By Theophilus Sampah sponsored by Ghana Olympic Committee
Ghana once again etched her name into the growing history of African youth cycling as the nation featured in the cycling event of the 2025 Africa Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, marking her second appearance at the continental youth multi-sport festival.
Flying the national colours alone was young cycling sensation Mubarak Shaaban Mohammed, guided by his coach Shaaban Mohammed. Despite the odds, Mubarak proudly carried Ghana’s hopes on his shoulders, embodying resilience, courage, and the spirit of national representation on one of Africa’s biggest youth sporting stages.
Ghana’s journey in youth cycling at the Africa Youth Games dates back to 2014 in Botswana, during the second edition of the Games, when the country made its debut with one cyclist — Frank Akuffo David Awuku — supported by official Rudolph Mensah.
Eleven years on, the return to the Games in Luanda symbolized continuity, growth, and a renewed commitment to developing cycling at the grassroots level.
This time, Mubarak Shaaban Mohammed took the mantle as the sole flag bearer for Ghana in the cycling competition. Competing in two demanding events — the Individual Time Trial (ITT) Men’s Youth Category, a distance of 13.48 kilometers and the Road Race Men’s Youth Category — the young cyclist showcased determination and maturity beyond his years.
The Individual Time Trial event was originally designed for athletes aged 14 to 16 years, aligning with the Games’ core objective of building a strong youth base for African cycling. However, last-minute changes to include 17- and 18-year-old cyclists introduced unexpected challenges and confusion, affecting the overall dynamics and outcomes of the races.
In the fiercely contested Road Race, which covered a distance of 94.36 kilometers (7 laps of 13. 48 kilometers) Mubarak faced stiff competition from older and more experienced riders. He was eventually lapped and withdrawn from the race in line with international cycling regulations. While the result may not have gone Ghana’s way, the experience provided invaluable exposure and learning for the young athlete.
At the end of the competition, Algeria clinched first place, Ethiopia finished second, and Tunisia secured third, underlining the depth of cycling talent across the continent.
For Ghana, however, the true victory lay beyond podium finishes. Mubarak Shaaban Mohammed’s participation stands as a symbol of hope for the future of Ghanaian cycling. Competing alone against a strong field, he demonstrated bravery, discipline, and an unwavering belief in his abilities — qualities that form the foundation of sporting excellence.
As Ghana continues to invest in youth development, Mubarak’s journey in Luanda will serve as inspiration for young cyclists back home, proving that with commitment, support, and opportunity, Ghana can steadily rise in African cycling.
