By Adnaan Mohamed
Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) has announced the launch of its first-ever African youth football tournament, the Roc Cup, marking a significant step in the organisation’s expansion into the continent’s football landscape.
The inaugural tournament will be hosted at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra from 23 to 28 February 2026, and will feature 10 elite youth teams from five African nations competing in a round-robin format.
The participating countries include Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, with several of the continent’s most respected academies set to take part. The event is positioned as a cornerstone of RNSI’s long-term strategy to establish a meaningful presence in African football and to create clear development pathways for young players.
“The Roc Cup is more than just a tournament, it is a visible declaration of our commitment to African football,” said Grant Veitch, Director of African Football Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports International.
“After signing several incredible teenage talents last year, we are solidifying our investment by hosting this special event. We aim to inspire local communities and to hopefully provide a genuine European pathway for the continent’s brightest emerging stars.”
All matches will be played at the 10,000-capacity University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with free public entry to ensure accessibility for families, students and aspiring young footballers across Accra.
Beyond the action on the pitch, the Roc Cup aims to deliver tangible community benefits. Local volunteers will be involved in the event, while small businesses and vendors in the surrounding area are expected to benefit from increased activity during the tournament period.
A key objective of the Roc Cup is talent identification, with both international and African scouts expected to attend. RNSI hopes the tournament will serve as a competitive platform where emerging players can be assessed in a high-level environment, strengthening links between African academies and European opportunities.
The long-term vision is for the Roc Cup to become an annual fixture on the African youth football calendar, contributing to sustainable talent development across the continent.
Participating teams
- Benab FC (Ghana)
- Tripple 44 FC (Nigeria)
- Sporting Lagos (Nigeria)
- Zilina Africa (Ghana)
- Empire FC (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Fadama Field Masters (Ghana)
- Semper Fi (Ghana)
- Racing Club d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
- SOAR Academy (Guinea)
- Kadji Sports Academy (Cameroon)
Key South African sports figures already with Roc Nation
Several prominent South African sportsmen and women are associated with Roc Nation Sports, the management agency founded by Jay-Z.
The agency has a strong focus on South African talent across rugby, cricket, netball, and soccer, as well as a partnership with the Sharks rugby team.
The SA sports stars include the following:
- Siya Kolisi: The Springbok captain, who signed with the agency to manage his brand and commercial ventures.
- Cheslin Kolbe: Rugby World Cup-winning wing.
- Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira: Former Springbok prop.
- Temba Bavuma: Proteas test cricket captain.
- Bongiwe Msomi: Former SPAR Proteas netball captain.
- Lungi Ngidi: Proteas fast bowler.
- Emile Witbooi: 16-year-old Cape Town City FC starlet and soccer prodigy.
- Siyabonga Mabena: Mamelodi Sundowns young forward.
- Neo Bohloko: Kaizer Chiefs young striker.
Roc Nation has expanded heavily into African football, signing young talent from the PSL and other African nations, with a focus on holistic career development.
