The grand winner of the 2009 MTN Soccer Academy show will drive home the latest Hyundai Tuscon 4-wheel car. Auto Plaza Limited, which distribute Hyundai cars in Ghana are for the third year in a row funding the ultimate car prize and have received praises from Optimum Media Prime (OMP), organizers of the competition. Also at stake from Auto Plaza Limited is a Hyundai i10 saloon car as prize for the runner-up of the 2009 contest.

The winner of the show which will for the first time involve participants from two countries will also walk away with a cool ten thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000) if he is Ghanaian or one million Naira if he is Nigerian. A 14 day trial with an international club also comes in handy with an assured one year contract with a local club in Ghana or Nigeria, yet another innovation to the widely acknowledged reality show.

A 5-star round all expenses paid trip to the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa is also promised the winner by Title Sponsors MTN. MTN which are also official sponsors of the first World Cup to take place in Africa have also promised the same first class package for the highest person to send texts to vote for contestants during the Academy Show’s five month duration. The texters’ competition, like that for the Soccer Academy title itself, is also expected to become keener in both Ghana and Nigeria. In a related development, the Deputy Minister of Sports Nii Nortey Dua has congratulated MTN, OMP and Metro TV for their contribution to football development in Ghana indicating that the Ministry and indeed government cannot do it all alone. Mr. Dua emphasized that it is the reason why they are glad when an individual or organizations take on initiatives such as the MTN Soccer Academy. “There is no doubt that Ghana abounds in football talents whom if harnessed properly will become very big stars. Football also unites us as a nation as we tend to set aside all differences to support our national teams. So promoting football is always good news,” stated the Deputy Minister.

Gideon Baah won the maiden edition of the football show with Stephen Sowu emerging triumphant in last year’s 2nd edition. The race to see who will succeed the duo has begun with applications in both Ghana and Nigeria. 14 housemates, seven from each country will eventually win through their respective countries’ stringent screening of hundreds of thousands of applicants to partake in the show itself two months hence.