Former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke has publicly expressed his interest in becoming the next head coach of Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars. Yorke, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, previously managed Trinidad and Tobago, the country he captained at the 2006 World Cup. He made the announcement while speaking to Asempa FM, citing the history and appeal of Ghanaian football. Yorke's interest comes at a time when the Black Stars are in need of a new coach following Carlos Queiroz's departure.
The Black Stars have been without a substantive head coach since Carlos Queiroz stepped down after a disappointing start to Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Ghana lost both of their opening fixtures, sitting bottom of Group C without a point. They were defeated 2-0 by Côte d'Ivoire in their first match and then lost 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. This has prompted the Ghana Football Association and the Sports Ministry to set up a five-member committee to identify suitable candidates for the position.
The committee, established by the Ghana Football Association and the Sports Ministry, is expected to submit its report on Friday, October 9. This report will likely include recommendations for potential candidates to take over as head coach. Yorke's credentials include a UEFA Pro Licence, as well as UEFA A and B qualifications, which he obtained during his time working with Manchester United's youth academy. He began his senior managerial career with Australian A-League club Macarthur FC in July 2022.
Yorke's managerial experience includes leading Macarthur FC to its first Australia Cup title in his debut season. In November 2024, he was appointed head coach of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation he represented and captained at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His tenure with Trinidad and Tobago ended in March 2026 after the Caribbean side failed to secure World Cup qualification. During his time with Trinidad and Tobago, Yorke posted four wins from 18 matches in charge.
Another candidate linked to the Black Stars job is Walid Regragui, a 51-year-old Moroccan coach. Regragui gained prominence for guiding the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Ghana Football Association and the Sports Ministry are expected to consider various candidates before making a final decision on the next head coach. The Black Stars' next fixtures are a November double-header against Somalia in the AFCON qualifiers, also at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Yorke's interest in the Ghana coaching job was influenced by his friends, including Sammy Kuffour, who speaks highly of Ghanaian football. Yorke has a strong football background, having been a central figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United squad that completed the historic treble in 1998/99. His potential appointment as head coach could bring a new level of expertise and experience to the Black Stars.
The appointment of a new head coach is crucial for the Black Stars, who are seeking to improve their performance in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. With a number of potential candidates in consideration, the Ghana Football Association and the Sports Ministry will need to make a timely decision to ensure the team is well-prepared for their upcoming matches.
Key points
- Dwight Yorke has confirmed his interest in becoming Ghana's next Black Stars coach, citing the history and appeal of Ghanaian football.
- The Black Stars have been without a substantive head coach since Carlos Queiroz stepped down after a disappointing start to Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
- A five-member committee is expected to submit its report to Ghana's Sports Ministry on Friday, October 9, with recommendations for potential candidates to take over as head coach.
