'They should go and start at the club level' â?? Former Sports Minister on Ghanaian coaches' readiness

Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has advised aspiring Ghanaian coaches to gain experience at the club level before being considered for the Black Stars job, arguing that the current generation is not yet ready to handle the national team.

Speaking amid growing speculation over the vacant head coach role following Otto Addo's departure, Vanderpuye rejected calls for the immediate appointment of a local coach, instead advocating for an experienced African tactician.

"I agree with Rev. Osei Kofi to an extent, but inasmuch as I say we don't need European coaches, I think we need an African coach," he said.

While acknowledging Ghana's past successes with local trainers, Vanderpuye insisted that the current crop of Ghanaian coaches needs more time to develop.

"We won trophies in the past with Ghanaian coaches, but they were good coaches. Otto Addo, Ibrahim Tanko, CK Akonnor, Godwin Attram, Laryea Kingston and others are all coming up. They have not gotten to where we can entrust the Black Stars into their hands."

His advice to them was direct.

"They should go and start at the club level to build their résumés and capacity."

With just 70 days remaining until the 2026 World Cup, the Ghana Football Association is expected to name a new head coach soon. Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama and will open their campaign on June 17 in Toronto.

For Vanderpuye, the next coach must be African, experienced, and ready to hit the ground running, while Ghanaian coaches continue their development away from the national team spotlight.

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