The recent termination of Chris Hughton as head coach of the Black Stars has sparked a flurry of speculations regarding the now-vacant position.
On January 23, 2024, the Ghana Football Association officially announced the dismissal of Chris Hughton following Ghana’s elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
With the Black Stars set to resume play in March, there is a sense of urgency for the FA to swiftly secure a replacement to guide the national team.
Several potential candidates have been mentioned in discussions; let’s take a look at five prominent individuals whose names are circulating for the coaching role.
Michael Essien
The ex-Black Stars midfielder and Chelsea icon’s name is prominently featured in discussions, with many expressing confidence in his potential to guide the national team to success.
Currently associated with a youth team at FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, Essien’s wealth of experience is seen by many as a compelling qualification for the coaching role.
Supporters of this idea argue that assembling a technical team composed of former footballers under the leadership of Michael Essien could pave the way for success for Ghana.
Herve Ren
As is the tradition, there is persistent speculation connecting the French coach to the vacant Black Stars position.
Renard, widely praised for his successful stints with Zambia, Ivory Coast, and Saudi Arabia, is once again strongly associated with the Black Stars.
The primary obstacle to securing Renard has been his substantial salary demands. Nevertheless, many advocate for both the government and the Football Association to pursue his appointment, emphasising the belief that he is the ideal candidate to guide Ghana to success, regardless of the associated costs.
Tom Saintfiet
The name of the Belgian technician has shot up to the top of the list following his considerable success with the Gambian national team.
Saintfiet stock rose dramatically after he qualified the Gambia for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations final in 2021. He led the team to the knockout phase of that competition.
He also qualified them for the 2023 edition, where they exited the group stages. He resigned afterwards and is now available on the market.
George Boateng
Prior to the appointment of Chris Hughton, George Boateng was heavily tipped to be a successor to Otto Addo but could not get the job as Hughton was believed to be a government plant.
George Boateng’s name has come up again as a possible replacement for Hughton.
The former Aston Villa youth coach has been with the team since 2021, serving in a deputy capacity.
Kwasi Appiah
The name of the former Black Stars coach is mentioned again as someone the Ghana Football Association to turn to.
The Sudan national team coach is reportedly a name being considered due to his rich experience with the national team, having coached them twice.
Kwasi Appiah’s experience with talented identification and World Cup qualifiers also make him a suitable candidate.
Jose Mourinho
The Portuguese coach finds himself available once more following his recent departure from AS Roma.
Jose Mourinho has openly shown his affinity for Ghana, particularly after a visit with Michael Essien. Speculation suggests that a compelling offer from the Ghana Football Association and GFA could potentially attract him.
Mourinho’s illustrious track record, including multiple UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and La Liga triumphs, speaks for itself and adds considerable weight to his candidature.