Laryea Kingston has expressed his willingness to take charge of the Black Stars if the opportunity arises, while urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to adopt a long-term approach in rebuilding the national team.
The former Ghana international has emerged as one of the names linked with the Black Stars coaching position following Ghana’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The future of current head coach Carlos Queiroz remains uncertain after the Portuguese tactician shared a message on social media following Ghana’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32, a post many interpreted as a farewell.
With the GFA expected to review the team’s World Cup performance before making any major decisions, Kingston believes Ghana’s next step should not be focused on short-term success but rather on creating a sustainable project.
Speaking on World Cup Daily on Joy Prime TV, the former Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics winger stressed that the Black Stars need a coach who will be given enough time to build a competitive side.
“Now, we need to look at the long-term projects, at least five years. We shouldn’t think about getting the coach to come in, and then he has to win something now. We have to be patient and have a five-year project,” Kingston said.
The former midfielder, who currently works with Uganda’s U-17 national team, believes Ghana should avoid the cycle of hiring coaches with immediate expectations of winning trophies without first establishing a strong foundation.
“The next World Cup is in four years, and even with the upcoming AFCON, we don’t need to think about winning it now. We need to be honest; we don’t have a team at the moment, so we need to hire a coach and give him at least five years and use him as a project,” he added.
Kingston argued that proper player development, early planning and consistency are essential if Ghana wants to return to the top of African football.
“The coach should build a team for us, and we should make sure we have a team before there is a competition. We shouldn’t wait until the last minute, and then we call players to come in.”
The 44-year-old also confirmed that while he is currently satisfied with his role in Uganda, he would welcome the chance to serve his country if contacted by the GFA.
“I have a job now, and I am happy with my job for now. I’m a Ghanaian, and I would love to hear that call from the FA to come and coach the team. There is no better joy than helping your country,” Kingston stated.
Kingston previously worked with Ghana’s U-17 national team, the Black Starlets, and has continued to build his coaching experience since transitioning from playing into management.
Ghana’s World Cup exit has intensified discussions about the future direction of the Black Stars, with calls growing for a structured rebuilding programme ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and future international competitions.
