The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has formed a five-member committee to search for and recommend the next coach of the Black Star, after sacking Chris Hughton earlier this week after the team’s AFCON 2023 flop.
The search committee is chaired by GFA Vice President Mark Addo and includes legal expert Ace Ankomah as Vice Chairman. Other members are GFA Director of Coaching Education Professor Joseph Mintah, former Ghana player Opoku Nti, and Ministry of Youth and Sports Chief Director William Caesar Kartey.
The committee has been given a three-week timeframe to evaluate candidates and put forward a recommendation to the GFA Executive Council for approval. The association stated it is seeking a proven winner with experience coaching top national teams or clubs.
According to the criteria outlined by the GFA, the new coach must have a football philosophy aligning with Ghana’s, hold the highest coaching licenses, possess over 15 years experience, and have a track record of rebuilding teams and developing young talent.
“The potential Head Coach should be a proven winner in coaching Top Men’s National Team or Club Footbal,” the FA said in “an abbreviated version of the criteria for the selection”.
“Must have a football philosophy that aligns or compliments our DNA.”
Hughton was relieved of his duties after a poor showing at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, where Ghana failed to make it out of the group stage. The British-born coach had been in charge of the Black Stars for just over a year.
Hughton’s firing also occurs against the backdrop of Ghana’s now 42-year trophy drought, with the nation eagerly hoping to end its long wait for another continental or global title
Respected former Ghana coach Otto Addo also resigned last year after Ghana’s failed mission at the 2022 World Cup.
With the World Cup in the United States coming up next year, the association is eager to appoint a top level coach who can quickly stabilise the situation and lead Ghana to success in the prestigious competition.
The search committee has an immense task ahead, but Ghana fans will be hoping they can find the right personality to transform the Black Stars’ fortunes.
A detailed Job Description for the head coach position of the Black Stars will be published soon. However, an abbreviated version of the criteria for the selection of the next head coach are as follows:
1.The potential Head Coach should be a proven winner in coaching Top Men’s National Team or Club Football
2.Must have a football philosophy that aligns or compliments our DNA
3.Must hold the highest football license in the world with over 15 years coaching experience
4.Proven track record in team reconstruction, organization and development of young talent
5.Proven disciplinarian, tactician and leadership skills
