Coach Kassim Ocansey Mingle and his technical team have completed the first phase of their nationwide talent identification programme with a scouting exercise in the Upper West Region.

The exercise, held on June 18, 2026, at the Malik Jabir Sports Stadium in Wa, attracted numerous young footballers seeking opportunities to earn places in Ghana's next U-17 national team.

Coach Mingle, assisted by members of his technical team, including goalkeepers coach Stephen Ahorlu, assessed players based on their technical skills, tactical understanding, physical attributes and overall potential.

The scouting programme forms part of preparations toward assembling a new Black Starlets squad for the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship.

According to the technical team, the exercise in Wa provided an opportunity to identify promising talent from the region and reinforced the importance of extending scouting activities across the country.

The talent identification programme continues in the Upper East Region, where the team is scheduled to hold another scouting session at the Kurt E.S. Okraku Technical Center in Winkongo, Bolgatanga, before moving on to the Northern Region and other parts of the country.

The nationwide exercise is expected to culminate in the formation of a new Black Starlets squad that will prepare for the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship, with the prospect of qualifying for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.