Black Stars coach Otto Addo has advised his players not to underestimate their next opponent, Uganda, following their recent loss to Nigeria.
Ghana suffered a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria, prompting Addo to stress the importance of their upcoming match against Uganda.
Recognising Uganda as a strong adversary, Addo emphasised the need for thorough preparation and strategic planning.
In a post-match interview with Ghana Football Communications, Addo pointed out Uganda’s strengths, highlighting their talented players and effective gameplay.
“Yeah, we have Uganda on Tuesday and the boys. I think they played well but if they think it will be an easy game, then they are wrong. Uganda is very, very good. I watched them a little bit before now; I have to go deeper,” he said.
“They have good players, we have to have a good plan if we want to win this game. I don’t see us as favourites; it will be an even game. We have to rest now, I have to think about how we play, and maybe we need some fresh legs.
“For me, the most important thing is to get options and to get solutions for the upcoming games so these friendly matches are very, very important for us to know how they play and how they can adapt and take it to theWorld Cup qualifiers in June,” he added.
This charitable act is carried out through his foundation, “The Styler’s Foundation,” with the aim of assisting less privileged Muslim families in the community.
Expressing gratitude for the support he has received from society, Samed sees this donation as a way of giving back.
He emphasised that this gesture aligns with his Islamic faith, specifically fulfilling the Fourth Pillar of Islam, known as Zakat.
The donated items include essentials such as milo, sugar, rice, tea bags, milk, and cocoa powder, among others.
In addition to the donation, Samed offered words of encouragement to fellow Muslims, urging them to seek Allah’s guidance and pray for Ghana’s well-being.
Samed expressed appreciation to Tag Transport Limited, Mr. Tony Bonsu, Cooker, and Sumaila Mohammed for their contributions towards ensuring the success of the donation.
Ghana’s 27-man squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda includes players from various clubs around the world.
Among them are David Akologo from Bolivia, Ibrahim Osman from Nordsjaelland, Nathaniel Adjei from France, and Diomande Mohammed from Rangers of Scotland.
These four, along with Frederick Asare from Asante Kotoko, have earned their debut call-ups due to their standout performances at their respective clubs.
The matches, set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, mark the start of a new era under coach Otto Addo. Additionally, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey returns to the squad after recovering from an injury.
Defender for Fenerbahçe, Alexander Djiku, has withdrawn from the Black Stars squad for their upcoming friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda.
Reports indicate that he requested to be excused and thus did not join the team for the matches scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Djiku’s decision makes him the fifth player to opt out of the squad for various reasons, joining Thomas Partey, Joseph Paintsil, Mohammed Kudus, and Inaki Williams.
While the Ghana Football Association has not officially confirmed Djiku’s absence, 23 out of the 26 invited players are currently available for selection.
The friendly against Nigeria is scheduled for today, March 22, 2024, followed by a match against Uganda on Tuesday, March 26.
Both games will be held at the Stade deMarrakech in Morocco, with kickoff set for 16:00 GMT.
Ivorian midfielder, Mohamed Diomande, recently included in the Black Stars squad for friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda, posted a cryptic message on social media regarding the Ghana Football Association’s efforts to secure his commitment to Ghana.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, March 21, 2024, the Right to Dream Academy graduate expressed gratitude to God for his career progression, which has seen him play for Scottish club Rangers FC and attract interest from Ghana.
However, Diomande stopped short of confirming or rejecting the call-up, instead hinting that he had communicated his decision to Black Stars coach Otto Addo.
“I am really grateful to ALLAH for having achieved part of this dream; that of becoming a professional footballer, it remains the other part; that of joining the national team and also making my parents proud.
“In addition, I am equally aware of the interest in my host country Ghana, where I have spent more than 7 years of my life training as a footballer.
“However, a lot has been said, but I am in direct contact with the manager concerning my decision, and it is he who holds the real information about my choice,” he said.
Diomande, a native of Ivory Coast, is qualified to represent Ghana due to his extensive time spent in the country, including training at the Right to Dream Academy.
He was selected in Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for matches against Nigeria and Uganda scheduled for March 22 and March 26 respectively at Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
However, Diomande is expected to accept acall-up from Ivory Coast, as he has been included in their latest Under-23 squad for an upcoming game against France.
Likewise, goalkeeper David Akologo is likely to withdraw from the squad as he is currently with the Bolivia camp.
This marks Lamptey’s return to the national team after his last appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Lamptey’s absence from the squad has been due to recurring injuries, which have sidelined him from international duty since the 3-2 win over South Korea during the World Cup.
His return is seen as a significant boost for the Black Stars, especially as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June under new coach Otto Addo.
Although Lamptey missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations due to his injuries, his comeback is timely for the national team’s preparations.
Expected to feature in the upcoming matches against Nigeria and Uganda, Lamptey’s presence adds depth to the squad as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing AFCON campaign by securing victories against their rivals, Nigeria.
Ghanaian attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who has been in impressive form for West Ham United in the English Premier League, has been ruled out of Ghana’s upcoming international friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda.
The exclusion is due to a shoulder injury he sustained during a recent Premier League game against Aston Villa.
Kudus, 23, joins a list of players sidelined due to injuries, including Nathaniel Adjei, Thomas Partey, and Elisha Owusu.
Despite playing the full duration of the game, Kudus underwent a medical examination following the match, revealing discomfort in his shoulder that necessitated his absence from the friendlies.
Having scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances for West Ham United this season, Kudus remains one of Ghana’s standout performers in European football.
He has represented the Ghana national team 32 times, scoring eleven goals since his debut in 2019.
The Black Stars, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Otto Addo and his assistants Joseph Laumann and John Paintsil, will face Nigeria on March 22 and Uganda on March 26 at the Stade Grade Marrakech in Morocco.
Ghanaian national football team, the Black Stars, commenced their training sessions in Marrakesh, Morocco, ahead of two friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda scheduled for March 22 and 26, 2024, respectively.
Led by newly appointed head coach Otto Addo and his coaching staff, the team conducted their initial training session with 16 players participating.
Notable players included Tariq Lamptey, Andre Ayew, and Jordan Ayew, among others.
As reported by Football Ghana, the squad size later increased to 23 players with additional arrivals.
A video shared by the Ghana Football Association showcased the players undergoing various training drills, overseen by the coaching staff.
Special attention was given to goalkeepers under the guidance of new goalkeeping coach Fatawu Dauda.
Training activities included ball juggling, rondos, and shooting drills to prepare the players for the upcoming matches.
These friendly games mark Otto Addo’s return to coaching the Black Stars after the team’s disappointing performance in the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
Following that tournament,former coach Chris Hughton and his entire coaching staff were replaced by Otto Addo, Joseph Laumann, John Paintsil, and Fatawu Dauda, aiming to revitalize the team’s performance.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has provided reasons for the absence of Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, and Joseph Paintsil from the Black Stars squad for the upcoming friendlies.
Ghana will play against Nigeria and Uganda during the March international break, with matches scheduled for March 22 and March 26, respectively, in Morocco.
Otto Addo, who has returned for a second spell with the Black Stars, has named a 26-man squad for the friendlies, including four debutants: Frederick Asare, Nathaniel Adjei, Mohammed Diomande, and Ibrahim Osman.
However, Partey, Inaki, and Paintsil were not included in the squad, and the GFA has clarified their omission from the test games.
Partey, who plays for Arsenal, requested his exclusion from the squad to focus on regaining full fitness after recent injuries.
Inaki opted out of the games to rest and recover fully from recent injury setbacks.
John Paintsil, on the other hand, is having challenges with immigration documentation and hence cannot leave the United States of America.
“As a result of his move to the United States, there are some further immigration documentation procedures he must embark upon which is why he is unable to travel outside the United States until the process is completed,” the Black Stars wrote.
🚨Reasons for the omission of Thomas Partey, Joseph Painstil and Inaki Williams from Ghana’s squad:
Joseph Painstil: As a result of his move to the United States, there are some further immigration documentation procedures he must embark upon which is why he is unable to… pic.twitter.com/KofAJ6RR7t
Otto Addo has settled on John Painstil, and Fatawu Dauda as his assistant coaches as he takes up the role of Black Stars head coach.
Lauman, a UEFA pro-license holder, who previously played in Cyprus, Germany, and Vietnam has had stints with Standard Liege, VfL Bochum, and Barnsley in the English championship.
Former Fulham player John Painstil played West Ham United, Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa, Berekum Arsenal and Liberty Professionals. He featured in two FIFA World Cup tournaments for Ghana before retiring.
Paintsil is a Ghanaian legend with 89 caps, a former captain, and a member of the squad that won bronze in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. He served as an assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs and a CAF Licence B holder.
Fatawu Dauda, a former goalkeeper of Voradep, Okwahu United, AshantiGold and Orlando Pirates, represented Ghana 23 times and featured in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Ghana Football Association has assured its readiness to provide the necessary support to the newly formed technical team to ensure their success.
The GFA has also called on Ghanaians to exercise patience and offer the team their full backing as the nation embarks on this rebuilding process.
Otto Addo who has recently been appointed head coach of the senior national team, Black Stars, has named a 26-man provisional squad for the friendlies in the upcoming international break.
There are five new players in the squad and among them is Asante Kotoko’s Frederick Asare. The other four are Bolivia-based David Akologo, who has also been invited to the Bolivia national team, Lorient’s Nathaniel Adjei, Mohammed Diomande of Rangers and Nordsjaelland’s Ibrahim Osman.
Tariq Lamptey is also making a return to the squad after his return from a long-term injury. He missed the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire due to his injury. Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has also made it to the provisional squad.
Ghana is set to face Nigeria on March and Uganda four days later.
German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have penned a heartfelt message to outgoing talent coach Otto Addo, who is leaving the club to become the head of the Black Stars.
In a social media message, Dortmund confirmed the imminent arrival of Otto Addo as Ghana’s coach, wishing him success in his new job.
Dortmund expressed belief that Otto Addo, who has worked on some of their finest talents, will bring his expertise to bear and succeed with Ghana.
“Borussia Dortmund talent coach Otto Addo will part ways in the summer as he embarks on his new role as coach for the Ghanaian national team.
“We wish him nothing but the best as he embraces this exciting new chapter in his career! Thank you for everything, Otto,” the statement reads.
Borussia Dortmund and talent coach Otto Addo will part ways in the summer as he embarks on his new role as coach for the Ghanaian national team.
We wish him nothing but the best as he embraces this exciting new chapter in his career!
Otto Addo’s return as the coach of the Black Stars was officially announced on Friday, March 15, 2024, through a press release issued by the Ghana Football Association.
According to the statement, Otto Addo has made a significant impression on the selection committee, securing a three-year contract to lead the Black Stars.
The announcement underscores Addo’s successful candidature and highlights the confidence placed in him to guide the national team forward.
GFA President Kurt Okraku is quoted in the statement to have said, “Otto was exceptional in the interview process and was rated highly by the search committee, hence the decision.”
“There were some brilliant individuals among the coaches who applied for the job, so the committee took the pain to interview a chunk of them to pick their thoughts on their intentions to transform the team within a short period of time due to our peculiar situation.
“The Committee was overly satisfied with Otto’s performance for which reason he was recommended to the Executive Council for approval,” President Simeon-Okraku added.
The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association has approved the decision of the five-member Black Stars Head Coach search committee to appoint Otto Addo as the next coach of Ghana.
This decision was made following a long but decisive emergency meeting of the Executive Council on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
During the meeting, the Council reviewed the report of the search committee, which was led by Vice President Mark Addo, and further deliberated on the matter.
As a result, the Ghana Football Association has reached an agreement with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund for Otto Addo to be released to take up the coaching position.
Otto Addo will be offered a 34-month contract with an option for a further 24 months.
“Otto was exceptional in the interview process and was rated highly by the search committee, hence the decision,” President Simeon-Okraku told ghanafa.org
“There were some brilliant individuals among the coaches who applied for the job, so the committee took the pain to interview a chunk of them to pick their thoughts on their intentions to transform the team within a short period of time due to our peculiar situation”
“The Committee was overly satisfied with Otto’s performance for which reason he was recommended to the Executive Council for approval,” President Simeon-Okraku added.
Otto will be allowed by Borussia Dortmund to join Ghana for the March international window, after which he will travel back to the club to officially hand over and take up the job permanently in May this year.
In December 2022, Otto Addo revealed the reason behind his decision to leave his position as Coach of the Black Stars, saying the decision is not only in his hands.
“The decision is not only in my hands, before I even started working with the GFA, everybody knew I had a contract with Dortmund and to even come here was very difficult and the GFA put a lot of effort to get me released,” he said in a press briefing in Qatar on Saturday following Ghana’s exit from the World Cup.
“What you have to know is the position I have as a talent coach is very crucial to Dortmund. We produce a lot of big talents. It is a crucial and important position for the club’’.
“Normally they won’t have to let me go but because I want to help the country and the GFA went there and had good talks, they released me for six months,” he added.
Addo won four games during his time with the Black Stars, beating Madagascar and South Korea in competitive games with the other victories coming against Nicaragua and Switzerland in friendlies.
Ghana qualified for the World Cup at the expense of Nigeria on 1-1 aggregate following a goalless draw in Kumasi and 1-1 in Abuja on March 29, 2022.
The Black Stars lost to Brazil and Uruguay and grabbed a 1-1 draw against Central African Republic in the other games under Otto Addo.
Ghana crashed out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament after finishing bottom of Group H with three points.
The team suffered two defeats to Portugal (3-2) and Uruguay (2-0) and defeated South Korea 3-2 in the other Group match.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to unveil Otto Addo as the new manager of the Black Stars on March 15, 2024, according to a report by Sport Obama TV on YouTube.
Addo, a German-based trainer, is said to have been offered a long-term contract to spearhead Ghana’s new football project.
Reports from Nhyira FM suggest that Addo emerged as the top choice among all candidates interviewed for the vacant position.
If appointed, he will succeed Chris Hughton, with whom he closely collaborated during his previous stint.
Hughton initially served as a technical advisor before assuming the head coach role after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
BREAKING NEWS 📢
Otto Addo returns to Ghana as new Black Stars trainer.
The GFA is expected to announce Otto Addo as replacement of Chris Hughton as new coach latest March 15, 2024.
Addo’s inaugural task, should he assume the role, will be to lead the Black Stars in international friendlies against Uganda and Nigeria scheduled to take place in Morocco in March 2024.
Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil has quickly made an impact in Major League Soccer (MLS), earning a spot in the Team of the Week after just two games with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Paintsil’s outstanding performance during Galaxy’s 3-1 victory over San Jose Earthquake in the Cali Clasico secured his place in the prestigious lineup.
He showcased his talent by scoring a goal and providing an assist, contributing significantly to Galaxy’s unbeaten start to the season after drawing 1-1 with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the opener.
Galaxy’s head coach, Greg Vanney, praised Paintsil’s exceptional display and emphasised his quality following the derby win over San Jose.
Recently joining Galaxy from KRC Genk in the Belgian league, Paintsil was named Team of the Week on the left side, alongside Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez and Messi, who occupied the central and right positions, respectively.
Suarez and Messi, former FC Barcelona teammates, played pivotal roles in Inter Miami’s dominant 5-0 triumph over Orlando City. Both players scored twice, contributing significantly to their team’s emphatic victory.
Youth and Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, has called for a strategic approach in appointing the next Black Stars coach, suggesting that a minimum three-year contract be offered to foster team development.
Following the departure of Chris Hughton after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to the team’s unsatisfactory performance, the senior national team is currently without a permanent head coach.
Hughton’s tenure began disappointingly in the tournament with a loss against Cape Verde and draws against Egypt and Mozambique.
To address the coaching vacancy, a five-member committee was formed to recommend a suitable candidate to the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Although the committee has completed its report, the official announcement is pending.
In an interview, Minister Ussif emphasized the importance of stability in coaching appointments for team growth. He highlighted that short-term contracts hinder the team’s progress and advocated for long-term commitments.
“I have proposed that the next Black Stars coach must be awarded a three-year deal or more,” Minister Ussif stated during an interview with Asempa FM, highlighting the necessity for a change in approach to propel the team forward.
Multiple reports in the media indicate that Otto Addo is the frontrunner to be reappointed as the Black Stars coach.
Former Asante Kotoko coach, Isaac ‘Opeele’ Boateng, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to consider appointing Black Queens coach Nora Haptle as the next manager for the Black Stars.
Boateng emphasised the importance of being forward-thinking and suggested that Ghana could make history by appointing a female coach for their senior men’s team.
In a tweet, Opeele expressed his unwavering confidence in the Swiss trainer, stating that she would be an excellent choice for the Black Stars job.
“Sometimes, I wish Ghana could live in the future to be the first to appoint a woman as their senior national team coach. The first to gain independence in Southern Sahara can be the first to do this. Nora can coach the Black Stars, trust me. Unthinkable, right?” he wrote.
The Black Stars coaching position has remained vacant since Chris Hughton’s dismissal following the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
In a recent announcement, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) revealed that the Black Stars coach search committee has concluded its evaluation process and submitted its report.
Nora Hauptle has garnered praise from Ghanaians for her accomplishments with the Black Queens. Since assuming the role of Black Queens coach in January 2023, she has overseen significant achievements, notably guiding the team to qualify for the WAFCON for the first time since 2018.
Under her leadership, the team has demonstrated remarkable performance, winning 10 out of 13 games, with two draws and one loss.
The rejuvenated Black Queens have netted 37 goals while conceding just six.
However, Nora Hauptle’s project faced a setback when the Black Queens narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games after a 4-3 aggregate loss to Zambia.
Sometimes, I wish Ghana can live in the future to be the first to appoint a woman as their senior national team coach. First to gain independence at Southern Sahara can be the first to do this. Nora can coach the Black Stars trust me. Unthinkable Right? 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/pmPySagWP3
Ace sports presenter Bright Kankam Boadu dismisses rumours suggesting that the Ghana Football Association is preparing to pay $2 million to Borussia Dortmund for the release of Otto Addo to Ghana.
Boadu vehemently refutes these claims, asserting that such a financial arrangement lacks credibility.
During a panel discussion on his Pure FM sports show, Boadu adamantly rejected the allegations, going as far as threatening to organise a protest if they were proven to be true.
“There are rumours that Ghana will have to pay $2 million to Borussia Dortmund for Otto Addo. I’m not sure it’s $2 million. I don’t want to believe it. It is not true. Only a mad person will pay such an amount.
“Are we going to pay Dortmund $2 million and also pay Otto Addo for doing his work as Black Stars coach? Assuming we pay that $2 million and also pay Otto Addo $50,000, we would be spending $600,000 on him per year.
“In two years, it will be $1.2 million. If you add it to the $2 million, we would be spending $3.2 million on him for two years. $3.2 million can hire a coach of Mourinho’s calibre,” he said.
Following reports of Otto Addo’s interview for the Black Stars position, speculations have arisen regarding the Ghana Football Association’s potential payment to Dortmund for the release of their youth coach.
Otto Addo is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Chris Hughton, who was relieved of his duties following Ghana’s disappointing performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
During the tournament held in Ivory Coast, Hughton’s Black Stars managed two draws and suffered one defeat in the three Group B matches played.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed grave concern over the performance of theBlack Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations during his State of the Nation(SONA) address on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
He characterised it as a clear indication of the team’s current dire state and the urgent need for intervention.
President Akufo-Addo pointed out that the Black Stars have been on a steady decline since 2014, with the 2023 AFCON serving as a stark reminder of the depth of their decline.
He stressed the necessity for immediate action to reverse the downward trajectory that Ghanaian football has experienced over the past decade.
“It is fair to say that, since the sad events of Brazil in 2014, many Ghanaians have been left disappointed by some of the recent results of the Black Stars. Various attempts have been made to revive the fortunes of the national team and rebuild the enthusiasm of the people with varying degrees of success.
“The recent AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire was probably the nadir of the performance of the Black Stars, and has left the nation saddened. However, I am quite certain that the young men and the technical handlers would, themselves, have wanted to make our nation proud, and I believe that the captain, Andre Dede Ayew, meant every word when he rendered heartfelt apologies on behalf of his team-mates to all Ghanaians for the team’s early exit,” he said.
To address the continuous downward spiralling of Ghanaian football, President Akufo-Addo says his government will institute the Presidential Policy on Football.
This policy, according to the president, will see the government working with the Ghana Football Association to develop football at the grassroots level.
“Mr Speaker, I believe it is time for us to take a long-term, far-sighted approach to correct what has gone wrong. It is time to return to scouting, grooming and developing talent at the district grassroots level under a Presidential Policy on Football that I intend to unveil.
The school sports department of the Ministry of Education will work hand in hand with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration and synergy with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), to build district, regional and national juvenile teams for both boys and girls,” he said.
The Black Stars endured a disappointing campaign in the 2023 AFCON, failing to secure a single victory in any of their three matches.
Ghana suffered defeats to Cape Verde and managed only draws against Egypt and Mozambique, accumulating a mere two points out of a possible nine.
In the aftermath of their premature exit from the tournament, the GFA took decisive action by dismissing coach Chris Hughton. They are currently in search of a suitable replacement to lead the team forward.
The Black Stars head coach search committee has completed its report and recommendations, which were presented to President Simeon-Okraku on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
ow, the Executive Council will review these recommendations to determine the next steps in appointing the Black Stars coach.
Following the resolution of the coaching decision, the FA plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other key stakeholders for their support.
The Executive Council had previously tasked a five-member committee, chaired by Vice President Mark Addo, to find a new coach for the senior men’s national team after the departure of Chris Hughton.
The committee’s mandate included identifying suitable and competent coaches for consideration, even if they did not formally apply for the position.
Comprising Vice President Mark Addo, Banker Kojo Addae Mensah, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association, Ghana Football legend Opoku Nti, and William Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the five-man search committee worked diligently to fulfil their responsibilities.
German coach Winfried Schäfer has expressed his commitment to leading Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if appointed as the Black Stars coach by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Schäfer emphasised that the Black Stars have not performed up to their potential in recent tournaments, and he believes that with the opportunity to coach the team, he can instill the necessary improvements to build a competitive squad capable of securing qualification for the World Cup.
“The team hasn’t been that impressive in their recent tournaments, and I am very ready to help build a good team and also ensure the team qualifies for the next FIFA World Cup,” he told SportsWorldGhana.com.
Additionally, he showcased his familiarity with the Ghana Premier League, affirming his intention to closely observe and consider players from the league for national team call-ups if appointed as the coach of Ghana.
“I know the Ghana League has abundant top talents. A senior team coach needs to be in the country to monitor players and give call-ups to those performing well. I would spend much of my time in the country to help get qualified players in the league to be part of the Black Stars,” he added.
Winfried Schäfer has officially applied for the vacant Black Stars coaching position and is optimistic about securing the role.
With previous experience in African football during his tenure in Cameroon from 2001 to 2004, Schäfer brings valuable expertise to the table.
According to a statement released by theGhana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the FA’s Black Stars coach search committee has compiled a list of reputable candidates for the position.
The GFA’s Executive Council is now tasked with deliberating on the list and subsequently announcing the new technical team for the Black Stars.
Ghanaian musician Peter Famiyeh Bozah, popularly known as Fameye, has criticised Ghanaians for subjecting Black Stars players to harsh criticism, which he views as unjustified abuse.
Drawing a parallel between the criticism faced by musicians and that endured by footballers, he argues that both groups are equally affected by insults, which ultimately lead to frustration.
“You frustrate the players and put them under pressure. That is what you do to musicians. You insult the players and their families because of football,” he said on the Lound Lounge show on YouTube.
According to him, the insults weaken both singers’ and footballers’ morale and thus urge Ghanaians to be more constructive in their criticisms.
“You are killing our spirit. Present it well. You can be right, but present yourself in a way that will make people feel that this person is talking out of passion. Present it in a way that won’t be insulting. We can solve it without destroying it,” he submitted.
Following their early elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the Black Stars encountered harsh criticism from Ghanaians.
Ghana Football Association Executive Council member Gifty Oware-Mensah has sparked controversy by offering a surprising justification for why the senior national football team, the Black Stars, receives preferential treatment over other national teams.
The senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, is currently facing challenges with outstanding bonuses from their qualification games for both the African Women’s Cup of Nations and the 2024 Olympic Games. Each player is reportedly owed $7,500, even after their bonuses were reduced by 50%.
Reports indicate that the players are considering boycotting the final Olympic qualifier against Zambia on February 23 if the bonuses are not paid.
This situation has arisen shortly after Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif confirmed that the Black Stars players had been paid their bonuses before the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, a competition where Ghana exited at the group stages for the second consecutive tournament.
In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports, Gifty Oware-Mensah, who also serves as the Chairperson for the Black Queens Management Committee, appeared to downplay the seriousness of the Black Queens’ bonus issue, drawing criticism and raising questions about fairness and equality in football administration.
“The Ghana Football Association sells brands and products. Our foremost product is the Black Stars, and this spans across the world, not just in Ghana,” she said.
“The male team is the one that dominates the love and affection from the country.
“I find it quite worrying when I see people try to compare their treatment vis a vis the women’s team.
“They say half a loaf is better than none, and the beauty of it is that the first reason anyone should have to wear the national jersey is because of patriotism,” she added.
The Sports Ministry has assured the Black Queens bonuses will be paid before their Olympic Games qualifier against Zambia.
Management Committee Chair of the team, Gifty Oware-Mensah has told @kweku_lawrence.
Former national team player for the Black Stars of Ghana, Asamoah Gyan has called upon fellow sports legends to join forces in rejuvenating the image of sports in the country.
Gyan emphasized the need for a concerted focus on empowering the youth in various sports sectors, including football, boxing, and athletics.
Expressing his views, Gyan stated, “I believe the time has come for Legends in sports to come together and use their influence, network, and resources in attracting investors into our country and make a meaningful impact on our youth in the sports fraternity, i.e., football, boxing, and other athletics.”
Highlighting the necessity for substantial investment in these sectors, Gyan believes that the collective efforts of sports legends can play a crucial role in not only attracting investors but also bringing Ghana back to its glory days in sports.
“I strongly believe that engaging our youth and grooming them through these avenues can get them to be more focused, make sports more fun and attractive, and eventually bring us together once again just as it used to be in the past. I have started this journey and I humbly invite all my colleagues to join in this cause in reclaiming our football days,” Gyan concluded.
Forson, known for her outspoken views, asserts that the challenges plaguing Ghana’s football scene are not isolated incidents but reflect a persistent issue.
In her commentary, Forson draws parallels between the longstanding economic challenges in the country and the issues surrounding football.
According to her, just as economic problems have endured, football-related concerns have been prevalent for years.
Delving into her own experience, Forson recounted a past stint as a professional football player, revealing that the promised bonuses by the GFA were never delivered.
She expressed her disappointment, asserting, “The sad thing about our football is that like everything in this country, the problems didn’t start today. I remember playing pro football once ( long long story don’t ask,those who know know) and never getting the bonuses they promised. The way e pain me till date.”
Forson’s remarks shed light on the deep-rooted issues within Ghanaian football, emphasising that the challenges faced by the current national team are not new but part of a historical pattern.
As debates over the GFA’s role and the performance of the Black Stars continue, Forson’s perspective adds a nuanced dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding Ghanaian football.
Hundreds of Ghanaian football fans embarked on a demonstration to express their displeasure over the decline in the achievements of the national teams.
The protestors, who started their march at the Obra Spot, seeked reforms towards reviving the game, which is the passion of the nation.
A group of sports journalists are the organisers.
The “Save Ghana Football Demo”, as it is dubbed, was triggered by the poor performance of the senior national team, the Black Stars, at the just-ended 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Some of the protestors carried placards with inscriptions: “Decline in our juvenile football- Sika Di Basabasa,” “Lack of Vision,” Our Domestic League has collapsed”, among others
There is heavy security accompanying demonstrators as they walk through the principal streets of Accra to present a proposal of football reforms to the Sports Authorities.
Speculation surrounding the next technical team for the Black Stars continues to circulate within the media sphere, with Otto Addo emerging as a prominent figure in discussions to succeed Chris Hughton.
On Tuesday, February 21, 2024, reports emerged indicating that former Chelsea star Michael Essien is being considered for the assistant coaching position.
According to the reports, Essien has expressed openness to the opportunity and has welcomed the Ghana Football Association’s approach to serving as deputy to Otto Addo.
There are indications that the Ghana Football Association intends to construct a Black Stars technical team largely comprised of former players from the Black Stars squads spanning 2005 to 2014.
Recent rumours have linked Asamoah Gyan and Adam Kwarasey to potential roles within the team. It’s reported that Gyan may take on the position of custodian trainer, while Kwarasey, a member of the 2014 World Cup team, is under consideration for the role previously held by the esteemed Richard Kingson.
Additionally, Asamoah Gyan is rumoured to be considered as a replacement for Ameenu Shadow, who served as team manager during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Laryea Kingston, who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Black Starlets, is also reportedly being considered for one of the two assistant coach positions.
Denial by GFA Exco member:
A member of the Executive Council of theGhana Football Association, Frederick Acheampong, has expressed shock about the reports flying in the media space over the issue.
“The appointment of the coach does not even stop with the search committee. This is from our level (the Executive Committee). The decision we made was that the search committee should draw up a shortlist of three coaches, so I was surprised to hear that Otto Addo is leading the race as if the search committee is in charge of appointing a coach.
“The search committee is expected to bring three coaches to the Executive Council for further discussions and checks before one person will be chosen amongst the three,” he said in a Kessben FM interview monitored by Footballghana.com.
Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has issued a cautionary message to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) regarding its quest for a new coach for the Black Stars.
Expressing his views, the Member of Parliament for Suame advised against appointing a well-established coach for the team. “Let’s not go for already-made coaches because they don’t add value to the national team.
The up-and-coming ones can help in building a solid team for the Black Stars. It’s time to dwell on the young ones as it was previously done,” he emphasised during parliamentary proceedings.
Following Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Ivory Coast emerged as champions, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) made the decision to part ways with the former Premier League manager and the entire technical staff.
Now, the GFA is actively seeking a new coach to lead the national team.
Amidst these developments, allegations of interference in player selection within the various national teams have emerged in recent years, drawing scrutiny towards the GFA.
These claims resurfaced during the 2023 AFCON when Richard Ofori, who was inactive, was selected as the first-choice goalkeeper over Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Jojo Wollacott.
As a result, Chris Hughton’s team exited the tournament at the group stage without securing a single victory, ultimately leading to his dismissal from the role.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has issued a strong warning, cautioning that players might decline selection for the Black Stars if subjected to severe criticism following subpar performances.
The Black Stars received significant backlash following their disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
Speaking to the press during the GFA’s meet-the-press event in Kumasi, Okraku urged fans to refrain from verbally abusing players, highlighting the negative impact such behaviour could have on player morale and their willingness to represent the national team.
“If we excessively criticise our players when things go wrong, we risk losing their commitment and dedication. That’s why I’ve consistently emphasised the need for unwavering support for our players, regardless of the circumstances,” Okraku stated.
He emphasised the importance of trusting the technical team to make critical decisions regarding player selection, citing the expertise and judgement of the coaching staff.
Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 AFCON saw them finish third in a group that included Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Despite efforts to turn the tournament around, the Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and consecutive 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique, resulting in their early elimination.
This marked the second consecutive tournament in which Ghana failed to advance beyond the group stage, extending the nation’s AFCON title drought to 42 years.
Okraku’s plea underscores the necessity of creating a supportive environment to nurture player development and success, urging fans to stand behind the team through bothtriumphs and challenges.
Head coach of Nsoatreman Football Club, Maxwell Konadu, has emerged as a potential candidate to join the coaching staff of the new Black Stars head coach.
Following the dismissal of coach Chris Hughton last month due to the Black Stars’ failure to progress in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is actively seeking a replacement.
Sources have indicated that Konadu, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Black Stars from 2014 to 2019, may be appointed as a deputy to the incoming head coach.
A five-member committee, tasked by the Ghana FA to identify a suitable candidate, is set to present their findings to the Executive Council by the end of this week. It is anticipated that the new head coach will be announced to the public before the end of February.
While several reports suggest that former Black Stars coach Otto Addo is the frontrunner for the position, Konadu’s potential involvement adds intrigue to the selection process.
Following reports indicating that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is considering reappointing Otto Addo as the new head coach of the Black Stars, the majority of Ghanaians seem highly supportive of this potential decision.
The Ghana senior men’s national team currently finds itself without a permanent coach following the recent departure of Chris Hughton, in the aftermath of the team’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
In response, the GFA has formed a committee tasked with finding a suitable replacement, with specific criteria outlined for the search process.
However, speculation suggests that Otto Addo is emerging as the frontrunner for the position, with discussions reportedly underway between Addo and the GFA.
This prospective appointment is gaining favour among Ghanaian football enthusiasts, who appear to endorse the choice, while the GFA is reportedly inclined to offer Addo a long-term contract.
Otto Addo previously served as head coach in early 2022, stepping in after Milovan Rajevac, and notably guided Ghana to victory over Nigeria in the qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Despite a mixed performance at the tournament itself, Addo’s track record and familiarity with the team are seen as assets for the role.
After the World Cup, he returned tohis coaching duties at German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund.
The four-time Africa Champions have failed to impress in the past three tournaments, facing elimination during the group stages. These tournaments include two AFCONs and a FIFA World Cup.
Prior to their disappointing outing at AFCON 2023, the Black Stars were prematurely ousted from the group stage at AFCON 2021 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
In an address to Parliament, Mustapha Ussif underscored the unacceptable nature of the Black Stars’ performances in these tournaments, particularly given the substantial investments made by the government in the team.
“The Black Stars’ performance in the last three major tournaments, namely the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire, where Ghana exited at the group stages of all three tournaments, notwithstanding government’s continuous huge investment in the team, is not acceptable,” he stated.
At the 2023AFCON tournament, where Ivory Coast emerged as winners, the Black Stars were eliminated in the group stage, finishing third in Group B with two points. They managed two draws and suffered one defeat.
Ghanaian media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, has asserted that the main issue facing Ghanaian football is not the national team, the Black Stars, but rather the state of the local league.
She made these remarks on a live studio discussion with 3Music TV where she is disappointed in the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, an, the Head of Communications of the GFA, Henry Asante Twum for poorly managing football in Ghana
The broadcaster said Ghana football is ‘dead’ and the Ghana Premier League is also at the verge of collapsing.
“Our football is dead! Have you followed the local league? Forget about the Black Stars, because they don’t matter. The real problem is our local league. It is dead!” she said.
Nana Aba added that the recent protest by some football lovers, dubbed “Save Ghana Football,” was futile and that the only solution was to dissolve the GFA and get a ban from FIFA, the world football governing body.
“Yesterday, I saw that protest, the ‘save Ghana football‘. It’s not going to do anything. What we should do is dissolve that FA, get a ban from FIFA, and put our house in order. And putting a house in order doesn’t mean putting friends and cronies there. It means to put people with sense there to work,” she said.
Ghanaian media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, asserts that only 8% of the politicians in Ghana are sensible. https://t.co/LbZjb1Xzkn
Ghanaian sports Journalists and football enthusiasts embarked on a “Save Ghana Football’ demonstration on February 14, 2024, under the banner of “#Save Ghana Football,” calling for the GFA president’s resignation and the disbandment of the executive committee.
One of the lead conveners, Saddick Obama, said the demonstration was necessitated by the decline of football over the years with proposed solutions by stakeholders not yielding positive results.
Thus, a petition was presented to parliament at the end of the protest outlining concerns such as, Institute a commission of inquiry, develop a national football policy, dissolution of search committee’s report on the appointment of a new Black Stars coach and several others.
Below is a document containing details of the petition:
Following their disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana has experienced a significant decline in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
The Black Stars, previously ranked 61st at the end of 2023, have now plummeted six places to 67th globally, reflecting their regression on both the global and African rankings.
Currently occupying the 14th position on the CAF rankings, Ghana has been surpassed by Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo, who have all moved ahead of the four-time AFCON winners.
This decline follows Ghana’s premature exit from the 2023 AFCON, where they managed to secure only two points from three matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire, the champions of the 2023 AFCON hosted in Cote d’Ivoire, have seen a significant rise in their ranking, climbing ten places to 39th globally.
Nigeria, the runners-up, have also made substantial progress, moving up 14 places to 28th. Additionally, Angola, who was eliminated by Nigeria in the quarterfinals, experienced the mostconsiderable improvement, climbing 24 places to 93rd in the global rankings.
Addo, currently a member of Borussia Dortmund’s coaching staff, previously led the Black Stars during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, successfully securing Ghana’s qualification for the tournament ahead of Nigeria.
However, Ghana’s campaign in Qatar ended in disappointment as they exited the competition at the group stage with two losses and one win.
Following Addo’s departure from the role, Chris Hughton was appointed as head coach.
Despite significant support, Hughton couldn’t guide the team to success, leading to his dismissal after Ghana’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Amid the ongoing search for a new head coach, recent reports indicate a potential return for Otto Addo.
Discussions within the GFA suggest that the former Black Stars player is being considered for the position, with the possibility of him assuming the role before the end of February.
Ace sports journalist Bright Kankam Boadu has asserted that the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Professor Peter Twumasi, would face imprisonment if the government were truly committed to combating corruption and the misuse of public funds.
Kankam Boadu made these remarks during an interview on Pure FM, where he criticised Professor Twumasi for incompetence and financial mismanagement.
He stated that both Professor Twumasi and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif lack a clear plan or vision for sports development, implying that their leadership is ineffective and unreliable.
“He is the biggest joker. If Ghana was a proper country, he would be in jail by now. Professor Twumasi would be in prison if we were a serious country. To date, we still cannot find the pick-up vehicle. That man has nothing to offer. He and the sports minister have nothing good to offer Ghanaians.”.
Professor Twumasi faced criticism following his testimony before the Public Accounts Committee, where he was reprimanded by the committee chairman for disregarding directives from the Minister of Youth and Sports.
The chairman raised concerns about the transfer status of Tieku Alexander, the Central Regional Director of the NSA, who was supposed to relocate from Cape Coast to the Eastern Region but failed to comply.
In response, Minister Mustapha Ussif explained that he ordered Tieku’s transfer after the latter refused to grant access to a team assigned to repair the stadium grass in Cape Coast.
“I got an expert pitch maintenance officer, and then I made a recommendation to the director general that the director general should ensure that once that Independence Day celebration is done, we get more hands in addition to the original people who are maintaining the pitch so that we can put the pitch in shape for the match to be able to take place,” the minister told the committee.
He stated that the pitch maintenance expert from Right to Dream Academy arrived at Cape Coast to carry out his duty but was denied access by the regional director despite his intervention in the matter.
“The young man came to Cape Coast and when he went to the regional director, the regional director said that he had not received instructions from the director general and because of that, he wouldn’t allow the man to go there.
“Then I personally called him, and I said, Listen, I am the Minister for Sports. I directed the director general to get this young man to help those who are already working there because I’ve identified him as a very good person.
“Then I called the director general to say I had called your regional director. the young man is there, so make sure that he gives him access to support them and put the place in shape because in the next two weeks we will be playing a match.
“All the instructions I gave, they did not take those instructions. Then it became a very big problem and we had to reschedule the match to Kumasi,” he said.
The minister explained that he later called for a meeting where he issued the instructions for Mr Tieku’s transfer in response to the “disrespect” of disobeying his instructions.
“I gave instructions and those instructions were not taken,” he added.
Mr. Tieku defended himself by pointing out a discrepancy in the transfer letter he received. While the heading indicated a transfer to the head office, the body of the letter stated relocation to the Eastern Region. He sought clarification from the director general, who instructed him to remain in Cape Coast.
Although Mr. Tieku acknowledged signing the transfer letter, Professor Twumasi informed the committee that he instructed the regional director to stay in Cape Coast due to upcoming matches scheduled to be played there.
“I asked him to support the home matches that we were playing there because it was very critical. We needed to honour those home matches and at the time it required a lot of attention and somebody very much experienced until we rectified the issue that he raised,” he justified.
Mr. Twumasi characterised the situation as a complete misunderstanding rather than a matter of disrespect towards the minister.
Following further questioning of the NSA director general, the committee chairman concluded that, despite issuing Mr. Tieku’s transfer letter, Prof. Twumasi had bypassed the minister’s instructions. He had instructed the regional director to remain on Cape Coast.
“You are not actually respecting the minister at all; you are actually undermining the minister. It is not good. No, Mr Twumasi it is not good,” the chairman said.
While noting the similar occurrences with Mr Twumasi’s appearances before the committee, the chairman directed that Mr Tieku move to the Eastern Region with immediate effect in fulfilment of the transfer letter.
President of theGhana Football Association (GFA),Kurt Okraku, revealed plans to extend a long-term contract to the incoming Black Stars coach.
This declaration came during a press briefing in Kumasi, where Okraku addressed the nation’s dissatisfaction with Ghana’s performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
As GFA President for over four years, Okraku is spearheading the search for the team’s fifth head coach.
“When we find the new set of trainers, it is our collective decision to stay with them for the long haul and all our national teams,” he stated.
Following Ghana’s disappointing exit from the tournament, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) decided to part ways with Chris Hughton and his coaching staff, signalling the start of the search for a new coach.
To streamline the process, the GFA formed a five-member search committee assigned to identify the new coach within a three-week period.
The committee reportedly received over 600 applications for the position.
Ghana’s premature exit from the tournament occurred after the team finished third in a group that included Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
The Black Stars faced a setback with a 2-1 loss to Cape Verde, followed by consecutive 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique, ultimately leading to their elimination from the competition
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed Prof. Joseph Kwame Mintah as its new Technical Director, succeeding Bernhard Lippert, the former German technical director whose contract expired in 2023.
Prof. Mintah brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the GFA’s Director of Coaching Education and as the psychologist for the Black Stars national team.
His impressive academic credentials include a doctorate degree in Education with a specialization in Sport Psychology, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education from the University of Northern Iowa, USA.
Prof. Mintah also holds an Elite CAF Instructors “A” Licence Certificate from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), further highlighting his expertise in the field.
In addition to his administrative roles, Prof. Mintah has practical coaching experience, having served as an Interim Assistant Coach for the Ghana Black Stars during the 2014 AFCON Qualifiers and as head coach of the Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs in the Ghana Premier League from 2010 to 2014.
Outside of football, Prof. Mintah is a distinguished academic, currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Education at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
His passion for the sport dates back to his playing days, where he represented various clubs, including Mysterious Dwarfs FC, Venomous Vipers FC, Diamond Stars FC, and Hafiz Stars FC, in addition to his tenure with the University of Cape Coast men’s soccer team from 1986 to 1990.
General Secretary of theGhana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo, has revealed that former Black Stars head coach James Kwasi Appiah has been offered a different role in the process of appointing a new Black Stars coach.
Despite his extensive experience, Kwesi Appiah was not included in the Ghana Football Association’s search committee tasked with finding the next Black Stars coach, sparking concerns about the committee’s composition.
Harrison Addo clarified that Kwasi Appiah will still have a say in the decision-making process after the search committee submits their recommendations.
Furthermore, Harrison Addo explained that Kwesi Appiah’s involvement in the decision-making process is due to his position as an executive council member of the FA.
“The committee working to select the coach will submit their report to the executive council,” he revealed during the GFA’s press conference on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
“As a member of the GFA EXCO, Kwasi Appiah will bepart of the deliberations and decision-making before we announce a new coach,” he added.
GFA’s search committee comprises notable figures including Mark Addo, the vice president of the GFA; legal practitioner Kojo Addae Mensah, Group CEO of Databank Group; professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Director of Coaching Education of the GFA; Ghana football legend Opoku Nti; and William Caesar Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sport.
They were tasked with submitting their report to the GFA by February 2, 2024.
The vacancy for the Black Stars head coach position arose following the dismissal of Chris Hughton.
Hughton’s departure came after a dismal performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team failed to secure a single victory and exited the group stage with only two points.
In light of the team’s disappointing showing and the ambition to clinch an AFCON title, the GFA emphasised in a statement the need for a “proven winner” to helm the team.
Additionally, qualities sought in the new coach include demonstrated ability in team reconstruction, organisation, and nurturing young talent, as well as being a disciplinarian and possessing strong leadership and tactical skills.
According to Kingston, Gyan has not fully recovered from the hurt of being replaced as captain, a position he believes was taken from him against his will.
He emphasised that Gyan’s lingering anguish becomes evident whenever he discusses the circumstances surrounding the loss of the armband.
“Look at someone like Asamoah Gyan; Dede Ayew got the captaincy by force so if you are speaking to Asamoah now, he is not happy,” he told Graphic Sports.
Before the 2019 AFCON tournament, former Black Stars head coach Kwesi Appiah appointed Asamoah Gyan as the general captain while officially designating Andre Dede Ayew as the team’s captain.
Defending his decision, which faced criticism, especially after Ghana’s early elimination from the tournament, Kwesi Appiah asserted that he believed he made the correct choice.
“It is about doing the right thing. I couldn’t have stripped Gyan of the captaincy and given it to Christian Atsu (or any junior player). Whoever deserves to take over, you give it to him,” he told Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K49cRj09fpo
Laryea Kingston, too, experienced disappointment when he was omitted from Ghana’s squads for the 2006 and 2010 World Cup tournaments, ultimately retiring from international football without ever participating in the prestigious event.
Reflecting on his past, he admitted that he harboured resentment towards the team for some time but has since found a way to move on.
“Myself, what they did to me for so many years, I never supported the Black Stars but just recently I sat down and said, It’s over; let me focus, he said.
Laryea Kingston’s name has emerged as one of the recommendedcandidates for the vacant Black Stars coaching position. Many observers see the former Hearts of Oak player as being on a promising trajectory in his coaching career and believe he has the potential to excel in the role.
Saddick Adams, one of the organisers of the ‘Fix Ghana Football’ demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2024, discovered that his access to the GFA’s Twitter account had been restricted on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
In a social media post, Saddick sought clarification from the President and Communications Director of the GFA regarding the block.
In response to Saddick’s inquiry, Prosper Harrison Addo apologised to the journalist and explained that the block was made in error. He assured Saddick that the issue was promptly rectified after being brought to the attention of the GFA.
“Dear @SaddickAdams, my brother. This was an error and was corrected immediately when it came to our attention. Apologies for this mishap, my brother. Talk to you immediately after meeting the press,” Prosper Harrison Addo stated on X.
Dear @SaddickAdams, my brother. This was an error and was corrected immediately it came to our attention. Apologies for this mishap, my brother. Talk to you immediately after the Meet The Press https://t.co/ughbuKcrvZ
Saddick Adams is among a group of esteemed journalists deeply troubled by the ongoing decline in Ghanaian football. They seek answers from theGhana Football Association (GFA), National Sports Authority, and Ministry of Youth and Sports through a planned protest.
The Ghana Police Service has granted them permission to carry out the protest on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024.
The group comprises prominent figures such as Countryman Songo, Odi Ahenkan Kwame Yeboah, Veronica Commey, and Dan Kwaku Yeboah, among others.
Saddick Adams, the head of sports at Angel Broadcasting Network in Accra, has been blocked by the official Twitter account of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Saddick, who is one of the organisers of the ‘Fix Ghana Football’ demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2024, brought this development to light.
In a post on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Saddick sought clarification from the President and Communications Director of the GFA regarding the blocking.
He emphasised that he has never resorted to using abusive language towards the FA in his campaign for accountability and the revitalization of Ghanaian football. Therefore, he expressed confusion over the decision to block him.
Saddick Adams also sarcastically thanked the manager of the GFA’s Twitter account for the action taken.
Dear my brothers @kurtokraku and @MistarHAT I have never used any offensive words or abused or even tagged GFA on this space. I follow this handle to access information. Whoever is in charge of the handle that has blocked me, thank you very much.”.
As mentioned earlier, Saddick Adams is among the prominent sports journalists leading demonstrations to express their frustration over the state of Ghana football.
This group of respected journalists is deeply concerned about the continual decline of Ghanaian football and aims to use the protest as a platform to demand accountability from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the National Sports Authority, and Ministry of Youth and Sports.
They have obtained permission from the Ghana Police Service to conduct the protest on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024.
Notable figures within the group include Countryman Songo, Odi Ahenkan Kwame Yeboah, Veronica Commey, and Dan Kwaku Yeboah, among others.
Former Ghana assistant coachGeorge Boateng has expressed interest in the vacant head coach position following Chris Hughton’s departure, as reported by Ghanasoccernet.
Boateng, who served as assistant coach under the last two Ghanaian head coaches, believes he is well-equipped to lead the team.
Despite facing competition from over 600 other coaches, Boateng remains confident in his abilities, citing his extensive experience and deep understanding of the team’s dynamics.
Having previously worked alongside Otto Addo and Chris Hughton, Boateng brings valuable experience to the table.
Despite Ghana’s disappointing performance at AFCON 2023, Boateng remains positive about his chances.
Ghana Football Association set a deadline of February 2, 2024, for applications, with a five-member committee currently reviewing submissions and conducting interviews to select thenext head coach.
The search for a new coach by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for theGhana national team, the Black Stars, continues after the dismissal of Chris Hughton.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday in Kumasi to discuss matters related to the national team and the sport in general.
Anticipation is high as the FA addresses the selection of the next coach, with over 600 applications received.
With the next international assignment approaching in March, the FA is expected to shed light on the technical leadership of the Black Stars.
To aid in the selection process, the GFA has formed a committee led by Vice President Mark Addo.
The committee aims to appoint a coach who embodies a winning mentality, aligns with Ghana’s football philosophy, and resonates with the national team’s ethos.
Among the applicants are notable figures such as former Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath, ex-West Ham coach Nikola Jurcevic, and former Black Stars assistant coach Maxwell Konadu.
Other applicants include former Bibiani Goldstars coach Michael Osei.
Christiana Atsu Twasam, the twin sister of the late Black Stars player Christian Atsu, has announced plans for the establishment of the Christian Atsu Memorial Foundation.
The launch is set for March 2024, although the specific date has not been finalised. The foundation aims to honour Atsu’s legacy and perpetuate his philanthropic efforts, which endeared him to many beyond his achievements in football.
“We’ll launch the Christian Atsu Memorial Foundation in March to continue his charity work,” she told the Athletic.
Christiana confirmed that she had fronted her brother’s school project, which he was building for the less privileged before his passing.
“I have the baton to continue his work, but it’s not easy. I have to heal first,” says Christiana.
Regarding how she is holding up the loss, Christiana says his brother’s death has hit her harder than losing her mom and dad.
“I know grieving has five stages, but I don’t know where I am at the moment. Sometimes I’m in denial, sometimes acceptance; it fluctuates and I feel like I’m not progressing. I’ve lost my mom and my dad, but Christian’s leaving has had more impact on me than anything.
She added that on her birthday, which also happens to be Christian’s birthday, she changed scenery to escape her grief but she ended up breaking down.
“I went to Chester. But I broke down there. He was not there.”
Christian Atsu passed away following a tragic earthquake in Turkey. The former Black Stars player was trapped under the rubble for about three days before he was found lifeless on February 8, 2023.
Former Ghanaian footballer Laryea Kingston has expressed his eagerness to take on the position of the next coach for the Black Stars if presented with the chance.
Following the dismissal of Chris Hughton and his coaching staff due to Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, the coaching role for the Black Stars became available.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, Laryea Kingston conveyed his belief in his capabilities to lead the Black Stars.
He highlighted his vast experience and deep understanding of the prerequisites for achieving success at the international level.
Laryea Kingston said, “Of course, I will accept and do it easy. I know the level at which I am now,” highlighting his readiness to become the next Black Stars coach.
Laryea Kingston, who currently serves as the Assistant Coach of the Black Starlets, accumulated 42 appearances for the Black Stars, during which he scored six goals.
Roberto Donadoni, an Italian coach, has shown interest in taking over as the next coach of Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars.
The coaching position for the Black Stars became available after Chris Hughton and his technical team were dismissed following Ghana’s poor performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
Reports indicate that Donadoni, who has previously coached the Italy national team and managed nine other clubs, is interested in leading the Black Stars.
Donadoni’s coaching career began in 2001, and he reached a career high when he was appointed as the head coach of the Italy national team.
During his tenure, Italy made it to the quarterfinals of Euro 2008, where they were defeated by eventual champion Spain in a penalty shootout.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has tasked a committee with finding a successor within three weeks, with applications accepted until February 2, 2024.
GFA has set specific criteria, including a minimum of 15 years of coaching experience, for candidates vying for the Black Stars’ head coach position.
Advocates believe there is a pool of talented coaches within Ghana capable of leading the Black Stars.
When the coaching vacancy was announced, several Ghanaian coaches, including Maxwell Konadu, expressed their interest in the position. Maxwell Konadu, a former Asante Kotoko coach, applied for the job last week, aspiring to fulfil his dream of coaching the national team.
Konadu previously served as an assistant to Kwasi Appiah in 2012 and worked with him during the 2013 AFCON in South Africa and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Following Kwasi Appiah’s dismissal in September 2014, Konadu took over as the Black Stars’ acting coach, successfully guiding the team to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
He later served as Avram Grant’s assistant until Grant’s termination after the 2017 AFCON.
Coach Kwasi Appiah’s reappointment as head coach saw Konadu continue as part of the coaching staff alongside Ibrahim Tanko.
Additionally, Konadu was a member of Milovan Rajevac’s technical team during the 2021 AFCON, where the team exited at the group stage.
Michael Osei
The former Asante Kotoko player has confirmed that he has applied for the Black Stars, as he believes that his time is now.
“Yes, I have applied for the job because I believe that with everything I’ve learned, I am capable of coaching the squad.
“Looking at the team, there are a number of young players like Majeed Ashimeru, Enerst Nuamah, Osman Bukari, and many of the current players who I have coached at the U23 level alongside coach Ibrahim Tanko.
“I’ve been coaching in Ghana for about 12 years, totalling nearly 15 years of coaching experience. Ghana is also my home country, so I understand the culture, have the expertise, and believe now is the time to coach the squad and I’m always a winner.”
Michael Osei, who has previously managed clubssuch as Asante Kotoko and Liberty Professionals and served as an assistant at FSV Frankfurt II, submitted his application for the coaching position.
His most recent coaching role was with Bibiani Goldstars. The deadline for submitting applications, which was set for February 2, 2024, has now passed.
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, has indicated plans to build a new Black Stars team around homegrown footballers if elected President in the 2024 elections.
The decision comes in response to Ghana’s disappointing performance at the recent African Cup of Nations, where the team exited the competition at the group stage for the second consecutive time.
Former President Mahama attributed the Black Stars‘ poor performance to the absence of colts football, which plays a crucial role in developing footballers at the early stages.
“We just came from the Africa Cup of Nations, and we performed abysmally. We performed abysmally because we are not growing our football,” observed Mahama.
“Before we used to have the colts and every district used to organize its colts’ league and they picked the prominent players from there. We used to have the academicals where the schools played against each other and we picked the promising players from there before we come to U-17 and then all the other age groups. Unfortunately, all that has collapsed and so we are going to work with the Football Association to start catching them young so that we can train them and give them to local teams to get experience.”
During a community engagement at Bongo as part of the NDC’s “Building Ghana Tour,” John Dramani Mahama addressed the community’s request for the construction of an astro turf for football development.
The NDC flagbearer pledged that if elected, together with the Ghana Football Association, they will build the Black Stars with homegrown players. Mahama emphasized the importance of nurturing talent at the grassroots level and did not discount the possibility of blending them with some foreign-based Ghanaian players.
“We will build a new Black Stars based on homegrown players, domestic players who have trained together for a long term and work as a team and then we bring the foreign ones to come and blend with them. If you bring only foreign-based players who don’t play together, they play in their individual teams and then when there’s time for competition you bring them and tell them to play it won’t work,” he added.
“We will build a new Black Stars based on homegrown players, domestic players who have trained together for a long term and work as a team and then we bring the foreign ones to come and blend with them. If you bring only foreign-based players who don’t play together, they play in their individual teams and then when there’s time for competition you bring them and tell them to play it won’t work,” he added.
Ghana’s aspirations of securing French coach Herve Renard as the head coach for the Black Stars have faced a significant setback, with reports indicating that Renard has reached an agreement with Egypt.
Multiple credible sources suggest that Renard is on the brink of being appointed as the next head coach of Egypt.
According to these reports, Renard, currently in charge of the French women’s team, has verbally committed to the Egyptian Football Association to assume the coaching role after the 2024 Olympic Games.
During the Olympics, he is set to lead France’s women’s national team.
Renard’s name has been prominently featured in Ghanaian media since the coaching vacancy arose on January 24, 2024.
Following Chris Hughton’s dismissal, who led Ghana in the 2023 AFCON, where they failed to secure a single victory, the search for a new coach has been underway.
The Black Stars’ disappointing performance in the AFCON included a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in the opening game and 2-2 draws with Egypt and Mozambique in the subsequent group matches.
With just two points and a goal deficit, Ghana experienced another early exit from the AFCON, mirroring their fate in the 2021 edition.
