Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Afriyie, has expressed strong support for the appointment of Frimpong Manso as head coach of the Black Starlets, Ghana’s U17 national football team.
Manso, who previously served as assistant coach of the Black Starlets, replaces Laryea Kingston, who stepped down during the qualifiers for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations. Afriyie believes Manso’s selection is a step in the right direction and praised the GFA for the decision.
“For the first time, the FA has done something positive which needs applause. Frimpong Manso is a fantastic coach. I know I will get backlash from people for saying this. Sometimes the FA isn’t comfortable when I praise someone,” Afriyie remarked in an interview on Kessben FM.
He emphasized Manso’s credentials, saying, “But I can boldly tell you that his appointment is in the right direction. I have had the opportunity to interview Frimpong Manso before for the same position. Under Kwesi Nyantakyi, appointments weren’t done haphazardly; they were made the right way.”
Afriyie also highlighted Manso’s exceptional analytical skills and deep understanding of the game. “Frimpong Manso is one of the best when it comes to writing match reports after a game. He is very good at what he does. That’s a clear indication that he understands his job. With his appointment, I can say with all certainty that the FA has done a good job.”
Manso brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously coached the Black Starlets from 2009 to 2010 and also served as assistant coach of the Black Meteors. At the club level, he has managed teams such as Stade d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast, Asante Kotoko, Karela United, B.A. United, Kessben FC (now Medeama SC), and Nkoranza Warriors.
The Black Starlets have not qualified for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations since finishing as runners-up in 2017 in Gabon. As two-time African champions and Ghana’s first national team to win the FIFA U17 World Cup, the team carries high expectations.
