.
The 6th edition of the Dansuma Radio Clan Soccer Tournament has kicked off with a bang, featuring two thrilling matches that produced six goals. The tournament, which has become a highly anticipated event in the region, promises to deliver exciting soccer action and foster unity among the participating clans.
In the opening matches, Laabangsi dominated Nakohanima with a convincing 3-0 victory in the tournament’s opening game. Mohi mirrored this performance, defeating Machelima by the same margin. The wins set the stage for an exciting competition, with all teams vying for the top prize.
According to Alhaji Osman Baba Daney, CEO of Dasuma Radio and sole sponsor of the tournament, the event’s primary aim is to bring peace, unity, and joy to the people of Dagbon kingdom and beyond.
“Over the years, there was disunity in the kingdom of Dagbon. With deep thought, I realized I could use soccer as a tool to contribute to development, unity, and peace to the people,” he explained. “So, the primary aim of the Dansuma Radio Clan Soccer tournament was and still remains to bring peace, unity, and joy to the people in the kingdom and beyond. And I can proudly say we’ve achieved that.”
Interestingly, the tournament has also become a platform for player scouting. Alhaji Daney revealed that the main aim wasn’t to focus on player scouting initially, but it was introduced in the last three editions. “And I can confirm that over six to seven players are currently plying their trade outside Yendi. Some are playing in the National Division 1 and Premier League, while others are on the verge of going to Europe,” he said. Alhaji Daney’s vision is to have over 20 players from the tournament playing for national teams, clubs, and even European leagues by the 10th edition.
The tournament, scheduled to run from 23rd to 30th December 2024, is being held at the Yendi Astro Turf in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region. The opening ceremony drew a distinguished crowd, including esteemed chiefs, opinion leaders, and political heads. Notably, Naa Yeb Kugu Naa, Member of Parliament elect for Yendi (Alhaji Joofa), and other distinguished guests from traditional, social, and political spheres were all present.
The participating clans for the tournament include Mohi, Laabangsi, Lungsi, Machelinima, Nakohanima, Wanzama, Sapashina, and Gonjenima. The previous five editions were won by Lungsi (2019, 2023), Mohi (2021, 2022), and Laabangsi (2020). This means Lungsi are the defending champions.
However, Alhaji Daney highlighted funding and sponsorship as the main challenges facing the tournament. “People don’t support the tournament like they should. So, I call on well-to-do individuals to partner with us in this great course,” he appealed.
The tournament continues with Match Day 2 fixtures: Gonjenima vs. Sapashinima (Group A) and Lungsi vs. Wanzama (Group B).
The question remains Who will win this year’s edition?
By Alhassan S Suhiyini
Published on 24 December 2024