Following a comprehensive review of the Black Stars’ performance in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made significant changes to the technical team of the senior national football team.
Winfried Anton Schafer, the renowned German manager and former African Cup of Nations winner with Cameroon in 2002, has been appointed as the Technical Advisor of the Black Stars. Schafer will work closely with Head Coach Otto Addo to help build a competitive and successful team. In addition to his advisory role, Schafer will also serve as the Director of Football for the GFA.
Schafer brings with him over 40 years of experience in football management, having coached several national teams, including Cameroon, Thailand, and Jamaica, as well as prominent European clubs such as Borussia Monchengladbach, Karlsruher SC, VFB Stuttgart, and Borussia Berlin. His most notable achievement was guiding Cameroon to victory in the 2002 AFCON. Schafer has also coached top clubs in the United Arab Emirates, including Al Ain, Al-Ahli Dubai, Baniyas, and Al-Khor, where he had his most recent managerial role.
Joining Schafer on the technical team is Coach Desmond Ofei, who takes up the role of Assistant Coach to Otto Addo. Ofei, a key figure in Ghana’s Under-20 resurgence, brings his wealth of experience to the senior team. The Africa Games gold medalist and 2024 SWAG Coach of the Year has quickly established himself as a rising star in Ghanaian football, with a reputation for his analytical approach and tactical expertise.
The team’s psychological support will be strengthened with the appointment of Kris Perquy as the team’s Sports Psychologist. With 17 years of experience in the field, Perquy previously worked with the Belgian Football Association for 15 years and has served as a mental coach for top professional clubs in Belgium. His addition is expected to provide invaluable support to the players, ensuring they are mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
The Video Analysis Unit will be led by Belgian Video Analyst Gregory De Grauwe, whose extensive experience in football video analysis includes stints with clubs like Sporting Lokeren and K. Beerschot VA. De Grauwe holds a UEFA License B Coaching certification and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education.
In a further strengthening of the support staff, two new Equipment Officers, Issah Amadou from Asante Kotoko and Abdul Rahman Alhassan from Hearts of Oak, have been appointed. Between them, Amadou and Alhassan bring a combined 53 years of experience in equipment management.
With this revamped technical team, the GFA is positioning the Black Stars for success on both the continental and global stage, as they prepare for future competitions.
