Rana Motors, the sole distributor of the Kia brand of vehicles in Ghana in partnership with Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced the winner of Kia’s sponsored Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) competition; an opportunity for a young talented footballer between the ages of 10-14 years to be at this year’s FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 as an OMBC. The search began immediately after the launch on the 17th of August. 26 entries were received from across the country through GFA’s Regional Chairmen who were tasked to select and send the best 2 entries from each Region. After a detailed evaluation of all entries (Individual Videos & Narration), the number was pruned to the best five.
“To Dora, this is not just a dream come true but a statement to all young female footballers that Every Move Matters.”
Dora’s journey to becoming Ghana’s first-ever Official Match Ball Carrier is one of mixed blessings. A strong-willed young lady, she nearly quit playing football at the Age of 9 years when she lost her dad, who mentored her at an early age and ensured she never missed regular training. She stayed off football for two years but with encouragement from Mum and the team coach Ali Yakubu, she found the need to develop her mental fortitude and got back to the playing field even though combining school and her passion in the face of limited resources and support did not come easy.
As providence and fate will have it, she entered into the OMBC selection competition by Rana Motors (Kia) in partnership with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Dora getting shortlisted to be part of the five finalists out of a total of 26 entrants was a great first win: more especially being the only female to have made it to the top 5.
She turned out to be the most charismatic and affable. The display of talent, skill, and confidence won her the admiration of judges, Ex-World Cup winner David Trezeget and on-lookers at the Coca-Cola World Cup Trophy Tour at Accra Polo club.
Dora and her mum couldn’t hold back tears, rolling over the floor with joy and praises to God when at a surprise event held in the Kia Showroom, she was told that she was the winner of the competition. To Dora, this is not just a dream come true but a statement to all young female footballers and girls in her locality – Abura in Cape Coast.
Dora Kuukua Nyarko is a student of Aburaman SHS, plays for Ali Royals Ladies Football Club, and hails from Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana
Dora is expected to be in Qatar in November to be hosted by Kia & FIFA and have a memorable experience of carrying a match ball onto the pitch ahead of two opposing teams and a referee in one of the World Cup football matches. She will be fully kitted by Adidas, Ghana for her trip to Qatar.
And that’s not all. Just a few days ago. Dora was also selected as one of 6 Hero OMBC kids out of 64 OMBC children worldwide. As a Hero OMIC, Dora will be featured in Kia HQ international content and seen by people all over the globe.
To more and more wins for Dora! Onwards and upwards!
