The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a statement addressing recent events involving the U17 team, the Black Starlets, and their coach, Laryea Kingston.
Following the team’s 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday, Kingston announced his resignation. The loss eliminated the Black Starlets from the finals of the regional tournament.
The GFA has expressed support for Kingston’s decision to step down but condemned his unprofessional conduct after the match. Kingston used inappropriate language and resigned in front of the players and coaching staff, an action the GFA deems unacceptable. Additionally, he failed to attend the team’s meeting with the management committee and has not returned to the team hotel.
As a result, Kingston will not lead the Black Starlets in their third-place playoff match against Nigeria on Tuesday. The assistant coaches, along with the GFA’s technical director, will assume responsibility for the team.
The GFA reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful environment for all teams and staff members.
The full statement reads:
“The Ghana Football Association has taken note of the decision of the Head Coach of the National U17 Team, the Black Starlets, Laryea Kingston, to leave the team following his behavior after the WAFU ZONE B U17 qualifier Semifinal match against Burkina Faso on 25th May, 2024.”
“Laryea Kingston’s decision has been supported by his subsequent actions”
“Coach Kingston announced to the players and the coaching staff that he has resigned whilst using inappropriate language.”
“He subsequently said same in his post-match Press Conference”
“Coach Kingston also got off the Team Bus whilst the team was on its way to the Team Hotel.”
“He failed to attend the Team’s evening meeting with the Management Committee and has since not reported at the Team Hotel.”
“For the 3rd place play off match between Ghana and Nigeria scheduled for Tuesday , 28th May, 2024 , the current Assistant Coaches will take charge with support and from the Technical Director of the GFA.”
