Some Ghanaian coaches and sports journalists have criticised the appointment of Swedish tactician Kim Lars Björkegren as interim head coach of the Black Stars.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that Björkegren would work alongside Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, with former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda appointed as goalkeepers’ coach for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Somalia.

The GFA’s decision to appoint an interim technical team led by a foreign coach has attracted criticism, with questions raised about the perceived lack of trust in Ghanaian coaches.

Why Kim Lars was chosen to lead the Black Stars over local coaches

Others have expressed concern about the Swedish manager’s concurrent role as head coach of the Black Queens, who are expected to be involved in preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in late November.

This article highlights some journalists and coaches who have opposed the decision.

Saddick Adams

The renowned sports journalist argued that former Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil deserved the interim head coach position ahead of Kim Lars. He also criticised what he perceived as the continued sidelining of local coaches.

“So John Paintsil and Desmond Offei, even though they worked as assistant coaches, we knew they weren't capable in the absence of a coach; it is dangerous... The GFA knows the reason they don't trust local coaches. I think Paintsil is the right man for the job now; that is what I believe. Was he not the assistant coach? Emerse Fae came through as assistant coach and even went ahead to win the AFCON because he was appointed to understudy.

“What exactly are these assistant coaches appointed to be? Spies or there to take over when the national team needs a coach? Now we have appointed Kim Lars, who is the Black Queens coach who has an assignment with the team already. After years of trials, we can't point to one assistant coach locally to be the coach unless we hire a foreigner who already has a team,” he said in a video shared on YouTube.

Coach Christopher Nimley

The outspoken coach and sports commentator criticised Kim Lars’ appointment, suggesting that his pursuit of the role could end in disappointment.

“My only advice to Kim Lars Björkegren is that, in this world, you don’t have to be greedy. If you rush, you will crash. The GFA does not respect the Black Queens... He should stay where he is; Ibrahim Tanko is far better than him,” Nimley said.

Bashir Hayford

The former Somalia coach said his experiences had taught him that success depended not simply on where a person worked but also on finding the right environment and role.

“I was the first coach to lead Somalia to victory in an international match. I have come to realise that it’s not about where you are, but where you belong. The appointment of the Black Stars interim coaches is dangerous and surprising,” Hayford told Kessben FM.

Francis Oti Akenteng

The former GFA Technical Director said overlooking local coaches could undermine their confidence and discourage them from pursuing the Black Stars head coach position.

“There are local coaches who are capable of coaching the Black Stars. If they are always overlooked, that is a sign of disrespect, and if the local coaches are not respected, they will not have an interest in coaching,” he said.

GFA Defends Decision

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the committee considered coaches’ performances within the national team structure before settling on Björkegren.

“The committee looked within and settled on Kim Lars Bjorkegren because he is the best-performing coach in terms of the national teams, so I don’t think it will be a challenge for him. The committee felt we had to look at someone who worked with Carlos Queiroz, and it is obviously Godwin Attram,” he told Asempa FM.

SB/JKB

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