Beyond football: How Yendi’s clan tournament is forging unity, unearthing talent
very December, the town of Yendi in the Northern Region of Ghana is transformed into a vibrant arena of colour, culture and competition as its clans converge for an annual football tournament that has grown into far more than a sporting contest.
This year’s edition brought together eight clans, comprising Blacksmith, Warriors, Gonji, Mossi, Butches, Laabangsi, Lungsi and Wanzama, who battled it out over 32 fiercely contested matches.
Beyond the goals and results, the tournament delivered passion and pageantry, with supporters spicing up the action through pulsating jama songs and colourful displays of clan loyalty.
Organised by the Chief Executive Officer of Dansuma Radio and Sankara Football Club, Osman Baba Daney, the tournament was deliberately designed to harness the power of sport as a tool for social cohesion, cultural celebration and youth development.
“The idea is to use football to unite the community, showcase our local talent and inspire the next generation,” Alhaji Daney said, adding that the competition also celebrates the area’s cultural diversity while strengthening bonds among the clans.
Scouting ground and economic boost
Beyond its social value, the tournament has become an important platform for talent identification and a driver of local economic activity. On match days, the playing grounds morph into a bustling marketplace as food and beverage vendors take advantage of the large crowds.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Alhaji Daney explained that players are often drawn from across the municipality to represent their respective clans, raising both the standard and competitiveness of the tournament.
“The competition has become a scouting ground for local teams and a pathway for talented players to advance their careers,” he noted.
He cited tangible success stories: “Last year, the twine brothers, who performed exceptionally well, were taken to the Real Madrid Academy in South Africa and are being prepared for Real Madrid. Others are currently playing in Slovakia, Spain and Albania.”
He expressed optimism that the annual tournament would continue to open doors for more young players from northern Ghana to break into top-tier clubs, both locally and internationally.
He also urged players and clan leaders to cast their scouting nets wider across the region to ensure stronger representation in future editions.
Skills development and infrastructure
The former Northern Regional Sports Director, Iddrisu Ahmed, praised the initiative, describing it as a practical model for unearthing talent while deepening social cohesion among the clans.
He stressed, however, that sustained impact would depend on deliberate investment in sports infrastructure, including stadiums, training facilities and equipment. Such investments, he said, would not only create jobs but also stimulate the local economy.
“Supporting grassroots sports programmes is critical. It nurtures youth talent, strengthens community engagement and contributes to the overall growth of the sports industry,” Mr Ahmed added.
Official commendation
The Municipal Chief Executive of Yendi, Sugri Muniru, also commended the organisers, noting that the tournament aligns with government efforts to promote sports development through youth-led initiatives.
He further appealed for peaceful coexistence among all clans, stressing that unity and stability were essential to attracting investment from development partners and private investors.
As the final whistle blows each December, the Yendi clan football tournament leaves behind more than champions. It reinforces unity, fuels local enterprise and quietly builds pathways for young talents to dream and play beyond their community.
