Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston says Black Stars players should be competing in one of the world’s top 10 leagues if he is given the chance to coach the senior national team.
Kingston says the level of competition, regular playing time and a player’s current form would all be key factors in his selection decisions.
“If I have, I've been given the opportunity to be Black Stars coach now, I will look at so many factors before you qualify to play for the senior team. First of all, which level are you playing? Your team? And the level of the league that you are playing, the competition that you are playing in. It's very important,” he told 3Sports.
The former Black Stars midfielder believes playing in a top league should be an important requirement, although players outside the top 10 leagues could still be considered if they are exceptional.
“First, a senior national team player should be playing, at least the top 10 leagues. If you are outside the top 10 leagues, you must be extraordinary. So we focus on that. Then 2, are the players regular, playing actively? If not meeting the squad, but getting minutes. One, starting, getting minutes week in, week out, and you look at the form of the players,” he said.
Kingston’s comments come as Ghana searches for a new Black Stars head coach following the departure of Carlos Queiroz.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have set up a five-member committee to recommend a replacement for the Portuguese coach, who left his position on 1 October 2026 after Ghana lost their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
The committee is chaired by former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe and includes former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, Anthony Baffoe, Faisal Chibsah and Agbesi Dzakpasu. It has until 9 October to submit its report.
Kingston has already moved into coaching since ending his playing career. He was appointed head coach of Ghana’s Black Starlets in 2024 after previously serving as an assistant with the team.
He later moved to Uganda, where the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) appointed him head coach of the country’s junior men’s national teams. He subsequently led Uganda’s U-17 side at the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.
Kingston has also made no secret of his desire to coach the Black Stars if given the opportunity.
By: Pascal Amoah
