The Black Stars of Ghana will take on their Egyptian counterparts in the last group game of the 2018 World Cup Qualifier on Sunday at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium and despite the result being inconsequential to who makes it to Russia, because Egypt have already qualified, the excitement associated with being a ball boy on the day is not historic but encouraging.
As young as ten years, the little ones are charged up to perform their flawless duties with superlative zeal and endless hardwork.
The role of the ball boy has always been overlooked by the media in most cases but the success of every football game is is not without the stupendous role of the ball boy.
A little delay in rolling up his sleeves to perform his role in absolute aptness on some occasions see players busting up with them, with fans also directing their insults to them especially when they are at the losing side.
The ball boy can decide the number of balls used in the game at a particular point in time especially when the side they support is on the verge of winning.
In effect, the ball boy plays a key role in determining the outcome of games on some occasions but they are given little or no attention with the writers' pens pointed in a different direction, the camera man's lenses fixed on the goal.
But a closer interaction with the ball boys for Sunday's clash reveals the rapturous moments in their lives with most of them having their eyes fixed on the on the stars on display.
Joseph Essien is just ten years old and can't wait to be a ball boy on Sunday for the simple reason of being encouraged to also become a star in future.
"I am excited. I can't wait for Sunday. I am a footballer and I want to get close to some of these Stars for them to encourage me. I want to be like them and working closely with them assures me," little Essien narrates to Ghanasoccernet.
For Emmanuel Gyasi, a promising future winger, he will be disappointed if Christian Atsu foes not play as he has always been dying to meet the Newcastle winger and thinks this is the right opportunity for him.
"I am a winger and have always been dreaming of playing like Atsu. I am a ball boy today because I want to be closer to them and get motivated. I'll be sad if Atsu does not play on Sunday," he said.
And it has been the same feeling for 11 year old Amadu Ishak who has been dreaming of meting Harrison Afful.
"I am a striker but Afful has always been the player I have loved most. He is a great player and I get motivated anytime I sent him. I am dying to meet him," Amadu disclosed to Ghanasoccernet.
So it's not just about being ball boys but the experience is a real festival for the young and ambitious future stars.
The story is told of how Manchester City coach Pep Guardiolar, an ambitious ball boy at the Nou Camp rose to become a top coach at Barcelona and is currently regarded as, not only a great manager, but arguably the greatest manager in the history of Barcelona.
The ball boy - the future star!
By: Sheikh Tophic Sienu @desheikh1 on twitter