Tinkler thrilled with Ghanaian starlet’s debut

American-born Ghanaian teenager Nana Akosah-Bempah made his debut for Cape Town City in their 1-1 draw with SuperSport United in the Premier Soccer League on Friday.

The speedy forward was brought on in 8th minute for midfielder Given Mashikinya, with the City Boys 1-0 down courtesy of Zimbabwean international Kingston Nkatha’s strike.

City coach Eric Tinkler Tinkler handed debuts to midfielder Luyolo Nomandela and Akosah-Bempah‚ and said he was happy with the impact they made off the bench as the hosts rescued a point with a late strike from in-form midfielder and captain Lebogang Manyama.

“Nomandela‚ you could see he just lacks that sharpness‚ but that will come with games‚” Tinkler said.

“Game-by-game he will get stronger and start producing what we know he can. I thought he came on and did very well‚ didn’t lose the ball much‚ tried to help the team in defence.

“The young boy (Akosah-Bempah) came on‚ he’s only 18 and he shows huge potential and a lot of aggression.

“He came on and made it difficult for the two big central defenders (Mario Booysen and Clayton Daniels) and I think that pressure paid off.

“I’m happy with him and Nomandela.”

Akosah-Bempah becomes the second Ghanaian at the club after defender Joseph Adjei – who missed the match after he was sent off in midweek.

Other Ghanaians playing in the South African top-flight include Black Stars defender Edwin Gyimah and Bernard Morrison who both play for Orlando Pirates, whilst Black Starlets, Black Satellites and Black Meteors graduate Lawrence Lartey plays regularly for Ajax Cape Town.

Black Stars goalkeeper Richard Ofori underwent an unsuccessful trial with City.