Technical Director Winfried Schäfer expresses surprise at Ghana FA's call

Winfried Schäfer, the experienced German coach, has expressed his surprise upon being approached by Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku for the role of technical advisor for the Black Stars. Schäfer, who famously led Cameroon to the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, has now been brought in to strengthen Ghana’s technical team following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 edition of the AFCON.

In addition to his duties as the Black Stars’ technical advisor, Schäfer has also been appointed as the technical director of the Ghana Football Association, taking on a broader role in shaping the future of Ghanaian football. His dual responsibilities will see him work closely with the national team’s coaching staff, as well as play a key part in the development of football at all levels within the country.

Schäfer recently recounted his first meeting with President Okraku in Manchester, where the pair discussed the future direction of Ghanaian football. In an interview with ghanafa.org, Schäfer spoke about his initial surprise at receiving the call. He emphasized that the meeting was an important step for him in understanding Okraku’s vision and plans for the country’s footballing future. “I wanted to understand his vision for Ghanaian football. It was a very good meeting, and I was impressed with his plans,” Schäfer said. His positive reaction to Okraku’s vision reinforced his decision to take on the challenge, especially given the passion and potential he sees within Ghana’s footballing culture.

The Ghanaian football scene is known for its rich heritage, with the Black Stars having achieved significant success in African and international competitions over the years. Schäfer pointed to this deep-rooted passion for the sport as one of the major factors in his decision to accept the role. “Ghana has a deep passion for football, and I am happy to be part of this journey,” he remarked. This sense of connection to the country’s football history, along with the potential for future success, clearly resonated with the experienced coach.

Looking ahead, Schäfer is optimistic about the future of the Black Stars under the current coaching setup, which is led by Otto Addo. Schäfer expressed his confidence in the players and technical staff, stating, “We have good players and a solid technical team. If we work together, we can achieve great things.” This statement highlights his belief that with a unified approach, Ghana can overcome any challenges and achieve success on the international stage. His optimism is not unfounded, as Ghana has a wealth of talented footballers both domestically and abroad, and Schäfer’s experience could play a key role in unlocking the team’s potential.

Schäfer’s first major task in his new role will be to oversee the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will kick off with two important fixtures against Chad and Madagascar. Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT, before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24. These matches are crucial for Ghana’s World Cup qualification campaign, and Schäfer will be tasked with ensuring the team is prepared for these challenges.

At present, Ghana occupies second place in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers, with nine points from four matches. The Black Stars’ strong position in the group gives them a good chance of progressing further, but they will need to maintain their form and consistency in the upcoming matches. Schäfer’s tactical expertise and leadership could be pivotal in helping Ghana secure the results needed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

In conclusion, Winfried Schäfer’s appointment as technical advisor and technical director of the GFA marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Ghanaian football. With his extensive coaching experience and his understanding of the game’s demands at the highest level, Schäfer is poised to make a significant impact on the Black Stars. His positive outlook on the team’s future and his eagerness to contribute to Ghana’s football development reflect his commitment to the role and his belief in the country’s footballing potential. The coming months will be crucial, as Schäfer works alongside Otto Addo and the rest of the team to secure World Cup qualification and build a foundation for future success.