Ouahigouya:Team Panande, led by former international footballers Madi Panandetiguiri and Bakary Kone, has officially launched the first edition of the Solidarity and Social Cohesion Cup. The event took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Ouahigouya, with the aim of detecting young talents under the age of 17. The initiative is a collaboration with the Association for Economic and Social Development of the Northern Region (ADES-NORD).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the competition is themed "Together for the youth of Faso" and supports the vision of Comrade Captain Ibrahim Traore's "League of Sovereignty." The Solidarity Cup aims to bring together 16 teams from four provinces, fostering regional unity and talent development.
Salifou Traore, the president of the organizing body, emphasized the importance of the presence of Panandetiguiri and Kone, stating that their involvement adds significant value to the competition. The event encourages young athletes to seize the opportunity to be discovered and calls for community support to ensure the competition's success and regional development.
The opening day featured an exhibition match between Team Panande and FC Sissamba, a team of Yaadga natives residing in Ghana. FC Sissamba emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, scoring in the first half. Despite efforts, Team Panande, which included the former international players Panandetiguiri and Kone, could not equalize.
The tournament's goal is to promote solidarity, social cohesion, and the development of a competitive U17 team in Yaadga, potentially benefiting the national team. This inaugural event features teams from Ouahigouya in Yatenga, Gourcy in Zondoma, Yako in Passore, and Titao in Loroum, with players aged between 17 and 23.
Through this initiative, the organizers aim to use football as a means to unite people, identify emerging talents, and encourage sports development across the Yaadga region. A special trophy was presented to Captain Ibrahim Traore in recognition of his efforts in advancing football in the area.
Source Burkina Information Agency