Appiah, Offei, Kingston: Potential local coaches for Black Stars job

Names of some local coaches have emerged as the search for the next Black Stars coach continues amid the ongoing 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Following the resignation of head coach Carlos Queiroz after the Black Stars’ back-to-back defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the search for a new manager is underway. The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has formed a five-member committee to recommend a coach by October 9, 2026. MPs, fans mount pressure on President Mahama to dissolve Black Stars, GFA This article assesses some Black Stars players who have the potential to lead the team, as they currently handle various national teams. Laryea Kingston Kingston is the only candidate to have confirmed his interest in the role after his name emerged among the potential coaches. "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," he said. The 45-year-old has since been building his coaching career after retiring from playing, including a spell as head coach of Ghana's Black Starlets. He currently works with Uganda's youth national teams. Kingston represented Ghana at senior level during the country's rise in the mid-2000s. He featured at the 2006 and 2008 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and was part of the generation that helped Ghana establish itself as one of Africa's leading football nations. James Kwasi Appiah Appiah began his coaching career at Asante Kotoko, where he went through all the ranks to establish himself. Appiah was the coach of Ghana U-23 when they won the 2011 All-Africa Games. He was appointed head coach of the Black Stars in April 2012, describing himself as "the underdog" in the process. Under his watch, Ghana qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, making him the first Black African coach to take the country to the World Cup. He was given a new two-year contract in May 2014. After the country exited the World Cup at the group stage, Appiah defended his team. He left his position as Ghana manager by mutual consent in September 2014. In September 2023, Appiah became the head coach of the Sudan national football team while still working as Technical Director of Asante Kotoko in a joint role. He led the team to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and is currently performing well in the qualification for the 2027 edition of the continental showpiece. Desmond Offei Offei has previously worked with Ghana’s U-20 national team, where he guided the side to a gold medal in men's football at the 13th African Games in 2024. He also led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. His performances at youth level earned him a place on the Black Stars technical team under head coach Otto Addo. He played a key role in Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, serving in a similar role under former coach Carlos Queiroz. Offei also serves as head coach of the national U-23 team, the Black Meteors, who are currently preparing for qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. SB/MA “The Problem Is Kurt Okraku, Not the Coach” – Ghanaians React to Carlos Queiroz's Sacking Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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