Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has expressed concerns over the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as the head coach of the Black Stars. Vanderpuye stated that he had doubts about Queiroz's suitability for the job, considering the players available in the team following the dismissal of Otto Addo. According to Vanderpuye, he raised questions about Queiroz's appointment even before his confirmation.
Vanderpuye criticized the process by which Queiroz was appointed, stating that he did not trust the procedures used to select the coach. He mentioned that the Black Stars had informed the public that they had received over 99 applications for the coaching position, but Queiroz was appointed suddenly without a transparent process. Vanderpuye expressed concerns that the age of Queiroz and his profile did not match the needs of the Black Stars.
Carlos Queiroz has had a disappointing start as the head coach of the Black Stars, managing only one win out of seven games across all competitions. The team lost the first two games of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouake and against Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. These losses have left the Black Stars at the bottom of the group without any points.
Vanderpuye's concerns about Queiroz's appointment have been echoed by other critics, who have questioned the team's performance under the Portuguese coach. The former Sports Minister stated that he had studied Queiroz's profile and did not think he was the right fit for the Black Stars. Vanderpuye's comments have sparked a renewed debate about the team's coaching situation and the Ghana Football Association's (GFA) decision-making process.
The Black Stars' poor performance has led to calls for the team's disbandment and the dissolution of the GFA. Some critics have also questioned Queiroz's tactics and team selection, citing a lack of cohesion and strategy. The team's next round of fixtures will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
In response to the team's poor performance, Queiroz has apologized for the losses and taken responsibility for the team's failures. However, Vanderpuye and other critics remain skeptical about the coach's ability to turn the team's fortunes around. The GFA will face pressure to address the team's coaching situation and make changes to improve the team's performance.
The Black Stars' struggles have also had repercussions beyond the football pitch, with Morocco canceling a friendly match against Ghana due to the team's poor performance. The team's failures have also sparked a wider debate about the state of football in Ghana and the need for reforms to improve the sport.
Key points
- - Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye questions Carlos Queiroz's appointment as Black Stars head coach. - The Black Stars have had a disappointing start under Queiroz, losing two games and managing only one win in seven matches. - Vanderpuye's comments have sparked a renewed debate about the team's coaching situation and the GFA's decision-making process.
