The search for a new coach for the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars, has taken a promising turn after the sacking of Chris Hughton on January 24, 2024, following the Black Stars’ disappointing performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to Sportsworldghana.com’s sources, Otto Addo is leading the race after impressing the selection committee with his vision and coaching philosophy, which aligns with the team’s ethos.
The Black Stars have been without a permanent coach since the dismissal of Chris Hughton and his technical team following a disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Otto Addo who had an illustrious playing career that included stints in top European leagues and 15 caps for the Black Stars is set to return to the Black Stars as head coach.
Addo has gained favour with the selection committee due to his experience and track record. Under his guidance, Ghana qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a victory over Nigeria in the playoffs but ultimately did not advance beyond the group stage in Qatar.
If appointed, Addo will inherit a team in transition, with several young players vying for spots in the starting lineup.
Joining Addo as the First Deputy is none other than Michael Essien, a household name in Ghanaian and global football.
Essien’s stellar career saw him ply his trade at top clubs such as Chelsea and Real Madrid, earning him accolades for his midfield prowess and leadership on the pitch. Now, as he transitions into coaching, Essien’s wealth of experience at the highest level of the game promises to be invaluable in nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian football talent.
Essien currently holds both the UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A licenses and has been working as an assistant coach at Danish club, FC Nordsjaelland.
Sources tell Sportsworldghana.com that Essien is willing to join the national team should he be assured of his job.
Adding to the star-studded lineup is Asamoah Gyan, who’s likely to be appointed as the Second Deputy Coach and Team Manager. Gyan, fondly known as the “Baby Jet”, boasts an impressive international career, holding the record as Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer with 51 goals and also highest African scorer in World Cup history. Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, Gyan’s leadership qualities and experience as a former Black Stars captain make him an ideal candidate to mentor and guide the team both on and off the field.
The 38-year-old currently hold Uefa B coaching license and is interested in coaching at the highest level of football.
Completing the quartet is Adam Kwarasey, who according to the source will be entrusted with the role of Goalkeepers’ Coach.
The 36-year-old, who called time on his career in 2020 after ending his three-year spell with Valerenga, is set to replace Richard Kingson as the next goalkeeper’s trainer.
The Norwegian-based goalkeeper was Ghana’s first choice at the 2012 AFCON, as the Black Stars finished 4th in the tournament.
The former goalkeeper was later chosen to be Ghana’s safest pair for the 2014 World Cup. Kwarasey won two trophies each with Stromsgodset, Portland Timbers, and Rosenborg. He was awarded the Best Goalkeeper at Tippeligaen in 2013 and also earned the MLS Save of the Year in 2015. Adam Larsen Kwarasey is currently the co-founder and sporting director of FC Oslo, a team based in Norway.
It could be recalled that, the Majority Leader of Ghana’s parliament, Hon. Kyei-Mensah Bonsu few days ago voiced his opposition to appointing an established coach for the national 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 said on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday.
These comments from the Suame Constituency Member of Parliament confirms the news from our sources on the newly-proposed technical team to steer the affairs of the Black Stars.
The decision to hire a new coach is part of a broader effort by the GFA to revamp the national team program and restore its status as a force to be reckoned with in international football.
By bringing in a respected and experienced coach like Otto Addo, Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Kwarasey, Ghana may be able to regain its footing and compete at the highest levels once again.
