Burkina Faso opens talent search for Turkish clubs

Burkina Faso has opened a pathway for its young footballers to attract Turkish top-flight clubs, with scouts invited to assess local talent in Ouagadougou. The initiative is designed to identify players who could move directly into higher-level championships and eventually strengthen the national team.

Sport ambassador Charles Kaboré launched the three-day detection tournament on Monday, September 14, at Benfica Campus. Twelve local teams are taking part, with the competition scheduled to run through September 16. Turkish clubs from the first division have sent representatives to watch the players, while Talent Max is supporting the organisation of the event.

The project follows a prospecting mission Kaboré carried out in Turkey in June. That visit aimed to build sporting and partnership links between Turkey and Burkina Faso, and the tournament is the first practical expression of that effort. At its conclusion, the strongest performers will be brought together in an All-Star selection, creating a route towards direct recruitment.

Kaboré, a former captain of Burkina Faso, said the programme reflects his effort to create stronger platforms for young athletes rather than waiting for opportunities to appear. He also urged the participants to remain disciplined and persistent as they pursue professional careers.