The likes of Yamine Lamal & co are in a very good frame of mind to develop so well, unlike Ghanaian football youngsters who some even have kids to take care of – Andy Kerm
Renowned sports pundit with Kessben Media, Andy Kerm, praised the rapid development of young European talents like Spain’s Lamine Yamal, while lamenting the socioeconomic and structural barriers that continue to hinder similar growth among Ghanaian prospects.
Andy Kerm’s comments underline a critical and ongoing issue within Ghana’s football development ecosystem: while talent is abundant, the environment in which that talent must grow is often harsh and unsupportive. Unlike their European peers, many young Ghanaian players face immense personal and financial pressure from an early age.
“Some of them even have kids they take care of which put pressure on them,” Kerm emphasized. “By the time they’re 17 or 18, they’re already responsible for entire households. That’s a huge burden, and it impacts their performance, their discipline, their confidence, and their ability to stay focused on long-term goals.”
In contrast, players like Lamine Yamal, who made global headlines with his appearances for Barcelona and the Spanish national team before turning 17, benefit from well-structured academies, consistent mentorship, access to world-class facilities, and the freedom to fully commit to football without additional distractions.nals.
Grassroots development in Ghana frequently suffers from inadequate funding, lack of proper coaching, and the absence of modern infrastructure. More importantly, many young athletes are pushed prematurely into adult responsibilities, either through economic hardship or societal expectations, leaving little room for personal and athletic growth.
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