SEVEN-FOOT GHANAIAN BASKETBALL HOPEFUL EARNS TRAINING OPPORTUNITY AFTER MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News Canada
A media report on a young basketball enthusiast from Ngleshie Amanfro has opened a promising new chapter in his sporting ambitions, with Pep Sports Limited expressing interest in helping him develop his talent for professional competition.
Ephraim Zinser Mac-Saawa, a seven-foot-tall teenager, attracted the attention of the FIFA- and FIBA-accredited player agency after MyJoyOnline published a story about his daily challenges, basketball training and dream of representing Ghana internationally.
Following the publication, Mac-Saawa and his father, Amatus Mac-Saawa, met Pep Sports Limited Chairman Dr Martin Ofori at the company’s office in Dzorwulu, Accra. The meeting also involved Lucille D. Amoako, a legal consultant expected to assist with the legal arrangements for the youngster’s career development.
Ephraim’s father expressed appreciation for the media coverage, saying: “MyJoyOnline has done what many have not been able to do. We are grateful for bringing our son’s story to the world.”
According to the proposed development plan, Ephraim will undergo registration and onboarding before being considered for an intensive three-month training programme at Pep Sports Limited’s facility in Asamankese in the Eastern Region.
The programme is expected to cover basketball fundamentals, strength and conditioning, footwork, shooting techniques, defensive positioning and game intelligence. Fitness assessments and medical examinations are also planned to evaluate his readiness and help establish an appropriate training programme.
Dr Ofori said Ephraim’s height, age and willingness to learn could offer significant potential if supported with proper coaching and exposure. The company also indicated that it intends to expand its talent-development activities beyond football and basketball into other sporting disciplines.
The opportunity has generated excitement in Ngleshie Amanfro, where residents have watched the teenager navigate everyday challenges associated with his unusual height while pursuing his sporting goals.
Despite his basketball ambitions, Ephraim also works at a printing press in the community and is preparing to study Computer Science. Inspired by NBA star Victor Wembanyama, he hopes to become a professional basketball player while pursuing a career in software engineering.
MAIN FACT: Pep Sports Limited has proposed a three-month training programme for Ephraim, subject to the planned registration, fitness tests and medical assessments. An international contract remains a possibility rather than a confirmed outcome.
COMMENTARY: Ephraim’s story highlights the importance of identifying and nurturing sporting talent beyond established academies and well-resourced schools. The proposed opportunity could be an important step, but sustained coaching, education, medical support and transparent career arrangements will be essential to his long-term development.
