Roland Fiifi Ackon: The coaching gem in the making

Roland Fiifi Ackon is a young football coach known for his expertise in talent development. Aside coaching being the pursuance of a profession, Roland has the goal of transforming lives through football. He doubles as a team manager and a Head Coach for Pra Babies Football Club in the Western Region.

Roland set up the Pra Babies team with the hope of helping young boys realize their dreams of becoming footballers in the future.

The Pra Babies team has an Under-10, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 which plays in the 3rd division in the Western Region.

Roland introduced himself to coaching in 2016 as a non-licensed and community team coach until 2019 when he completed his first introductory coaching course.

He sought further knowledge and training in coaching in 2020 when he completed the CAF License D coaching course. In addition to his coaching expertise, Roland is an expert in delivering first aid care by training, he has the safety of his players at heart.

As a young football coach, Roland has had a lot of successes across all levels. As an individual, Roland has won the District under -13 best coach on three occasions 2018, 2019 and in 2021.

In 2018 and 2021 his under-13 side won the Shama District League and placed third earlier in the same competition this year.The team also won the Sabi soccer Academy Under-13 league in 2019.

The Under -17 and U15 teams have also recorded some achievements under Roland’s management.The Under-17 team emerged as runners up in last year’s Shama District league whiles the Under-15 have won the Coach Fii under-15 invitational Tournament and emerged as runners up in 2018 in the Shama District U15 gala as well as runners up in the 2020 Sabi soccer Academy Under-15 tournament in 2020.

Roland favours the 4-1-3-2 attacking system and looks up to one of the best managers in world football in Carlo Ancelloti.

Roland seeks to make Pra Babies one of the best Academy teams in Africa if not the best in the near future but currently, this is beyond him as he has limited financial backing and logistics.

It is very logical to say that with the provision of the needed support Pra Babies will flourish and the skies might just be the limit for Roland.