Accra Hearts of Oak have completed the signing of 12-year-old attacking midfielder Shepherd Abotar, who joins the club’s Royal Oaks Juvenile Development Team following a standout year at grassroots level.
The promising youngster arrives from Young Dreamers Academy in Sekondi-Takoradi, where he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the 2024/2025 EKMA Football Association U15 Colts League.
Abotar’s performances drew attention from across the region, with scouts and technical directors identifying his composure, vision, and technical ability as standout qualities.
“We are delighted to welcome Shepherd to the Royal Oaks family,” a Hearts of Oak youth development official said. “He’s one of the most technically gifted young players we’ve monitored this year, and we believe he has the potential to become a household name.”
📊 Key Stats – 2024/2025 Colts League
- 10 assists
- 4 goals
- 3 Man of the Match awards
Despite playing above his age category, Abotar was a consistent creative force and quickly became one of the most talked-about prospects in the competition.
A Player Beyond His Years
Regarded for his football intelligence and decision-making in advanced areas, Abotar has earned comparisons to top-tier playmakers thanks to his maturity on the ball.
He is represented by DelSul Sports Consult, a Ghanaian agency known for developing and managing emerging talent across the country.
“Shepherd has always shown hunger, humility, and an unteachable instinct on the pitch,” said Delle Kule P. Ebenezer, his manager at DelSul Sports Consult. “This move is a reward for his work ethic and passion.”
From Sekondi-Takoradi to Accra
Abotar’s move to Accra marks a major step in his development pathway. Hearts of Oak’s Royal Oaks team is designed to prepare players for top-level football through elite coaching and a structured academy environment.
The club has a strong record of nurturing youth talent, and Shepherd’s arrival is being seen as part of a renewed focus on developing the next generation of Ghanaian stars.
At just 12 years old, the youngster has already attracted early interest from national selectors and youth competitions across the West African region.
“Shepherd Abotar is a name to watch,” a youth scout told BBC Sport. “He’s the type of player who could be wearing Ghana’s national colours within a few years if his progression continues.”
Eyes on the Future
Though still in the early stages of his football journey, Abotar is already being tipped as a potential future Black Stars international.
Both his academy and management team have stressed the importance of keeping the young talent grounded as he takes his next steps.
