Black Stars technical advisor Winfried Schaefer has reiterated his commitment to ensuring home-based footballers are given equal opportunities to earn places in Ghana’s senior national team.
The German coach made the pledge during a visit to Hearts of Oak’s training camp ahead of their Ghana Premier League opener against newly promoted Hohoe United on Friday night at the Accra Sports Stadium.
“We have many top players in Europe, but our goalkeeper is a local and was fantastic on Monday. I want to visit the clubs and use him as a role model. All players have a chance to play for the Black Stars,” Schaefer told the Ghana FA website.
He further stressed his resolve to regularly attend league matches to scout promising talent and inspire belief among players across the domestic league.
“It’s great motivation for everyone. I’ll be watching the games too. Most African players who play in Europe come from Ghana, and we must be the heart of African football again,” he added.
Despite Schaefer’s encouraging words, Hearts of Oak were held to a goalless draw by Hohoe United in their season opener.
Schaefer, who famously guided Cameroon to the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations title, has served as technical advisor to the Black Stars since January 2025. His mandate includes offering technical direction, supporting football development, and working closely with the Ghana FA’s Technical Directorate to design and implement long-term strategies for the growth of the game in the country.
