Former Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton has shared the deep personal meaning of his appointment as Ghana’s national team coach, revealing that it was a proud moment he was able to share with his late father before his passing.
“A lot of the pride comes from the fact that my father passed away last year, and I actually took on the role about a month beforehand, so he was able to see me take this role. That was a very proud moment for me,” Hughton said.
Hughton was officially appointed as Ghana’s head coach in February 2023 after previously serving as a technical advisor. However, his tenure lasted less than a year, as the Black Stars endured a disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, exiting in the group stage, which ultimately led to his departure.
Reflecting on his time in charge, the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United manager admitted that he was well aware of the immense pressure that came with leading the Black Stars.
“I knew the pressure of taking the job when I took it, and if you’re not getting the right results then you will know about it,” he acknowledged.
Despite the challenges, Hughton remains proud of his contributions to Ghanaian football and believes the experience has further fueled his passion for the game.
“I have still got a lot of energy. I’ve been in the game for a long time, and I’d like that to continue,” he stated.
