African teen on cusp of professional football - thanks to Highland coach
16-year-old Latif Yakubu was coached by the Mark Holmes Football Academy who help coach kids in Ghana.
A Ghanaian teenager is on the verge of signing for a European football team, after coming through an academy run by an Inverness coach.
16-year-old Latif Yakubu was coached by the Mark Holmes Football Academy who has a base in the African country.
After being raised in poverty, various people are working together to try and organise a Visa for Latif, to enable him to sign for a Finnish club.
Former Ross County, ICT and Falkirk player Holmes hopes it'll lead to more players from his academy go on to become professional footballers.
Teenager attracting interest from several clubs
If a move to Finland falls through, Mark says other clubs in Europe and Africa have shown interest.
He said: "He’s got a good goal scoring record, and has brought a lot of attention towards himself the way that he’s been playing.
"He’s attracted the attention of quite a few African Premier League clubs as well.
"It’s just amazing to have him at the Mark Holmes football academy.
"I’m delighted for the young boy, he’s worked very hard.
"The academy and the coaches over there are liaising with me every day. He’s training hard, he’s preparing for it."
Mark also outlined how Latif was living before joining his academy.
He added: "He’s sleeping in a bed at night, while before he was sleeping on the floor in a mudhut.
"He’s attending school and getting clothed as well so Latif is really happy.
"Latif can really be the pathway for many kids in Ghana, especially at my academy."
Teen's story can 'open doors' for other kids
Mark is hoping Latif's story can help inspire those involved with his academy.
He said: "It can open a lot of doors for a lot of young kids not just in Africa, but in the Highlands as well.
"Kids who may have a dream of becoming a footballer one day, but you have to train really hard, every day with a ball at your feet."