify players with strong athletic qualities, game intelligence, and technical proficiency. Beyond competition, the event served as a platform for education and motivation, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and professional development.

The final event drew considerable attention and prestige, notably with the attendance of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé. His presence underscored the government’s support for youth sports programs and its commitment to promoting football as a unifying and development-driven activity within the country. The involvement of high-level officials also reinforces the recognition of the initiative as a vital investment in the nation’s sporting future.

With the success of this inaugural edition, expectations are high for the continuation and expansion of “Graines du Togo,” which promises to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of Togolese football stars.