Ghana’s Youth and Sports Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, wants a long-term contract for the next Black Stars manager in a strategic approach to developing the national team, suggesting a minimum three-year contract to foster team development.
Due to the senior national team’s poor performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Chris Hughton left the position, and the squad is presently without a permanent head coach.
Hughton’s team had a dismal start to the tournament, drawing with Mozambique and Egypt and losing to Cape Verde.
A five-person committee was established to suggest a qualified applicant to the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council in order to fill the coaching void (GFA). The committee has completed its findings, but the formal announcement has not yet been made.
In an interview, Minister Ussif shared his opinions and stressed the value of consistency in coaching appointments for the development of teams. He emphasised that short-term contracts impede the team’s success and argued in favour of long-term agreements.
“I have proposed that the next Black Stars coach must be awarded a three-year deal or more,” Minister Ussif stated during an interview with Asempa FM, highlighting the necessity for a change in approach to propel the team forward.
The Ghana FA Executive Council are expected to make public the new Black Stars manager in the coming days.