Bobo-Dioulasso:Guiriko The Guiriko region has announced plans to form two teams for the upcoming Sovereignty League. The announcement was made during a meeting in Bobo-Dioulasso, where Governor Mariama Konaté/Gnanou outlined the player selection criteria and team formation procedures. The event was attended by administrative authorities and socio-professional stakeholders.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting also highlighted the recruitment process for technical staff, player eligibility criteria, and organizational requirements for the teams. The technical staff will be recruited through a call for applications and will be responsible for selecting players from the provinces of Houet, Tuy, and Kénédougou.
Players will be selected based on their athletic abilities and regional origin, with eligibility extended to those registered with leagues organized by the Burkinabe Football Federation (FBF). Candidates must be at least 16 years old, and each team is required to include a minimum of 16 players under the age of 19. The teams will be structured like sports clubs with a board of directors.
Governor Konaté/Gnanou stressed the importance of public awareness and financial resource mobilization to support the teams' formation, emphasizing the significance of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkinabè football. She acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders and urged them to support the region's efforts in maintaining its sporting prestige.
The Regional Director of Sports, Youth and Employment, Seydou Kaboré, described the Sovereignty League as a competitive and inclusive platform. Guiriko's two teams will each consist of 30 players, half of whom must reside in the region.
The Sovereignty League, officially launched on October 12, 2026, by Burkina Faso's President, aims to gather 20 teams from the nation's 17 regions. Kadiogo will field three teams, Guiriko two, while the remaining 15 regions will each have one team. This initiative seeks to promote local talent, professionalize Burkinabe football, and create nearly 1,000 direct jobs. Guiriko's next steps include recruiting technical staff and selecting players for its teams.