Head Coach Adrian Heath, along with OCYS Technical Director Greg Brick, visited Africa last week on a scouting tour to the countries of Ghana and Senegal. The two visited academies by the capital cities of Accra and Dakar for three days each, evaluating talent who could potentially be a part of the Orlando City SC program.

As a reference point, Orlando’s own Adama Mbengue (Senegal) and Oumar Diakhite (Senegal) were the firsts to come over to the states from OCSC’s now-yearly scouting trip.

OrlandoCitySoccer.com sat down with Heath in a Q&A, finding out about the promise the two countries have in game of soccer along with what a culture shock it is between the U.S. and Senegal/Ghana.

OCSC: What did the trip with you and Greg Brick encompass?

Heath: We evaluated talent from ages 12-19, looking for potential groups that we could foster over in the states. Whether it’s for our academy or pro team, we had our eyes open the entire trip. It gives us a great opportunity to see what is happening in the area.

OCSC: As for a timeline, what were you doing during your week in Africa?

Heath: We began the trip in Dakar, Senegal, spending three days at Sport4Life- an academy run by Stoke City Midfielder Salif Diao. We got to coach the kids in different situations and just watch them play. The same thing occurred in Accra, Ghana. We spent three days there, evaluating and coaching different age groups. It was a fact-finding mission to see the depth and level of talent.

OCSC: Were there differences in play styles between the two countries?

Heath: There are subtle differences between the two. Senegal is French influenced, so they tend to have a better flow to the game. Ghana is more physical, which is just as exciting to watch.

OCSC: Outside of soccer, how eye-opening was the trip?

Heath: You come back a better person. You see how easy your life truly is (back home). You feel like you have nothing to moan or complain about. I’ll never forget trips like the one we just went on. We want to not only find talent, but foster the game all over the world. Whether that’s giving the players pairs of boots, balls or whatever. It’ll make a difference in the end.

OCSC: Ten years down the road, what do you think this relationship could lead to?

Heath: The program is in its infancy with us. It can be a very long and fruitful relationship for both Orlando City and the academies in Senegal and Ghana. We think they are giving us something on the field with the chance to play professionally and we give them something off the field in an education and career in the game.
We hope the academy players think that this is a forward path for them personally. It’s what we hope for.