
Sélikalakaha emerged triumphant in the 6th edition of the Dominique Ouattara football tournament, defeating Diogaha Football Club in a thrilling final held on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at Alassane Ouattara Square in Tafiré.
Chaired by the sub-prefect of Tafiré, Marcel Brou N’Dépo, the tournament, dedicated to toddlers, has become a highlight of the school holiday sporting calendar in the commune, attracting significant local attention.
“During this meeting, I was able to observe some very promising young talents.
With the agreement of their parents and supervisors, I am committed to directing them to training centers in Abidjan, where they will be able to combine education and sport so that great athletes from Tafiré, our white land, are born,” said Mayor Coulibaly Sounkalo following the final.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to First Lady Dominique Ouattara for her consistent support and attention to the commune, noting that her involvement has been crucial to the success and continuity of the tournament.
Launched on 10 August, this year’s edition featured 18 teams, including squads from the villages of Kolokaha and Badikaha, highlighting the tournament’s growing reach and role in nurturing young football talent across the region.
Local organisers emphasised that beyond competition, the event serves as a platform for identifying promising players and providing pathways for professional development.
The focus on education alongside athletic training aims to produce well-rounded young athletes capable of excelling both on and off the field.
The tournament has increasingly become a springboard for nurturing the next generation of Ivorian footballers, reinforcing Tafiré’s reputation as a cradle for sporting talent. Community leaders hope that continued investment in youth sports, combined with the support of national figures like the First Lady, will sustain and expand the tournament in the years to come.
As Sélikalakaha celebrates its victory, attention now turns to the young players identified for further training in Abidjan, who could become the future stars of Ivorian football.