The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the appointment of former Black Stars captain and legend, Asamoah Gyan, as the new Black Stars' Clubs and Player Relations Manager. This appointment was made on Monday, September 21, in Accra, through the GFA's Communications Department. Gyan's role will focus on improving relationships between the national team, its players, and their clubs, as well as supporting player welfare and strengthening engagement across the Black Stars setup.
As part of his responsibilities, Gyan will act as a link between the technical team, the playing squad, and the clubs of selected players. He will facilitate communication concerning international call-ups, welfare matters, and other issues affecting the players. Additionally, Gyan will provide mentorship and support to the squad, drawing on his experience with the national team and his close relationship with the current generation of Ghana players.
The GFA established this office as part of reforms to strengthen player welfare and improve coordination between the national team, clubs, and the Association. The GFA believes Gyan's leadership, experience, and close relationship with the current crop of players will be a valuable addition to the national team setup. Gyan, who scored a record 51 goals for Ghana, captained the Black Stars at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and three FIFA World Cups.
Gyan's appointment comes as the Black Stars prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. In preparation for the qualifiers, Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz announced a 24-man squad on September 18. The squad features several players from Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, two debutants, and the return of Mohammed Kudus, who missed the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States due to injury.
The squad includes Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who retains his place alongside Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang. Nathaniel Adjei has earned a return to the Black Stars squad after nearly a year away, with his performances for French Ligue 1 side Lorient catching the eye of the coach. New faces have also been added to the squad, with SV Elversberg's Jan Gyamerah and New York Red Bulls' Ronald Donkor receiving their first call-ups.
Mohammed Kudus is back in the squad after recovering from the injury that kept him out for seven months and forced him to miss the World Cup. Brighton and Hove Albion forward Ibrahim Osman and Sassuolo midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana have also been recalled by Queiroz. The Black Stars will face Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as well as an international friendly against Morocco.
The upcoming matches will be crucial for the Black Stars as they look to make a strong impression under coach Carlos Queiroz. With Gyan's appointment and the return of key players, the team is expected to show significant improvement in their performance. The GFA's reforms and new appointments aim to strengthen the national team's setup and improve player welfare, ultimately enhancing Ghana's football presence on the international stage.
Key points
- Asamoah Gyan appointed as Black Stars' Clubs and Player Relations Manager
- Gyan to improve relationships between national team, players, and clubs
- Black Stars to face Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and Morocco in upcoming matches
