Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has urged young footballers in Ghana to avoid womanising and excessive alcohol consumption, warning that such distractions could undermine their ambitions of becoming professional players.

According to a report by KessbenTV on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Gyan shared the advice while addressing the media at an inter-community football gala organised by Newmont Gold Ghana to mark the company’s 20th anniversary.

The competition took place at the Ahafo Kenyasi AstroTurf, bringing together emerging football talents from surrounding communities. The event was designed to give promising players an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and potentially attract the attention of scouts and professional clubs.

Gyan, popularly known as Baby Jet, attended the competition as the special guest of honour. Drawing from his experience in professional football, the former Ghana international encouraged participants to take their careers seriously and make decisions that would support their long-term ambitions.

He stressed that natural talent alone cannot guarantee success, explaining that aspiring footballers must combine their abilities with discipline, dedication and consistent hard work. He cautioned that excessive drinking and distractions arising from relationships could affect players’ concentration, training routines and performances.

The former striker also encouraged the young talents to remain committed to improving their skills and take advantage of opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

Gyan’s advice comes as grassroots competitions continue to provide platforms for discovering and developing emerging footballers across Ghana. Such tournaments can help talented players gain valuable match experience and exposure to potential recruiters.

The Newmont Gold Ghana gala also highlighted the role of corporate organisations in supporting community development through sports and youth engagement.

Gyan’s message was that young players seeking professional careers must understand the sacrifices involved in reaching the highest level of the game. Maintaining discipline, attending training consistently and making responsible lifestyle choices can help them maximise their potential.

For the participants, the competition offered an opportunity to showcase their abilities while receiving guidance from one of Ghana’s most recognisable former football stars.

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