Stars of Lake Side emerged as champions of the Kozie Cares Champions League, a football gala organized by Akosua Asaa Manu (Kozie), the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for the Adentan Constituency. The final, held at the Agiringanor Astro Turf on Sunday, November 17, 2024, saw Stars of Lake Side defeat Mambass FC 1-0, courtesy of a brilliant first-half strike by Asiedu Emmanuel.
The victory earned the team the championship trophy and a cash prize, cementing their status as the best among 96 competing teams.
The Kozie Cares Champions League was launched by Kozie to unearth soccer talents, promote peace, and foster unity among the youth of Adentan. The three-month-long tournament featured 96 community and electoral area-based teams, drawing massive support from residents. Kozie, known for her passion for youth empowerment, envisions the tournament as a stepping stone toward a long-term policy that nurtures young talents while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The tournament’s grand finale was a vibrant celebration that showcased both athleticism and community spirit. Hundreds of fans cheered on their favorite teams, with the atmosphere further enlivened by a thrilling performance from Ghanaian dancehall superstar Shatta Wale. Among the dignitaries present was former Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, who commended the exceptional talents on display.
Kozie expressed her gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support, emphasizing her commitment to making the football gala an annual event if elected to office. She remarked, “This tournament is not just about football; it is about building a future where our youth have opportunities to thrive. I am committed to sustaining this initiative and ensuring peace and unity prevail as we approach the elections.”
The tournament highlighted the potential of football as a tool for social and economic transformation. For Stars of Lake Side, their triumph symbolizes the realization of Kozie’s vision to empower youth and inspire hope within the Adentan community.