The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the appointment of Yaw Preko as the Head Coach of the National U-15 boys team, effective immediately.

This decision is part of the GFA's ongoing efforts to strengthen youth development structures and systems, aiming to consistently supply various age category teams with high-quality and well-developed talent.

Preko, a former Ghana international with an illustrious playing career at Belgium's Anderlecht and Accra Hearts of Oak, has been elevated to the substantive role after Abdul Karim Zito was reassigned to the Male U-19 team.

With extensive coaching experience, including stints as Head Coach of the Ghana U20 team and Assistant Coach for the National U-17 team, Preko is tasked with implementing the GFA's strategy to establish a systematic career pathway for young players, ensuring a steady flow of talent to other National Youth teams.

The managerial expertise of Preko, who has previously served as Head Coach at clubs such as Medeama SC and Great Olympics, as well as his roles as Assistant Coach at Accra Hearts of Oak and Nigerian side Ifeanyi Ubah, will be invaluable in his new position.

Preko will be supported by Awudu Issaka and Mubarak Gado as deputies. Issaka, a former U-17 World Cup Winner (1995), brings extensive experience from his academy, Royal Awudu Issaka Academy, which has nurtured promising young talents.

His background as a former national U-17 and U-20 star will enrich his contribution to youth development.

Together, Preko and his backroom staff will focus on identifying top talent, understanding their strengths and developmental needs, and embedding their playing methodology in line with the Ghana Football Philosophy (DNA).

These appointments signify a significant step towards laying a strong foundation for youth player development, aligning with Ghana's philosophical approach to football development and aiming to elevate the standard of the national teams in the long term.