Former Ghana Premier League coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu believes the next Black Stars coach must possess strong leadership qualities and the ability to bring the best out of the country’s top players.
The Sudan assistant coach says technical knowledge alone should not determine the Ghana Football Association’s choice as the search begins for a replacement following the departure of Carlos Queiroz.
Ghana endured a difficult September international window, beginning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering a 4-2 loss to The Gambia in Accra after surrendering a two-goal lead.
The disappointing results have increased pressure on the Black Stars and placed greater importance on the appointment of the next head coach.
The GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have since formed a five-member committee to oversee the recruitment process and recommend a suitable candidate.
However, Osei-Fosu believes the next manager’s ability to inspire and manage players should be a major factor in the selection process.
According to him, Ghana already has players with the quality and experience to understand tactical instructions, meaning the coach’s main responsibility should be getting them to consistently perform at their best.
“Nobody in the world is now going to teach Semenyo how to make forward runs. Nobody is going to teach Kudus how to make a forward pass. It is about how you inspire them to play,” he said.
The former Dreams FC coach explained that even the best tactical ideas cannot succeed if players lack the motivation to execute them on the pitch.
“If a player doesn't want to run, no matter how much you have taught him where to run to, he will not make the run,” he added.
Osei-Fosu believes inspiration can come through different approaches, including the coach’s tactical philosophy, training methods and relationship with the squad.
“If you don't have a coach who can inspire players to play, inspiration to play can be using tactics, tactical approach. It can even be your training session. It can be your personal approach towards human beings.”
The Black Stars are now awaiting the appointment of a new head coach, with the incoming manager expected to restore confidence and improve Ghana’s fortunes in the ongoing AFCON qualifying campaign.
