Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo has expressed his support for Kasim Mingle and Abdul Karim Zito as potential candidates for the vacant Black Stars head coach position. The senior national team has been without a permanent coach since Carlos Queiroz left on 1 October following Ghana's disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Polo, a member of Ghana's 1978 Africa Cup of Nations-winning side, believes both Mingle and Zito have the potential to lead the team.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in collaboration with the Sports Ministry, has formed a five-member technical search committee to identify and recommend candidates for the vacant position. The committee is expected to submit its report on Friday, 9 October. Polo's endorsement of Mingle and Zito comes as the committee prepares to make its recommendations. Mingle is the former coach of Nations FC, while Zito coached the Ghana Under-20 team.
Polo expressed his admiration for Zito, stating that he would have been a suitable candidate for the role. He mentioned that Zito is someone who can be given a chance to make an impact. However, Polo also noted that Zito is currently not in the scene, and it is unclear whether he is available or willing to take on the role. Polo's comments suggest that Zito's experience and expertise make him a viable option.
Polo also singled out Mingle as his preferred candidate, citing his experience and potential. He expressed surprise that Mingle is currently coaching the Under-17 team, suggesting that he has the capabilities to lead the Black Stars. Polo's endorsement of Mingle and Zito is significant, given his experience and knowledge of the Ghanaian football scene.
Ghana are under pressure to revive their qualifying campaign after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Black Stars currently have no points from their opening two Group C matches after defeats by Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The team will face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium in November as they seek to get their campaign back on track.
The technical search committee is expected to recommend an interim coach for the upcoming matches against Somalia, before a permanent head coach is appointed. This will provide the team with stability and a chance to regroup ahead of the crucial matches. The committee's recommendation will be crucial in determining the team's fortunes in the qualifying campaign.
The appointment of a new head coach will be a significant step for the Black Stars, as they seek to regain their footing in African football. With Mohammed Polo's endorsement of Kasim Mingle and Karim Zito, the two coaches are likely to be considered for the role. The GFA and Sports Ministry will have to make a decision that will impact the team's future.
Key points
- Mohammed Polo backs Kasim Mingle and Karim Zito for the vacant Black Stars head coach position.
- The Ghana Football Association's technical search committee is expected to submit its report on 9 October.
- Ghana will face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium in November.
