There are growing reports that former Black Stars players Otto Addo, Michael Essien, and Asamoah Gyan, may soon be announced as part of the new Ghana national team coaching staff, according to a report by sportsworldghana.com.
Sources say Addo, who recently coached Ghana at the 2022 World Cup, could return as head coach. Meanwhile, Essien and Gyan are rumored to be named as his assistant coaches.
Additionally, former goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey has been linked with the goalkeeper coach position, the report adds.
The potential appointments come as the Ghana Football Association continues its search for a new head coach after sacking Chris Hughton following a poor Africa Cup of Nations campaign last month where Ghana failed to make it past the group stages.
If confirmed, it would be a reunion for Essien, Gyan and Addo, who were all part of Ghana’s historic 2006 World Cup squad – the country’s first ever appearance at the global showpiece. Addo guided Ghana to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before departing after the team’s group stage elimination.
Essien, known for his commanding midfield presence, made over 50 appearances for Ghana and had an illustrious club career with Chelsea and Real Madrid amongst others.
Meanwhile, Gyan remains Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer with over 50 goals and captained the national team for many years. Both would bring a wealth of experience to the coaching staff.
Appointing the trio would represent a return to former players turned coaches as the GFA aims to revive the success of the Black Stars. Ghana has struggled in recent national team competitions and will be looking to bounce back.
An official announcement is expected in the coming days once details are finalized. The appointments would likely receive widespread approval from fans eager to see Ghana return to its former glories.
However, the GFA has yet to announce its choice for the new head coach position. The deadline for applicants was February 2, 2024, and the three week period for the search committee to recommend a candidate to the Executive Council is also due.
