Evelyn Badu: Ghana's football star making waves globally

Evelyn Badu's journey from the small town of Seikwa in Ghana's Bono region to global football stardom is a testament to her innate talent and dedication. From a young age, Badu felt a calling to play football, often engaging with boys in her hometown.

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I was born to play football. Right from when I was a child, I found myself playing with boys and just enjoying the game. I felt it right from the very beginning.

Her move to Hasaacas Ladies marked a significant turning point. There, she found a crucial mentor in former Ghana captain Samira Suleman, who not only provided guidance but also took Badu into her home. "Samira took me into her home and mentored me. She changed my life," Badu recalls, emphasizing the importance of leaving her hometown for the city to hone her footballing abilities.

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Samira took me into her home and mentored me. She changed my life. I had to leave my hometown and come to the city [Sekondi-Takoradi] so that I can learn more about football.

Suleman, now Technical Adviser at Hasaacas Ladies, recognized Badu's potential early on. "I saw a young, passionate player with all the attributes of becoming a great footballer," Suleman stated. She noted Badu's technical, tactical, and physical gifts, while also identifying the need to develop her mental game, believing that with the right guidance, Badu could achieve great heights.

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I saw a young, passionate player with all the attributes of becoming a great footballer. She was technically, tactically and physically gifted, but I felt she needed to develop the mental side of the game. I believed that with the right mentoring and guidance, she could go very far.

Badu's impact was immediate. At 16, she was part of the Ghana Black Princesses squad for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup. By 2021, she was instrumental in leading Hasaacas Ladies to their first league title since 2015, securing a spot in the CAF Women's Champions League qualifiers. She then inspired the team to win the regional title and reach the final of the inaugural CAF Women's Champions League, where her five goals made her a standout player despite the team's loss.

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It is extremely important. Female players need mentors who understand their journey, challenges and experiences. Having former female players and coaches in mentoring roles gives young players someone they can relate to, learn from and look up to. It also helps them develop beyond the pitch and prepares them for long-term careers in football.