Black Stars set-piece coach and chief video analyst, Gregory De Grauwe, has disclosed that Ghana’s assistant coach Desmond Ofei was instrumental in his recruitment to the national team setup.
The Belgian tactician, who joined the Black Stars in March 2025, has since become a vital figure in Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under his guidance, Ghana have emerged as one of Africa’s most dangerous sides from dead-ball situations, with over half of their goals since March coming from set-pieces.
Speaking to Sporty FM, De Grauwe recounted how his professional relationship with Ofei began several years ago in Belgium.
“We worked together in Lokeren — I was a video analyst for the first team, and Desmond was the coach of the reserves. That’s how we got to know each other about five years ago,” he explained. “We stayed in touch through Instagram, and one day he asked, ‘Greg, do you want to come work for us?’ Two or three days later, I had an online meeting with GFA President Kurt Okraku, and everything happened so fast.”
De Grauwe expressed immense pride in joining the Ghana national team, describing the opportunity as a dream come true.
“I was so happy to come to this beautiful country and work with such quality players. It was really a big honour for me to join the Black Stars,” he said.
Ghana secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Comoros 1-0 in Accra, finishing top of Group I with 25 points from 10 matches. The Black Stars will now await the World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
