Sports News of Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Source: Kofi Owusu Aduonum /Daily Guide

Danquah grabs MTN Academy Skuulz Challenge 3

Nineteen year old student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Charles Addai Danquah, beat competition from five other strong contenders to be crowned the Champion at the 2014/15 edition of the MTN Soccer Academy Reality Show- Skuulz Challenge 3, which came off last Sunday night in Accra.

For his prize, the central defender received a cheque of GHC10, 000, 42inch color TV set, a mobile phone, 6-months’ worth of free airtime from MTN and a contract with Sporting Mirren FC. He also received a medal and championship trophy.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life attended the colorful ceremony which took place at the lush Soccer Academy House located at Ridge in Accra.

Following close to Danquah in the second position was Moses Quaye, from the St Martin’s Senior High School. For his prize, the twenty year old defender also took home a cheque of GH5, 000, 42inch color TV set, a mobile phone, 6- months’ worth of free airtime from MTN, a contract with SP Mirren FC and a medal and trophy.

The position of 2nd runner-up went to Robert Ayamga from the Navrongo Senior High School. Ayamga’s position also came with a cash prize of GHC2, 500, 42inch color TV set, a mobile phone, 6- months’ worth of free airtime from MTN, a contract with SP Mirren FC and a medal and trophy.

Other awards on the night were the Golden Boot, Most Disciplined Player, and Fairplay.

The Golden Boot and Most Disciplined Player Awards went to Robert Ayamga and Akanvorse Prosper Achema respectively, whiles the Fairplay Award went to Patrick Zieem Wellu. All three Awardees received trophies.

Head Coach of the Soccer Academy, Yaw Acheampong and his assistant, Afo Dodoo, also received medals for their invaluable contributions in managing the young players.

In a speech delivered by the General Manager of MTN- Marketing Services, Richard Acheampong, he reaffirmed the telecommunications giant’s commitment to the development of youth empowerment initiatives across the country and stated that “MTN’s association with the Soccer Academy Reality Show since its inception eight years ago was ample testimony of this value”.

Mr. Acheampong further noted that “eventhough it is good to associate with greatness, we believe that it is equally important to be part of the making of greatness”.

In another address, the General Manager of Metro TV, official TV Station for the Reality Show, Mr. Kofi Owusu, also expressed his Outfit’s appreciation to MTN and all stakeholders who he said have made the Show possible.

Mr. Owusu also revealed that for the first time in the history of the soccer reality Show, “plans are advanced for the organization of a “female-only” version of the Show”, details of which will be announced soon.

The night also saw thrilling musical performances from some of the country’s finest Artistes including the Hiplife trio VVIP, Reggae dancehall sensation, AK Songstress and R&B diva Raquel.

There were also performances from Koo Ntakra and Torgbe both of the MTN Hitzmaker fame.

A special side attraction on the night was similarly the presentation of awards i.e. plaques to Raquel and AK Songstress and their respective Management Teams for featuring in OMP/Metro TV’s maiden edition of the Celebrity Lifestyle Reality Show, Superstars which coincided with the Finals of the Skuulz Challenge 3.

Danquah has by this feat also engraved his footprint and name in the Soccer Academy Hall of Fame, making him the eighth Champion of the soccer reality show.

The MTN Soccer Academy Reality Show is an initiative of Optimum Media Prime and proudly sponsored by MTN.