Ghana U-15 head coach Yaw Preko has heaped praise on young forward John Ando, describing him as a “gem” following the team’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the final of the 2025 Mondialito Promise tournament.
Preko, reflecting on his squad’s title-winning journey, singled out Ando for his exceptional talent and all-round qualities that make him a special prospect for the future.
“I see a lot of future in the majority of the guys. Especially the John Ando boy. I tell you, he’s a gem. He’s a gem. And we have to keep an eye on him because, personally, I’ve seen players with speed, power, energy, strength, and again with the technique. He has it all. He has it all. And if we encourage him, I think we’ll have a star in the making,” he said.
The Ghana U-15 team dazzled throughout the competition, wrapping up the tournament with a dominant performance in the final. Ando’s presence and contribution were instrumental in their attacking threat, though the entire team received praise for their growth and development.
Preko also highlighted the remarkable progress of the squad during the short but intense preparation period leading to the competition.
“The majority of them came in raw. And we managed with the three weeks that we worked with them, we managed them,” he stated.
Under Preko’s guidance, the team not only secured the title but also gained valuable experience and confidence on the international stage. He believes the exposure and success in the tournament will serve as a strong stepping stone in the development of these young footballers.
Ghana’s U-15 team will return home with silverware and optimism for the future, with Ando’s emergence offering hope of a new star rising through the national ranks.
