Betfred Super League side Salford have appointed Jafaru Awudu Mustapha as their rugby league development officer in Ghana, a first for the sport. The position extends the agreement between the Red Devils and Rugby League Federation Ghana begun in October 2021.

“I look forward to working with the local community, inspiring young athletes, and fostering a love for the game,” said Mustapha. “My goal is to not only teach the skills and strategies of rugby league but also to promote teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. I hope to leave a lasting impact and contribute to the development of future rugby league stars in Ghana who may then go on to wear the Red Devils badge.”

Mustafa enrolled on the first rugby league match officials and coaching course in Accra in 2012, progressing to be general manager of RLFG, national team manager and lead on the Middle East Africa Championships. 

Middle East Africa & Americas regional director, Remond Safi, commented: “The Red Devils continue to lead the way for professional clubs in Africa, not only supporting and developing the game, but also promoting good practice. If the game is to thrive in developing nations such as Ghana, and if we are to unlock the next generation of performance, we need to have more partnerships like this to truly make the sport accessible.”

Salford Red Devils managing director, Paul King, added: “We have talked from day one of this partnership being a long-term plan, that the end goal is to see Ghanian players succeeding at the highest level in rugby league, wearing the Salford badge and bringing their talent to the UK. To do that, of course, we also know nations such as Ghana need support, resource and education and the hope is that the Salford brand will catalyse our ambition of creating and sustaining a generation of Salford and rugby league enthusiasts in West Africa and further afield.”

“We have known for some time that a dedicated member of rugby league staff in Ghana will not only help the sport flourish in our nation but give our young players the chance to showcase their talents on a grander scale,” commented RLFG president Julia Storey. “We thank Salford for their connection to our community, and the support they have shown to the RLFG.”

Mustapha’s first assignment will be mass coaching within the local school’s network while mapping a performance pathway for the juniors, youth and adult age groups.